For most of us, hair holds cultural and social meaning and value, and it can be a big part of our identities. Unexplained hair loss can feel stressful and frustrating, so it's understandably distressing if you're seeing an awful lot of hair falling out. Hair loss can result from a number of potential factors, including a thyroid condition (more commonly due to hyperthyroidism, but hypothyroidism can contribute to hair loss as well). Poor thyroid function is only one of many potential culprits for hair loss. If you suspect your thyroid is at play, it is worthwhile to have it tested. If your thyroid panel is shows normal and you aren’t experiencing thyroid symptoms, there's a good chance something else is going on.
Are you under a lot of stress? It doesn’t have to be emotional stress, physical stress (like over exercise, post partum, crash dieting, an infection or a recent surgery) can contribute to hair fall as well.
You may have a nutrient deficiency. Even if you eat a healthy diet. Nutrient absorption isn’t just about what we eat, but what we eat, absorb and what gets into the cell.
Deficiencies in essential fatty acids, zinc and, iron, and vitamins such as Vit D are linked with hair loss. Excess vitamins A and E, or selenium can cause those strands to drop out.
Certain common meds such as statins, beta blockers, anti-coagulants, and blood pressure medications are culprits, as well as toxins found in hair dye and highly processed foods.
Autoimmune conditions, especially those with have a gut component, have also been associated with hair loss.
What can you do?
Red light therapy is an option, however improvements are slight.
Certain herbs applied topically have shown promise in regrowing hair (tea tree oil, rosemary oil, even capsaicin!)
Certain herbs applied topically have shown promise in regrowing hair (tea tree oil, rosemary oil, even capsaicin!)
But the best recommendation to growing those locks back is balancing your gut through a diet containing whole foods, proper hydration, and probiotics is one of the best steps you can take to address your hair loss issues. Seeking support and guidance from a health coach can be very helpful in navigating your way to better health and a full head of hair!
If you have a particular issue you would like addressed through functional medicine and are interested in working together, or if simply wish to learn more, you can schedule a complementary discovery call with me!
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