There is a connection between Fibroids, Endometriosis, and Hormonal health in general with hair health.
Hair is often seen as a reflection of health and vitality. For many women, however, conditions like fibroids and endometriosis bring challenges that extend beyond pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or fatigue. These conditions are rooted in hormonal imbalances, which don’t just affect reproductive health but also show up in unexpected ways, including the strength, growth, and overall health of hair. I know this not only from research but also from personal experience. Having battled fibroids and endometriosis for more than a decade, I have seen firsthand how these conditions influence not only the body internally but also how they manifest outwardly. One of the most surprising yet consistent effects for me has been changes in my hair, including thinning, dryness, and brittleness, all tied back to hormones.
Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical practitioner; the insights I share here come from years of living with fibroids and endometriosis and from extensive research. If you are experiencing similar symptoms, I encourage you to consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice tailored to your situation. This blog aims to create awareness and help those who may be going through similar challenges as I did.
How Fibroids Impact Hair Health
Fibroids are noncancerous growths that form in or on the uterus, and they are fueled by hormones, especially estrogen. When estrogen levels are elevated or unbalanced, fibroids can grow larger and cause disruptive symptoms like heavy periods, pelvic pain, and fatigue. But estrogen dominance can also disrupt the hair growth cycle. Important here is to note that excess estrogen can cause hair follicles to enter the shedding phase more quickly, leading to increased hair loss or thinning over time. Heavy bleeding caused by fibroids can also lead to anemia, which reduces oxygen supply to hair follicles, making hair weaker and more prone to breakage. Many women with fibroids also experience stress, which only worsens hormonal imbalances and further impacts hair health.
How Endometriosis Affects Hair Health
Endometriosis is another hormone-driven condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain, inflammation, and scarring. Like fibroids, endometriosis is linked to estrogen dominance, but it also involves high levels of inflammation in the body. Inflammation plays a major role in hair health. Chronic inflammation disrupts the balance of nutrients and oxygen reaching hair follicles. This can make hair brittle, cause excessive shedding, or slow down regrowth. Many women with endometriosis also experience fatigue and nutrient deficiencies due to heavy or irregular periods. Key nutrients like iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins are essential for hair growth, and when they are depleted, the scalp and strands suffer.
Endometriosis can also affect stress hormones like cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels contribute to telogen effluvium, a condition where large amounts of hair suddenly shift into the resting phase, causing noticeable shedding. The emotional and physical toll of living with chronic pain adds another layer of stress that makes hair health even harder to maintain.
Hormonal Imbalance and Hair: The Bigger Picture
While fibroids and endometriosis are specific conditions, the bigger factor linking them to hair struggles is hormonal imbalance. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate every system in the body, including hair growth. When estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are not in balance, the scalp and follicles respond immediately. For example, too much estrogen without enough progesterone can shorten the hair growth phase. High levels of testosterone or its byproduct, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), can shrink follicles, leading to thinning or male-pattern hair loss in women. Low thyroid hormones, which often accompany estrogen dominance, can make hair dry, brittle, and prone to falling out. Here is my experience with anaemia and hair – video.
Stress and poor sleep worsen these imbalances, while diet and lifestyle choices also play a key role. Lack of protein, unhealthy fats, and essential vitamins deprives hair follicles of what they need to grow. Meanwhile, processed foods and sugar fuel inflammation and disrupt hormones further.
Supporting Hair Health While Managing Fibroids, Endometriosis, and Hormonal Imbalance
Living with fibroids or endometriosis can feel overwhelming, but there are steps you can take to support your body and protect your hair health. Here are some strategies that I’ve found helpful, backed by research:
- Address anemia: If heavy bleeding is draining your iron levels, talk to your doctor about iron supplements or adding iron-rich foods like leafy greens, beans, and lean meats.
- Balance your diet: Focus on whole, anti-inflammatory foods, lots of vegetables, fruits, omega-3s, and lean proteins. Reduce processed sugar and caffeine, as they can spike hormones and worsen inflammation.
- Support liver health: The liver metabolizes hormones. Eating cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts) and staying hydrated helps the body clear excess estrogen.
- Nourish hair from within: Consider supplementing with vitamins linked to hair growth, like vitamin D, biotin, and B vitamins, but always check with a healthcare provider before starting anything new.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress disrupts hormone balance. Techniques like meditation, yoga, and even gentle daily walks can help reduce cortisol levels.
- Gentle hair care: Avoid harsh chemicals and excessive heat styling. Opt for protective hairstyles and natural products to reduce breakage.
Finding Strength Through Awareness
Fibroids, endometriosis, and hormonal imbalances are often misunderstood or minimized. Yet they affect millions of women worldwide, not just in terms of reproductive health but also in overall well-being, confidence, and even something as personal as hair. I had struggled with hair issues long before I was diagnosed with fibroids and endometriosis. Most of the symptoms of hormonal imbalance were present, but as a young lady in a society where women’s health was not openly talked about, I suffered in silence. My hair fell off in large chunks; it was always dry, brittle, and unhealthy. I constantly hid the state of my hair with weaves, wigs, and braids until I could no longer, until my health hit rock bottom. The diagnosis was a wake-up call, to myself and as I look around me, yes, there is more awareness now about women’s health and proper haircare. This is just an addition to the voice out there. Ladies, take care of yourselves, do ot ignore any negative signs, no matter how minor they seem. Dig deeper, educate yourself, and do not settle for good enough; strive to be the best version of you, even healthwise.
By understanding the link between these conditions and hair health, you can take steps to protect your body inside and out. While medical care is essential for managing the root causes, lifestyle changes, stress management, and gentle self-care practices can make a noticeable difference. If you are navigating these challenges, know that you’re not alone. Our stories, struggles, and resilience can bring visibility to women’s health issues that deserve more recognition. And while hair may seem like a small piece of the puzzle, caring for it can be a powerful act of reclaiming control and confidence in the face of conditions that often make us feel powerless.