How To Increase Estrogen For Hair Growth Naturally

Hair loss can be one of the earliest signs of a shift in hormonal levels. For many women, these shifts are due to estrogen imbalance. Low estrogen has harmful effects on the hair growth cycle. It is usually seen in women during menopause or after childbirth. 

So, how to increase estrogen for hair growth?

The estrogen levels are increased by eating the right foods, taking proper supplements, and practicing healthy habits. This will promote hair growth in women and restore overall hormonal balance. 

In this article, we will explore effective and natural ways of increasing estrogen levels. We will also discuss lifestyle changes that can help maintain estrogen production and support healthier hair growth. 

What is Estrogen?

Estrogen is a steroid hormone related to the female reproductive system, responsible for developing female sexual characteristics. It is primarily produced by the ovaries while adrenal glands and fat cells also play a role in its production.

Estrogen regulates the menstrual cycle and prepares the body for pregnancy. It affects other body systems, including the cardiovascular system, bones, skin, brain, and mucous membranes.

Estrogen levels also fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, peaking around ovulation and dropping during menstruation. However, it also declines during menopause which can lead to osteoporosis and increased risk of heart disease.

How Does Estrogen Affect Women’s Health?

Estrogen not only affects various bodily functions but also maintains skin elasticity and hair vitality. Here are some of its effects:

• Promotes Hair growth: It lengthens the hair growth phase. As the estrogen declines, many women experience hair-related issues. 
• Collagen Support: Estrogen supports the collagen production in the skin as well as in the scalp.
• Hydration & Water Balance: Estrogen regulates water balance in the body and keeps the hair moisturized and hydrated. 
• Natural Oil Production: It promotes sebum production, enhancing natural hair oil.
• Impact of Low Sebum: Balanced sebum maintains natural lustre and shine within hair. Low sebum levels lead to dry and brittle hair, often due to low estrogen levels.  

What are the Causes Of Low Estrogen

Estrogen levels begin to decline during perimenopause, a transitional phase when the menstruation stops. Here are many factors that cause estrogen deficiency:

• Age: As the person reaches menopause, the estrogen levels eventually decline. It is one of the most common causes. 
• Breastfeeding: As a result of lactation, the hormonal level changes which suppresses estrogen production.
• Childbirth: After delivery, the estrogen levels decrease, giving rise to postpartum hair loss. 
• Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy deteriorates ovarian function and causes reduced estrogen output.
• Eating Disorders: Conditions like anorexia or decreased caloric intake cause change in hormonal balance and suppress estrogen. 
• Hysterectomy: If the ovaries are removed during a hysterectomy (oophorectomy), it leads to a sharp and sudden decline in estrogen levels. 
• Excessive Exercise: Intense physical activity when paired with low body fat can lower the estrogen production.  
• Genetic Conditions: These include Turner syndrome and Fragile X syndrome that results in low estrogen levels. 

What are the Signs Of Low Estrogen

The hormonal levels fluctuate when a person ages. They also depend on the menstrual cycle and the overall health. During perimenopause, cycles get irregular, while in menopause, the estrogen levels lower down. 

If you want to observe how estrogen levels are affecting your health, here are some common signs:

• Difficulty in concentration or brain fog
• Reduced interest in sex
• Increased hair thinning
• Changes in hair texture
• Night sweats
• Irregular or missed periods
• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
• Trouble sleeping at night
• Vaginal dryness

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult the doctor. A blood test is the only way to confirm the low estrogen levels. 

What Lab Test Checks Estrogen?

The doctor recommends the following tests to observe the effect of estrogen in hair growth: 

• Thyroid Function Test – To rule out thyroid-related issues i.e., hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
• Ferritin And Iron Levels – To assess iron deficiency mimicking estrogen-related thinning.
• Hormone Levels – To evaluate estrogen, progesterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels.

How Estrogen-Rich Foods Increase Estrogen Naturally?

Estrogen plays a role in supporting healthy hair, skin, mood, and bone density. It keeps the strands thicker and fuller. 

When estrogen levels decrease due to menopause, stress, and certain medical conditions, using estrogen-rich foods can help. These foods contain phytoestrogens, plant-like compounds which are like natural estrogens, that bind to estrogen receptors in the body.

Soybeans & Soy Products

Soy-based foods are tofu, miso, soy milk, and tempeh that can naturally support estrogen levels in the body. They are among the best natural estrogen replacements due to isoflavane content. They reduce risks of breast cancer due to natural estrogen-like benefits. 

Flax Seeds

Flax seeds have lignans which are natural plant compounds that act like estrogen in the body. For best absorption, ground flax seeds are recommended. 

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds have phytoestrogens and healthy fats, which naturally increase estrogen production in the body. This is particularly seen in postmenopausal women. 

What Vitamins And Minerals Boost Estrogen?

Several vitamins and minerals are essential for the body to produce estrogen. To enhance estrogen levels, consider adding the following:

• Boron: It is a micro mineral that effectively absorbs testosterone and estrogen in the body. It can relieve menstrual spasm and also supports bone health.
• Vitamin B: It includes Vitamin B6, B9, and B12 which helps in estrogen metabolism. They help in cognitive functions and mood regulation. 
• Vitamin D: It keeps your bones strong and supports the immune system effectively. It acts as a hormone in the body.
• Vitamin E: It is a strong antioxidant that protects your cells from damage. It helps reduce night sweats and prevent trouble sleeping. 

What Are The Best Natural Estrogen Supplements?

There are many natural estrogen supplements that reduce the symptoms of low estrogen. Natural supplements that affect the estrogen level include:

• Black Cohosh: It’s a Native American herbal remedy that treats menopause symptoms. It is mainly linked with low estrogen levels. According to one study, it effectively treats night sweats. 
• DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone): It’s a naturally occurring hormone and available in the form of pills, powders, and topical treatments. It helps in producing other hormones such as testosterone and estrogen.
• Red Clover: It’s a herbal supplement that is effective in reducing hot flashes and is more effective in menopausal women. 
• Chasteberry: It consists of an active compound, apigenin and is commonly used for PMS and irregular periods. They enhance estrogenic activity at moderate doses. 
• Evening Primrose Oil (EPO): It is rich in omega-6 fatty acids. A 2023 study confirms that women taking EPO experienced relief symptoms. It even regulates FSH and estradiol levels that improve mood and menopausal discomfort.

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

HRT is a prescribed option for women, undergoing perimenopause and menopause. It supports your body with both estrogen and progesterone. HRT is available in various forms, such as:

• Oral tablets (Pills)
• Topical creams or gels
• Injections
• Creams or suppositories

Potential risks of HRT

There are also risks of HRT, particularly with long term use. Risks include:

• Blood clots
• Heart disease or stroke
• Breast cancer

Always consult a healthcare provider and ask them whether HRT is appropriate for your individual health profile or not. 

Why Does Increased Estrogen Cause Hair Loss?

It might be confusing but some people experience hair shedding or thinning after increasing estrogen dose. This is often seen during Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or estrogen medications. 

Here are some factors that cause hair loss due to raised estrogen levels:

• Hormone Replacement Period: The body is adjusting to new hormone levels. If the estrogen level rises, it disrupts the hair cycle. 
• Estrogen Dominance or Imbalance: High level of estrogen can lead to estrogen dominance. It results in hair loss, mood swings, and bloating.
• Underlying Causes: Low levels of iron, zinc, or vitamin D, or imbalanced nutrition can exacerbate hair loss when combined with estrogen deficiency.  

What Lifestyle Changes Boost Estrogen And Support Hair Health?

Below are essential lifestyle changes that help you increase estrogen naturally and maintain a healthier body and scalp environment. 

Managing Stress

Chronic stress leads to an increase in cortisol levels. This causes hair thinning or significant hair shedding. These natural stress reducing strategies include:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Yoga
• Deep breathing
• Journaling

They help reduce cortisol levels and support natural estrogen levels. 

Regular Physical Activity

By performing exercises and staying active in physical activities enhance blood circulation to hair follicles. Also, it can help lower the effects of hormones like DHT, giving the hair a better chance to grow.

High-Quality Sleep

Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep recharges the body and gives time to heal. Sleep-deprived individuals often crave caffeine, sugar, and even tobacco, all of which disrupt their sleep cycle. 

Estrogen Deficiency vs. Other Hormonal Causes of Hair Loss 

Hair loss in women is not only caused by low estrogen, but other hormonal imbalances also produce similar symptoms. Here are the differences shown in the table below:

Hormone	Deficiency Effect	Hair Loss Pattern	Treatment
Estrogen	Weak hair, dryness	Overall thinning	Food, supplements, HRT
Thyroid Hormones (T3/T4)	Slow metabolism	Diffuse shedding	Thyroid meds, iodine
Testosterone (Excess)	DHT sensitivity	Receding or patchy	Anti-androgens, saw palmetto
Progesterone	Estrogen imbalance	Menstrual-linked loss	Natural progestins

When to Seek Medical Help for Estrogen-Related Hair Loss

Sometimes, natural remedies or lifestyle changes aren’t enough to balance your hormones. Therefore, it’s always good to consult a doctor for the right guidance and support. This will avoid misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. 

Consult the healthcare provider if you notice:

• Widening or visible scalp.
• Rapid or patchy hair shedding.
• No improvement seen after 2-3 months of dietary or lifestyle changes.
• Hair loss accompanied by mood swings.

Which hormone promotes hair growth in females?

Estrogen promotes hair growth in females. It helps keep the hair thicker, fuller, and growing longer. 

How fast does taking estrogen make your hair grow?

Estrogen therapy takes about 3-6 months. Growth depends upon the individual hormone levels, overall health, and consistency of the treatment.

Does ashwagandha increase estrogen?

It is not an estrogen booster but it helps regulate overall hormone levels.

What drink increases estrogen?

Soy milk and flax seed smoothies support mild-estrogen like activity in the body. 

Does B12 increase estrogen?

Vitamin B12 doesn’t directly increase the estrogen level. It supports healthy hormone metabolism.

Does coffee increase estrogen?

In moderate amounts, coffee slightly increases the estrogen levels in women. 

Which fruit is highest in estrogen?

Dry fruits like apricots, dates, and prunes can support estrogen-like effects. 

Who should not take ashwagandha?

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with hyperthyroidism, those taking sedatives, or people with autoimmune disorders should avoid ashwagandha.