Endometriosis and Hair Shedding

Endometriosis and hair shedding

March 2025 is Endometriosis Awareness Month, which is a time dedicated to increasing understanding of a condition that affects around 1.5 million people in the UK or 1 in 10 women.

Here we speak to Consultant Trichologist Eva Proudman FIT IAT of ukhairconsultants.com about this little understood condition.

“Endometriosis is a common condition that affects about 10% of women of reproductive age.  Endometriosis causes tissue to grow outside of the uterus causing very painful and debilitating symptoms that manifest as pain in the pelvis, heavy menstrual periods, pain during urination and bowel movement, pain during sex and infertility issues.

The exact cause of Endometriosis is not fully understood; however, some people are at a higher risk of developing the condition including those who:

• Started their periods at a young age
• Have a low BMI
• Have a family history of the condition
• Experience long or short menstrual cycles
• Produce high levels of oestrogen.

I see a number of patients in Clinic that suffer from endometriosis and although the condition is not directly linked to hair loss, it does present underlying causative factors that can lead to hair shedding.

Endometriosis is a hormonally driven condition, therefore hormonal shifts during different phases of life such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause can cause the condition to become better or worse. 

Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can suppress the growth of endometrial tissue to give a temporary respite and menopause can see a decline in oestrogen levels and for some, this can lead to a reduction in symptoms. The incidence of endometriosis in post-menopausal women drops from 10% to 2-5%, an indicator that the condition does not necessarily get worse with age.

In Clinic I often see an increase in hair shedding and overall thinning with patients suffering from endometriosis, this is very often as a result of a condition called telogen effluvium which can be caused by a low serum ferritin level due to heavy and prolonged menstrual cycles.  Additionally high levels of anxiety caused by the ongoing pain and symptoms of the condition put the body under stress.  If the underlying causes of telogen effluvium are treated and corrected, the hair loss is very correctable. I use a combination of treatments based on the needs of the individual patient, these can range from using supplements to increase stored iron levels, to stress management techniques and overall dietary advice.

Recommended treatments for endometriosis are usually either contraceptive medications, or a medication called Danazol which produces a high level of androgens (male hormones), similar to an induced menopause state.  Unfortunately, both of these can induce hair loss, so it’s important to discuss your treatment with your medical professional to find the best way forward. If you suffer from androgenetic alopecia female pattern, then it may become apparent earlier on when using Danazol and contraceptive medications, but don’t worry, all is not lost as this condition can be managed very well and you should not just accept that hair loss is an inevitable consequence of endometriosis.

As always, diet plays a role with both hair health and improving the management of endometriosis.  Look to include oily fish that is high in omega 3’s to reduce pain and inflammation, a good mix of colourful vegetables and fruits will provide vitamins, minerals and fibre to aid digestion and reduce oestrogen levels.  Herbs and spices can be anti-inflammatory with dairy products providing you with calcium and vitamin D.  Plant based proteins are also thought to help with hormonal balance.”