A Root Cause Approach to Hair Loss
Hair loss can be frustrating and emotional, but it’s also a sign that something deeper is going on in the body. In my practice, I see many women with concerns about hair loss or thinning and we don’t just treat symptoms—we look at root causes. If you’re struggling with thinning hair, shedding, or loss of volume, keeping reading! This week’s blog we will discuss a root cause approach to hair loss and the functional medicine pillars to help restore healthy, luscious locks!
Hormonal Imbalances
- High Androgens (Testosterone & DHT): Elevated levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can shrink hair follicles, leading to androgenic alopecia (female pattern hair loss).
- Low Estrogen & Progesterone: These hormones support hair growth, so during perimenopause, postpartum, or after stopping birth control, a drop can lead to shedding. This is something I see COMMONLY! Right now in my practice I have several patients with this as their chief concern that fall into each of these buckets and we are seeing good progress!
- Thyroid Dysfunction: Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s can cause hair to change, and a key sign is hair thinning, especially on the outer eyebrows. More on Thyroid Health HERE!
Nutrient Deficiencies
Your hair needs key nutrients to grow strong and healthy:
- Iron & Ferritin: Low levels can trigger excessive shedding.
- B Vitamins (Biotin, B12, Folate): Essential for follicle health and energy production.
- Zinc & Selenium: Support thyroid function and hair regrowth.
- Protein & Collagen: Hair is made of keratin, a protein—low intake can weaken strands.
Gut Health & Malabsorption
If you’re not absorbing nutrients properly, your hair will suffer. Leaky gut, celiac disease, or dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria) can lead to deficiencies and inflammation that contribute to hair loss.
Chronic Stress & Cortisol Dysregulation
High cortisol (from chronic stress) shifts the body into survival mode, pulling resources away from hair growth. Stress-induced hair loss, called telogen effluvium, often occurs 2-3 months after a major stressor (illness, surgery, emotional trauma).
Autoimmune Conditions
Alopecia areata and other autoimmune conditions cause the immune system to attack hair follicles. Identifying triggers (gut health, food sensitivities, infections, inflammation) is key to managing this type of hair loss.
How to Support Hair Regrowth
- Test, Don’t Guess – Check hormone levels, thyroid function, iron, and key nutrients. Consider gut microbiome or salivary cortisol testing to get a full picture.
- Balance Hormones – Support estrogen, progesterone, and androgens through lifestyle, diet, targeted supplementation and bioidentical HRT.
- Nourish from Within – Prioritize protein, iron-rich foods, omega-3s, and gut-friendly fiber and phytonutrients.
- Manage Stress – Incorporate breathwork, meditation, and adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and l theanine to lower cortisol (always check with your personal provider before adding supplementation).
- Support Thyroid & Gut Health – Optimize digestion and consider a functional medicine approach to gut healing. Get a full thyroid panel to cover thyroid dysfunction on a deeper level and aim to correct any abnormalities through lifestyle, nutrition, supplements and thyroid medication if indicated!
If hair loss is affecting your confidence, know that it’s possible to identify the root cause and restore balance. Functional medicine offers a holistic, personalized approach to get to the source and support your body’s natural healing process.
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