The primary hormones linked to both hair loss and weight gain are thyroid hormones (due to hypothyroidism) and insulin, often elevated in conditions like PCOS, with cortisol (stress hormone) also playing a role in both, creating a cycle of hormonal imbalance affecting metabolism and hair growth. An underactive thyroid slows metabolism, causing weight gain and hair thinning, while high insulin from PCOS leads to excess androgen production, causing hair loss (like DHT) and fat storage.
Weight gain can disrupt hormones, increase inflammation, and create nutritional deficiencies that weaken hair follicles and trigger shedding. Medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, vitamin B12 deficiency, iron deficiency, and diabetes can cause both weight gain and hair loss at the same time.
Here are 9 signs your hormones may be out of whack:
Androgenetic alopecia is the best-known hormonal hair loss condition, affecting 85% of men [1] and 55% of women [2] at some point in life. It is caused by a genetically increased sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). However, other hormones can also cause hair loss.
The hair itself may become thinner in diameter, giving it a finer, more fragile texture. Many women experience increased shedding, a widening part, or overall reduced volume rather than patchy bald spots. The hair can also feel drier, more brittle, and less shiny because of decreased oil production from the scalp.
Yes, low magnesium levels can disrupt the natural cycle of hair growth and lead to hair loss. Magnesium is required for protein synthesis and energy production, two processes that keep follicles active and healthy.
Hormonal imbalances show up as symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, weight changes, irregular periods, skin issues (acne), hair changes, sleep problems, brain fog, low libido, digestive issues, and temperature sensitivity, affecting energy, body functions, and mental well-being, often linked to stress, thyroid, or reproductive hormones.
Here are some ways to naturally balance your hormones.
Chemical messengers called neurotransmitters, which are in charge of sending impulses between nerve cells, are the main hormones linked to depression and sadness. In specifically, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin are three neurotransmitters that are vital.
Key vitamin deficiencies linked to hair loss include Vitamin D, B12, Biotin (B7), and Iron, with low levels of these nutrients affecting hair follicle function, protein production (like keratin), and oxygen supply, leading to thinning or shedding; however, excessive intake of some vitamins (like A or selenium) can also cause hair loss, so a doctor should confirm deficiencies via blood tests before supplementing.
Bloating, or swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the tissues can cause weight gain. This may be due to menstruation, heart or kidney failure, preeclampsia, or medicines you take. A rapid weight gain may be a sign of dangerous fluid retention. If you quit smoking, you might gain weight.
Common signs
Some of the most common hormone-related conditions include:
Thyroid problems (hypo- or hyperthyroidism) show up as changes in energy, weight, mood, and body temperature, with common signs including fatigue, unexplained weight changes, anxiety/depression, feeling too hot or cold, hair loss, skin/nail issues, heart rate changes, and neck swelling (goiter), affecting metabolism and overall bodily function. Symptoms vary but often manifest as a slowed-down body (hypothyroidism) or an over-sped-up one (hyperthyroidism).
3 Signs Your Hormones Are Behind Your Weight Gain
Low mood, anxiety, depression, irritability, nervousness, and restlessness can be a product of certain hormonal imbalances, including hyperthyroidism (having too much thyroid hormone in your body) as well as the reproductive hormonal changes brought on by menopause.
In The 14-Day Hormone Reset, wellness expert Mark Arnold unveils 22 little-known, science-backed secrets to cool down your body, balance your hormones, and finally sleep through the night again. This isn't just another hormone book, it's a practical, empowering guide designed to help you feel like you again.
Lab tests to measure hormone levels in your blood, urine or saliva. Pelvic exam to feel for cysts or tumors interfering with hormone production. Ultrasound, which can examine your uterus, ovaries, thyroid or pituitary gland.
Listen to your body — it's trying to tell you something
Herbal teas such as spearmint, chamomile, or green tea can help support hormone regulation and reduce stress.
You can measure your hormone levels with cerascreen®'s range of hormone testing kits – including the Testosterone Test, Thyroid Test, Cortisol Test, for example. Most of these tests are saliva tests, which means that a swab of saliva from the oral mucosa is collected.
Key vitamin deficiencies linked to hair loss include Vitamin D, B12, Biotin (B7), and Iron, with low levels of these nutrients affecting hair follicle function, protein production (like keratin), and oxygen supply, leading to thinning or shedding; however, excessive intake of some vitamins (like A or selenium) can also cause hair loss, so a doctor should confirm deficiencies via blood tests before supplementing.
Early signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness. As magnesium deficiency worsens, numbness, tingling, muscle contractions and cramps, seizures, personality changes, abnormal heart rhythms, and coronary spasms can occur [1,2].
It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness.