Does estrogen change hair color?

[Guest jennahtx]

Has anyone noticed the color of their arm and leg hairs to have lightened since taking estradiol for a period of time? Or scalp hair for that matter? During the winter I didn't shave my thighs as often as usual since they weren't often exposed, and I noticed the hair is growing in very light, blonde, actually. In the past it was rather a dark brown, almost black. The same for my arms, in fact the hairs are so light there's really no reason to shave them at all. I've been on HRT (consisting of 2 Climara patches a week) for around 10 years now, and am wondering if perhaps estrogen causes the expression of a lighter hair color?

Edited June 17, 2012 by MaryEllen
Dosage removed per site Terms and Conditions

[Guest Krisina]

I have hear that the hair color can get lighter. I am pretty sure the talk was both about the color and the texture of the hair too.

Krisina

[JJ]

Going the other way I was a natural blond all my life. Had numerous shades but all in the blond to light blond range, Since starting T I have more and more black hair coming in, especially my beard. I took after my father in coloring and his family -on my Mom's side they all had black hair and blue eyes, Guess the T triggered other genes or something. I am also a DES baby so may have some male genes that T is affecting? I have also grown about 3/4 inch. Which I did not expect and can't account for. The weight loss may account for some of it but I am taller than I have ever been and been measured 3 times, When people say your mileage may vary they aren't kidding! Some of us even have some unexpected scenery along the way.

I have read that in truth we are all guinea pigs because there has been so little research and so few studies done, What one endo says is sometimes contradicted by another, They can't even agree on some of the basic hormone stuff. It wouldn't be surprising if hair color and texture are affected by HRT and the Drs just aren't concerned or aware of it. Mine has for sure.

Johnny

[Guest angels wings]

Very intresting

[Guest Risu]

My body hair has definitely lightened in color from dark brown and black to blonde. There are still a few survivors hanging on to their dark past but their roots have since turned blonde and I imagine most will be totally blonde after I next wax.

My scalp hair has actually lightened quite a bit. My hair has always been mixed shades of brown, mostly darker browns but now there is a lot of light brown, red and even blonde growing in on patches which is something I've never had before. I'm hoping for a little more red and blonde so I won't have to pay for highlights and because I love red hair anyways! I've also noticed that my hair is curlier on HRT where as without HRT it was mostly straight with a couple cow licks and a wave (This was when living as a male with long hair) but since starting HRT almost a year ago my hair has totally lost it. It has a mind of it's own and has become nearly impossible to style because of the increased curl.

YMMV but I've noticed tons of changes in this first year and I can't wait for more.

~Jade.

[Guest KarenLyn]

I never heard of it causing a change in hair color but it definitely causes it to be much finer.

Karen

[Drea]

I never heard of it causing a change in hair color but it definitely causes it to be much finer.

Basically, if someone has pigment in their hair, if the hair is finer, it will appear to be lighter in clolor unless the pigment is such a strong black in which case it may still appear black.

No question estrogen will tend to cause body hair to be thinner so it will appear to be lighter. Doesn't necessarily mean the pigment density or tone has changed.

Since hormones do affect body chemistry and gene expression, a change in actual pigment may very well happen in some cases. I't noticed I went from gentle wave in my hair to some definite curl since I started hormones. Is it the hormones? Maybe or maybe not. One of my sisters has seen her faily strait hair become much more curly than mind and she didn't start taking hormones.

[Guest Isobelle Fox]

My hair has definitely gone from truly fox red to a much lighter coppery blond since starting hormones. EVERYONE remarks on the difference, because its very noticable. It didn't really become apparent until about the 3rd year though. I kinda liked it better before.

[Guest shortnsweet]

It's definitely good news to hear that this can happen (or at least something like it). How soon after starting can it start to be noticeable?

[Guest jennahtx]

Wow, so estrogen makes hair finer? Somehow, I'd heard that it should make scalp hair, at least, grow more and come in fuller, which I interpreted to mean, "thicker"! Not that I've noticed mine to appear any thicker, though I believe there is more, at least. Arm and leg hair is indeed finer appearing, which is "fine" with me.

[Guest]

Hi Jenna,

Went from dark brown with a fair amount of gray to mocha blonde.

Courtesy of a wonderful stylist and several dollars, of course. it should be pointed out that it wouldn't have happened without HRT.

Can't say much else - I only have hair in one other place, pretty light colored, now that you've asked.

Love, Megan

[Guest JennX]

Yes... Estrogen does change hair color. At least for me. After 2 years of HRT, my hair went from medium-light brown to light blond. Everywhere. It was most evident after looking at pics of myself from 2 years ago, pre-HRT. It also makes laser hair removal that much harder and longer.

I can't comment on the making it "finer claim" as I have always had a massive amount of super curly hair. So YMMV.

[Guest Robin Winter]

The hair on my chest that I remove regularly is now coming back in very fine and very blond in most places. There's so little dark hair I can do a complete cleanup now with tweezers. Unfortunately....it hasn't worked out that way for my abdomen Still get lots of hair there and still pretty dark.

[Guest Jade T]

I remember reading this post a few days ago thinking "I would love lighter hair." Well, my hair is finally getting long enough that I am about to go out with my natural hair when jogging instead of wearing a wig. When I was getting brushing my hair in the mirror. I noticed my hair had definitely gotten lighter. It use to be pure jet black. But now, I can see lots of reddish brown intermingled with the black. Hopefully more and more hair will turn brown and get lighter as I stay on hormones longer . I would love to have streaked hair without dying it! If I end up blonde, is it because of karma and all my blonde jokes in the past!? I guess blonde would be more indicative of my mental faculties . No offense to any blondes out there

Hugs,

Jade

[KathrynJulia]

I resemble that remark. Been blonde all my life.

Kathryn

[Guest Lani]

Hmm...

Wow....

[Guest Jade T]

I'm sorry if I offended you. I was just joking and meant no harm by that

Apologies,

Jade

[Guest Lani]

I'm sorry if I offended you. I was just joking and meant no harm by that

Apologies,

Jade

Aww.. No need to say sorry!! I was/am NOT offended in any shape or/and form!! It's all good, girl!!!

I just didint say much cause I didint know what to say about the thread topic!!! That's all..

By the way, it's a pleasure to meet you!!