Female Health: What Does Resetting Hormones Mean for Your Skin, Hair & Health?

If you are a female assigned at birth with a health issue that can't be diagnosed, you might be told, "It's just your hormones.”Hormones play a large role in our daily functions and major milestones in life. They impact everything, from blood sugar to blood pressure, growth and fertility, sex drive, metabolism, and sleep. Studies reveal that a staggering 80 per cent of females go through some form of hormonal imbalance throughout their lives.

But first, what’s the meaning of hormones? Hormones are chemicals produced in the human body by various glands and released into the bloodstream, affecting multiple functions. For individuals who are females assigned at birth, hormonal imbalances lead to a cascade of health issues. This may range from mood swings and fatigue to other more severe conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis.

Hormones are constantly resetting themselves, but there are times when they undergo changes that have an undesired impact on health, hair, and skin. 

Some key hormonal milestones that females experience are: 

• Puberty
• Pregnancy
• Menopause

In addition to the key milestones, women with vulvas also have to go through seemingly ordinary things like: 

• Menstrual Cycle 
• Ageing
• Stress 

Given the prevalence of hormonal imbalances, the reset hormone diet,  which is meant to be a natural way to reset hormones and improve overall health, is gaining traction. 

The diet often involves: 

• Consuming hormone-balancing foods
• Reducing sugar and processed foods
• Cutting out caffeine and nicotine 
• Managing stress levels
• Regular exercise 

However, while the reset hormone diet is popular, no scientific study backs the claims that it may be good for health. According to Dr Madhuri Agarwal, Founder and Medical Director of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic, “Hormonal resetting is not a medication plan solely. I see patients of different ages and stages of life, of all genders, and hormonal balancing is advised to most patients for a more holistic result.”

The hormonal resetting effects on skin, hair, and health can be good or bad. If not practised cautiously, the hormonal resetting effects on female health may have adverse outcomes. For example, oestrogen is actually an antidepressant chemical in your brain, but having too much oestrogen can increase the risk of certain cancers and is linked to symptoms like depression, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, headaches, anxiety, and menstrual problems. 

Furthermore, hormones act as chemical messengers that orchestrate various bodily processes, including growth development, metabolism, sexual function, and reproduction. According to Dr Mahendra, resetting hormones should be a ‘holistic approach’ consisting of changes in diet and lifestyle.

Dr Inderpreet Mahendra, Sr. Consultant at Apollo Clinic, highlights the hormonal resetting effects on skin or hair:

• If a person has hypothyroidism, they will experience hair loss and brittle nails.
• Excess of androgen increases sebaceous gland activity and can lead to acne and its related disorders.
• Reduced oestrogen production during menopause can lead to dry and itchy skin and scalp.

Additionally, hormonal medications might be required if hormone levels are deranged significantly on blood tests.

Dr Madhuri Agarwal states, “Hormones play a big role in skin and hair. As a dermatologist, I often see patients who struggle and don't respond to basic skin problems like acne, pigmentation, eczema, and hair loss due to the hormonal imbalance triggering the problem and getting misdiagnosed and mistreated with some topical creams. Treating these issues at a hormonal level is essential for long-term resolution.”

Resetting hormones is not a one-size-fits-all solution to improve skin and hair health.  If you suspect that you have a hormonal imbalance, seeking the guidance of a healthcare professional is paramount.

Here's how to get started:

• Find a Qualified Doctor: Look for a healthcare provider experienced in hormonal issues, such as an endocrinologist or gynaecologist.
• Discuss Your Options: Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medication, or hormone replacement therapy.
• Ask the Right Questions: Discuss your symptoms, concerns, and previous treatments. Be honest and open with your doctor about your health history.
• Be Patient: “Bear in mind that it takes 4 to 6 weeks for results to show”, according to Dr Mahendra. 

Hormones significantly influence a woman's health, and hormonal imbalances can cause various issues. In women specifically, factors such as stress, excessive physical exertion, consumption of fried and processed foods, a sedentary lifestyle, and inadequate or disrupted sleep patterns can contribute to alterations in hormone levels or disruptions in hormonal balance.

While hormones typically reset, certain life phases and other things can disturb this balance. Addressing these issues involves lifestyle changes and adopting habits promoting hormonal balance. This may include stress management techniques, incorporating a balanced and nutritious diet, regular physical activity, ensuring sufficient sleep, and establishing a consistent sleep routine. 

Remember, you need the advice of a medical expert and a customised strategy to balance your hormones and enhance your general wellbeing. 

Medically reviewed by:

Dr Kiran Chahal, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist and Hair transplant surgeon