HAIR LOSS
HAIR LOSS
Hair loss can be an unnerving situation for many women and it can occur for a variety of reasons. Interestingly - but also not shockingly – we have noticed this becoming an increasing concern during COVID times. There are many factors that contribute to hair loss in women and we will scratch the surface of a few of them below.
HORMONES
Our hormones can play a big role in our hair growth or loss. The main ones implicated are our thyroid hormones, our testosterone levels and insulin. If our thyroid is underfunctioning, we might experience hair loss or thinning. Higher testosterone, like in conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, can lead to thinning near the front of our hairline or at the top. Insulin resistance – also associated with PCOS! – can also be a major contributor to hairloss. Insulin resistance can go unmanaged for quite a long time while blood sugar levels on lab work appear normal. Even thin women with PCOS can have insulin resistance, it’s not just about weight!
Changes post-pregnancy can also result in hair changes. Just as our high progesterone throughout our pregnancy gives us thicker hair and a pregnancy glow, lower progesterone after delivery can be accompanied, by hair loss. This can be compounded by reduced sleep and the increased stress of adapting to the new role of being a mom.
NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES
Hair growth is rapid, and at the root of our hair (the bulb) needs a lot of nutrients and minerals to produce the follicle (hair strand). Although we might not always feel this way, Hair is considered less essential than other organ systems by our body – making it one of the first to have redistributed resources. Diffuse thinning can be an early sign of some nutrient deficiencies. While the evidence is not fully there, it is generally accepted that reduced iron levels - which is common in many menstruating women! - can contribute to hair loss. Vitamin C contributes in extreme cases (like scurvy), and vitamin D levels are especially important when considering potential immune causes - like alopecia areata or in thyroid concerns with an immune cause!
Nutrient deficiencies are not just due to lack of intake – although that can be part of it! We need good gut health in order to absorb and use those nutrients. Celiac disease is a more extreme example of how gut health and lack of absorption of nutrients can impact hair health. Crash dieting that results in in severe protein and or energy malnutrition can also cause shedding of hair. Hair is, as we mentioned, one of the first areas to be cut (no pun intended)
B vitamins – including the most marketed hair supplement, biotin (b7) – are also important for hair health. Biotin, folate (B9), B6, B12 may all play a role. That being said, actual deficiency is really rare.
Does this mean we should start supplementing with all of this? Of course not. There are so many different potential reasons why your hair could be falling out. It’s our job to get to the root and help you with the most appropriate solution.
STRESS
Finally, stress can contribute to hair loss. If we are overworked, under-nourished, under-slept and under-rested, our body will not put energy and resources into the “frivolous” aspects of our biology, such as hair, nails, skin and periods.
Also, some research indicates that if we endure a stressful period, the hair follicles may become stagnant or stop growing. We might notice the hair loss up to three months later when it starts to shed. This highlights how challenging it can be to see a cause and effect – especially with stress. It can be difficult to pinpoint the degree to which stress may have a physical impact on our body.
Autoimmunity is also a reason for hair loss. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which our immune system attacks our hair follicles. It can start as patchy hair loss and progress to full hair loss. It can be fairly unpredictable and difficult to treat.
If you want to explore more about why you might be experiencing hair changes – and what we can do to help! - book a 15 minute consult to chat more.