Hair production is a function of genetics that are under the control of hormonal function. Hair follicles produce hair stands when they are signalled to do so by hormones that are released by the thyroid gland. Hair is made from a fibrous protein keratin, which is pigmented by melanin and is then protected by sebum. The role played by hormonal factors in hair loss is such that some hormones are associated with hair growth while some are associated with hair loss. We are going to look at the hormones or hormonal factors that are associated with hair loss.

There are hormones like testosterone which are the biggest trouble causers when it comes to baldness in men. Testosterone in the presence of an enzyme 5-alpha-reductase affects the normal function of hair follicles on the crown of the scalp causing male pattern baldness. This happens when the level of testosterone surges. Surges in testosterone may be as a result of puberty or other abnormalities which are caused by drugs or diseases that affect the activity of the thymus gland.

There are also hormones that are involved in the triggering of the production melanin and keratin. Melanin is a pigment that gives hair its colour while keratin is the fibrous protein that is in hair. When these two substances are not produced in sufficient amount they affect the structure and appearance of hair. The result is that they may trigger hair loss directly or indirectly. Directly, they can make hair become weaker, making it more prone to breakage and being shed much quicker. Indirectly, when we have hair that does not appear good, we often turn to cosmetics. In cosmetics, we then face the danger of using some hair chemicals and dyes that will cause hair loss.

There are several factors that affect the release of hormones as well as their function. Hormones are protein based in nature. This means that they are made with some specific amino acids. These amino acids have to be present in the diet and they are termed essential amino acids. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesised by the body, so they have to be obtained from the diet. When such amino acids are deficient in our diet, they will affect hormonal function. If the hormones affected are involved in the synthesis of keratin, then we are most likely to face some hair loss problems.

Drugs can also speed up the action of hormonal factors in hair loss. Good examples are sedatives, alcohol and nicotine. When these drugs are abused, they can cause cellular mutations. These cellular mutations may stop hormonal release, which will cause the malfunction of certain organs of the body. Common organs that are usually damaged as a result of drugs are the lungs and liver. These organs play very important roles in hair growth. Lungs help supply oxygen to dividing hair follicles so they can respire and grow well. The liver on the other hand, eliminates toxins as well as synthesising red cells that will supply oxygen to hair follicles.