Hair loss

Top reasons for hair loss in women:

1. Changes in hormones from just giving birth, peri-menopause, post-menopause, PCOS

2. Chemotherapy or other medications

3. Thyroid imbalances

4. Nutrient deficiencies

5. Chronic tension on the hair from hair styles, chemical processing

6. Rapid weight loss or recent surgery

7. Extreme emotional stress

8. Aging

9. Genetics

10. Autoimmune conditions like alopecia

11. Gut related issues like dysbiosis, food antibodies/ sensitivities

12. Ringworm/ fungus
    

It’s important to note when you started to notice the increase hair loss. Ask yourself if there was a trauma, an illness, a major stressor? If you cannot recall anything different, then there may be hormonal changes in thyroid or sex hormones. There are medications that can cause hair loss as well.

Who to see:

I recommend seeing a Dermatologist that can take a closer look at your scalp to determine what kind of hair loss this is. Here’s a short list of types of hair loss: Androgenetic Alopecia, Telogen Effluvium, Anagen Effluvium, Alopecia Areata, Tinea Wapitis, Cicatricial Alopecia, Hair shaft abnormalities, and Hypotrichosis.

Then I recommend seeing your primary doctor as there can be underlying causes that require blood tests. Some examples of blood tests your Doctor may want to run are: CBC, CMP, Thyroid panel, Sex hormone panel, Iron panel, ESR or CRP (inflammatory markers), insulin, Hemoglobin A1c, and various nutrient markers (B12, Folate, Vitamin D, Zinc).

As a Functional Medicine Doctor, I may also run a nutrient panel, comprehensive stool analysis, salivary cortisol panel, and possibly neurotransmitter panel if appropriate. As for what I consider what a “Thyroid panel” should include may be more that what your regular Doctor will run. This should include TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), Total T4, Free T4, Total T3, Free T3, Reverse T3, and Thyroid Antibodies. For the sex hormones, I would test Total and free Testosterone, DHEA-S, DHT, SHBG, Estradiol, Progesterone. If one is post-menopausal and not taking hormone replacement, then Testosterone, DHEA-S, and DHT should suffice.

Hair loss due to Medications:

Medications that contribute to hair loss: chemotherapeutics, beta-blockers, blood thinners, antidepressants, cholesterol-lowering drugs, certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hormone-related drugs like thyroid medications, hormone replacement or birth control pills, or steroids, acne medications, meds that suppress the immune system, Epilepsy drugs, and weight loss drugs.

What you can do for yourself:

1. Clean up your diet! Sugar, junk food, and alcohol may exacerbate the hair loss. It can further deplete nutrients needed to grow hair, increase inflammation, disrupt hormones, and aggravate your digestive tract. Make sure you are getting enough protein, fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants in your diet as well. For my peri-menopause, menopause, and beyond patients, adding in Collagen may be helpful for hair and overall health.

2. Stop Smoking! This will deplete minerals, damage DNA needed to repair cells, overwork your liver for Detoxification. If you have trouble quitting, consider seeing an Acupuncturist for auricular acupuncture. Can consider Hypnotherapy to help break habits/ routines associated with smoking as well.

3. Consider Nutrient testing through a Functional Medicine Doctor to isolate the culprits. From there, the Doctor can determine what is causing the deficiencies as well. There are many “Hair Supplements” out there. Most include support for common nutrients that may be deficient, thyroid support nutrients, Androgen lowering nutrients. Some will have collagen in there as well. Some people will swear by them, that it helped while others say it didn’t do anything for them. This is why specific testing is crucial to isolate your specific cause of hair loss. Keep in mind, even if you’re lucky enough to find the right supplement for your hair, it may take several months to see the difference.

4. Topical applications on your scalp may be helpful with Essential Oils to stop hair loss and help regrow hair. There are limited studies on essential oils, but these can be helpful: thyme, rosemary, lavender, clary sage, clove, and cedarwood. I recommend starting with 3 essential oils and include Rosemary in that list. It’s very important to add them to a carrier oil, like jojoba oil as essential oils are too strong and will irritate the skin. Add 3-5 drops of each essential oil to a small amount of carrier oil in a small bowl. Mix well and massage into the areas of your scalp that are affected. I have had patients do that at night time and wrap your hair so it won’t get on your pillowcase. Then gently wash hair in the morning. I also recommend adding 5 drops of each to your shampoo and shake well. Gently massage into scalp. Try to limit hair washing to 2-3 times per week. Do NOT use shampoos or conditioners that are full of harmful chemicals like sulfates, formaldehyde, sodium chloride, parabens, diethanolamine (DEA), and triethanolamine (TEA).

5. Careful on your hair styles that tug on your scalp. It’s important to let your hair down or if you have to put it up, use a scrunchie. We’ve all had bad hair days. I remember growing up with very few good hair products or hair tools to help tame frizz! I also recommend to my patients to see your hair stylist for a hair cut that will blend better while your hair is fluctuating. Lastly, do not do any chemical treatments to your hair while everything is healing as this will further damage your hair and could cause further hair loss.