Are you noticing more hair falling out in the shower, and your ponytail or certain regions of your scalp are thinning? Hair loss can feel frustrating, confusing, and even devastating for many women. The most challenging aspects of hair loss are the uncertainty of the cause, and how to stop and reverse excessive shedding. Well, stop pulling your hair out trying to figure it out. Here are the top reasons why women experience hair loss.
NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES
Having adequate levels of nutrients in your body is essential for healthy hair. Our bodies try to always preserve function first, and if we are low on nutrients, our hair is the last priority to receive them. Specifically, iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies are the most common contributors to hair loss.
Additionally, amino acids (the building blocks of protein) are essential for healthy hair growth; diets lacking adequate protein can also represent an underlying cause. Other minerals and vitamins, such as selenium, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D, also play an essential role in healthy hair, and deficiency in any of these could also be a root cause of your hair loss.
Pro Tip:
Nourish yourself—Ensure you are eating a well-rounded diet with adequate amounts of high-quality protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats such as olive oils, avocados, and omega-3s. If you are vegan or vegetarian, be mindful to incorporate foods into your diet with high levels of iron and B12 as many sources of these nutrients are found in animal products. If you’re unsure if you are hitting your nutrient requirements, it’s a great idea to test for deficiencies through blood work. Iron, B12, and vitamin D are all tests that can easily be ordered. Once you know your levels, you can appropriately supplement if needed and correct any deficiencies to support optimal hair growth.
STRESS
Today, stress is something that has become very commonplace. Our bodies are equipped to manage acute stressors, but constant, chronic stress is something entirely different that takes a toll on our nervous system. Stress can come in obvious forms, such as financial and work or family stress, but there can be many hidden stressors affecting our bodies as well, such as inflammation, abrupt weight loss, digestive issues, or recovery from a serious illness. These can all lead to hair loss.
Pro Tip:
Practice self-care—Whether it’s yoga, meditation, or connecting with community or nature, take time to create space where you can decompress and unwind. Rest, restoration, creating boundaries, and developing consistent sleep routines can all play a vital role in allowing your nervous system to recalibrate. Consider taking a herbal adaptogen to aid your body in managing cortisol, "the stress hormone.” Many nutraceuticals, botanicals, and supplements help arm our bodies with resilience to better cope with stressors. Speak with your naturopathic doctor to find the adaptogenic supports that are right for you.
THYROID HEALTH
The thyroid produces hormones that are responsible for many of your body’s metabolic functions. Thyroid hormones play a role in controlling both your metabolic and heart rates, temperature, energy levels, and hair and nail growth. When the amount of thyroid hormone your gland produces is not optimal, hair loss can be a major side effect.
Pro Tip:
Get your thyroid hormones tested—Ensuring your thyroid gland is not producing too little or too much hormone is the first step in combatting hair loss. If you’re noticing hair changes along with symptoms of fatigue, digestive issues, changes in your temperature regulation, or weight changes, investigating your thyroid health is a good idea—and getting the right testing is essential. Once the issue is identified, a combination of medication and lifestyle and/or nutraceutical support can be used as treatment. An easy tip to incorporate into your routine right away is eating a handful of Brazil nuts daily. Brazil nuts contain selenium, which is essential for thyroid health.
HORMONAL BALANCE
Male pattern baldness can affect women too and is termed adrenergic alopecia. Adrenergic alopecia occurs when there are higher than optimal levels of circulating male hormones within the bloodstream, which can ultimately impact hair follicles. These high levels of male hormones (such as testosterone) can lead to thinning hair in the temporal area, as well as a widening hair part.
A common hormonal condition that affects many women and can cause adrenergic alopecia is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a condition that can have various symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, ovarian cysts, and symptoms of androgen excess, with hair changes being a common indicator. Not everyone with PCOS will develop all of these symptoms and a proper workup is necessary. Insulin resistance is another important hormonal imbalance that can impact women who have PCOS and can contribute to hair loss. When women experience insulin resistance their cells are not as sensitive to insulin, which can create a risk for developing issues with blood sugar regulation and weight gain. When this occurs, hair health can be impacted.
Pro Tip:
Balance hormones—We don’t know the exact cause of PCOS, but it involves a combination of genetic, environmental, dietary, and lifestyle factors. The good news is that there’s so much we can do to help manage symptoms and prevent hair loss. Maintaining a healthy diet and good exercise plan can have a large impact on supporting and managing PCOS symptoms. Many nutraceuticals can help with managing blood sugar and support healthy menstrual cycles and androgen levels. For example, myo-inositol can be used as part of a comprehensive plan in this regard. Speak with your healthcare provider to see if hormonal imbalances may be a contributing factor to your hair loss.
Identifying the root cause of your hair loss is the first step in getting on the right path to support luscious locks and feel your best—the answers could be a simple blood test away.
