Endometriosis and Hair Loss

Endometriosis is a serious health issue faced by many women, and it can also indirectly cause hair loss. Women have enough on their biological plate to deal, and so while hair loss might seem like an inconvenient man’s problem, rest assured it’s most likely a temporary dilemma. And in any case, there are treatments for women's hair loss that are likely to provide the best results if you need a hand correcting the problem.

Endometriosis is a biological disorder that, whilst it can affect women of almost any age, mostly affects those of child-bearing age and between 25 and 35 years old. Hair loss in women may be a hereditary condition affected by androgen activity, or it may be the side effect of a particular lifestyle habit or medical problem. It is believed endometriosis and hair loss are indirectly linked through hormones, stress and medication.

Genetic hair loss is often initiated by hormone activity, which explains why it is commonly triggered during puberty and menopause, but also one major symptom of endometriosis is hormone fluctuation. It is possible that this could affect the hair growth cycle temporarily, but it is also believed that endometriosis could also prompt female pattern hair loss.

Secondly, the stress caused by the physical pain brought on by the condition could contribute to excess hair shedding, a condition known as telogen effluvium. Long term physical pain associated with ovulation, adhesions, pelvic inflammation, bowel movements, urination, and pain during general bodily movement, is likely to impart a great deal of stress. Normal hair loss is thought to be about 100 hairs a day, but physical and mental stress may prematurely force a greater number of hairs than normal to fall out.

Lastly, there are some medications used to treat endometriosis that list hair loss as a side effect. Danocrine, or Danazol is a progestogen which can lead to masculinised traits, including increased facial and body hair, and thinning hair or hair loss. Lupron is another medication suggested for the treatment of endometriosis, but it can induce hair loss and slow down the regular growth of hair in a woman.

In most cases, the consumption of these medicines is considered as a temporary cause of hair loss. As soon the course is completed, the side effects should stop. However, endometriosis medication needs to be carefully prescribed after due consideration of risks and benefits for each woman, because they could provoke hereditary hair loss.

Clinically proven and medically licensed treatments for women’s hair loss will more often than not help get hair growth back on track. Whether temporary or genetic, there is likely a hair loss solution out there that will suit you. Women have enough to worry about, but at least hair loss is usually manageable.