Hormonal Changes And Dandruff – How Are They Linked?

There is a very prominent question these days “Is dandruff related to hormones?” The truth is, “Yes, It is.” Hormones are major game players in our body and any fluctuations in them lead to a condition. In the case of dandruff, hormones control the production of oil, and as the dandruff fungus — Malassezia colonizes in presence of sebum (oil on the scalp), it leads to dandruff. 

How does dandruff start?

Every individual’s scalp contains the yeast-like fungus known as Malassezia. Dandruff develops when this fungus multiplies uncontrollably. The scalp is irritated by this fungus, which causes skin cells to degenerate. The scalp begins to itch as the dead cells begin to flake off.

Hormonal changes and dandruff

Sebum, or natural oils for the head, is produced in large part by hormones. Under the skin’s surface, there are glands that produce these oils. Oils are necessary to keep the hair and scalp moisturized. The role of Malassezia is now in play (a naturally occurring microbe on the scalp). This microbe feeds on the natural oils of the head. Oleic acid is the end product of the entire feeding process.

The production of oleic acid is also governed by a person’s hormones. Dandruff may have a sensitivity to oleic acid as its primary cause. More oleic acid is produced, which causes the body to react by manifesting dandruff symptoms.

According to estimates, 50% of the world’s people have dandruff because of their sensitivity to oleic acid.

Hormonal imbalance

In both teens and adults, hormonal imbalance is the primary cause of dandruff. Initial signs of dandruff typically show up during adolescence, when hormonal changes occur. Unbalanced hormone levels can make the oil glands overwork.

An increase in hormones, especially male androgen hormones, is what causes excessive oil production. The skin and scalp become greasier as a result of the hormonal imbalance, which makes the dandruff flakes stickier.

With stress, the skin’s dryness or flaking also significantly worsens. Premenstrual stress is another factor linked to hormone imbalance. It also influences how severe the flaking is.

What can you do to eliminate dandruff due to hormonal imbalance?

1. Exercise

Exercises are essential for preserving the body’s hormone levels. Proper exercise is important in many ways, including the removal of extra fat and the control of hormonal imbalance. Exercise should be done on a regular basis every morning and evening.

2. Proper diet

Maintaining the levels of hormones that the body actually needs depends in part on diet. If a diet free of fats is followed, hormone production is increased. To maintain the actual level of hormones and to stay fit and healthy, additional measures that should be taken include:

• Include foods high in protein, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, and nuts.
• Avoid refined carbohydrates and sugars.
• Consume healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, canola oil, and peanut oil.
• Avoid under- and overeating.
• include fatty fish

Read further here.

3. Omega fatty acids

People who experience hormonal imbalance must be careful to consume an omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acid-rich diet. If taken regularly, these will aid in the treatment of the hormonal imbalance issue.

4. Healthy lifestyle

How physically and mentally healthy a person is depending on their lifestyle. For those who experience hormonal imbalance, adopting a stress-free lifestyle is crucial. To maintain a lifestyle, the following guidelines must be followed:

• A healthy diet
• Exercises to do the best
• Prohibition of tobacco and alcohol
• Be stress-free

Final Thoughts

Sebum, an oil your body produces on your scalp, face, and chest, is one of the essential components required for you to have dandruff. The hormones in the body regulate its production.

A naturally occurring microbe called Malassezia globosa converts that sebum into irritants like oleic acid, which is what causes dandruff. If oleic acid irritates your scalp, it may become inflamed and the skin cells on your scalp may begin to flake off as dandruff.

Hence, it can be concluded that hormones lead to dandruff and it can be managed by living a healthy life with a nutrient-rich diet, exercise, stress-free, and addiction free.

To read more on dandruff, click here.