Causes of Hair Loss & How to Address It

Hair loss can result from a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, stress, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits. Understanding the root cause is key to finding the right solution.

1.Hormonal Imbalances

1. 1. DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) Sensitivity – In both men and women, excess DHT (a byproduct of testosterone) can shrink hair follicles, leading to androgenic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness).

2. Thyroid Dysfunction – Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause thinning hair, brittle strands, and excessive shedding.

3. Estrogen & Progesterone Fluctuations – Menopause, pregnancy, and birth control can disrupt hormone levels, affecting hair growth cycles.

   🡆 Solution: Balance hormones with diet, stress reduction, and supplements like saw palmetto (for DHT), zinc, and adaptogens.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

1. Iron Deficiency (Anemia) – Low iron levels reduce oxygen flow to hair follicles, leading to shedding and slow regrowth.

2. Protein Deficiency – Hair is primarily made of keratin (a protein). Not getting enough protein weakens hair structure.

3. Biotin & B-Vitamin Deficiencies – B vitamins support keratin production, while biotin strengthens hair.

4. Zinc & Magnesium Deficiency – These minerals support follicle health and prevent excessive shedding.

   🡆 Solution: Eat protein-rich foods (eggs, salmon, lean meats), leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and consider supplementation if needed.

   
   

3. Stress & Lifestyle Factors

1. Chronic Stress (Telogen Effluvium) – Stress shifts more hairs into the shedding phase, leading to sudden hair loss.

2. Poor Sleep & Overexercise – Disrupts recovery and hormone balance, affecting hair health.

3. Tight Hairstyles & Harsh Treatments – Constant pulling or excessive heat/styling damages follicles.

   🡆 Solution: Practice stress management (meditation, breathwork), improve sleep, and limit harsh hair treatments.

   
   

4. Medical Conditions & Medications

1. Autoimmune Disorders (Alopecia Areata, Lupus) – The immune system attacks hair follicles, causing patches of hair loss.

2. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) – High androgens can lead to hair thinning on the scalp but excess hair elsewhere.

3. Medications – Certain drugs (blood thinners, antidepressants, chemotherapy, steroids) can trigger hair loss.

   🡆 Solution: Address underlying health issues with a functional medicine approach and consult a doctor about medication side effects.

   
   

5. Gut & Scalp Health

1. Poor Gut Health (Leaky Gut, Dysbiosis) – Impaired nutrient absorption starves hair follicles of essential nutrients.

2. Scalp Inflammation & Dandruff – Clogged follicles, dryness, and fungal overgrowth affect hair growth.

   🡆 Solution: Improve gut health with probiotics, collagen, and an anti-inflammatory diet; use gentle scalp treatments.

   
   

Best Supplements for Hair Growth

1. Collagen & Protein Powder – Supports

   keratin production.

2. Biotin & B-Complex Vitamins – Strengthens hair and enhances regrowth.

3. Zinc & Magnesium – Essential for follicle health and hormonal balance.

4. Iron & Vitamin C – Prevents anemia-related hair loss.

5. Omega-3s (Fish Oil, Flaxseed Oil) – Reduces inflammation and nourishes follicles.

6. Adaptogens (Ashwagandha, Rhodiola) – Lowers stress-related hair loss.

7. DHT Blockers (Saw Palmetto, Pumpkin Seed Oil) – Prevents follicle shrinkage in androgenic alopecia.

   
   

Final Thoughts

Hair loss is multifactorial, often requiring a combination of hormonal balance, nutrient optimization, stress management, and scalp care. Addressing the root cause will lead to better long-term hair health rather than just treating the symptoms.