When hair starts to thin, fall out in patches, or disappear altogether, it’s more than just a cosmetic issue – it’s a symptom.
As Naturopathic Doctors we approach hair loss by asking: What is the body trying to tell us?
Hair loss can stem from a wide range of underlying imbalances. The key is to identify and address the root cause.
What are 5 common causes of hair loss?
1.) Nutrient Deficiencies
Hair follicles are rapidly dividing cells that require a constant supply of nutrients to function optimally. Deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals can lead to weaker hair or increased shedding.
- Iron: A very common deficiency associated with hair loss, especially in menstruating women. Iron plays a role in keeping hair in the growth phase of the hair cycle. When iron levels are insufficient, it can lead to premature hair loss or a shortening of the growth phase. There is a target level you should be aiming for to maintain good hair.
- Zinc: Essential for hair follicle repair and function.
- Vitamin D: Plays a role in the hair growth cycle.
- Protein: Hair is made of keratin, a type of protein. Low intake –> slower growth.
🌱 Naturopathic Approach: Functional lab testing to check for deficiencies, followed by therapeutic supplementation and a nutrient-dense diet.
Notice we didn’t mention Biotin? Biotin is often promoted for hair, but true deficiency is rare. Curious about its role? Check out this post for more info.
2.) Chronic Stress
Stress doesn’t just affect your mood, it can affect your hair too. Telogen effluvium is a very common stress-related hair loss condition. This occurs when you experience significant emotional stressors like a loved one’s death, trauma, and/or physical stressors such as major surgery, serious illness, or severe infection. This type of stress pushes the hair follicles into the resting phase prematurely (resting = not growing).
High stress and cortisol can tie into other causes of hair loss like disrupted hormonal systems, rapid reduction of nutrient stores, and may trigger autoimmune forms of hair loss.
🌱 Naturopathic Approach: Reaching into our naturopathic tool box to help you with resilience by using supports like adaptogenic herbs, mindfulness practices, and nutrition. Also supporting recovery from illness or surgery so you can get back to your daily life.
3.) Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones directly affect hair cycles. Common culprits:
- Androgens (DHT): This is what is known as Androgenetic alopecia or pattern hair loss. This is predominantly genetic and can affect up to 50% of both male and female populations. It’s associated with higher production of dihydrotestosterone, a potent form of testosterone that can shrink hair follicles (particularly in men and some women with PCOS), and increased levels of androgen receptors in the balding scalp.
- Thyroid Dysfunction: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to hair thinning and loss.
- Estrogen/Progesterone Shifts: Postpartum, menopause, or stopping birth control can disrupt balance and trigger loss.
🌱 Naturopathic Approach: Hormone testing to identify imbalances, followed by evidence-based strategies customized to your needs.
4.) Autoimmune Conditions and Genetics
Autoimmune hair loss, like alopecia areata, occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own hair follicles. This often signals deeper immune dysregulation and systemic inflammation so you will find this associated with other autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, diabetes mellitus, lupus, celiac disease, and vitiligo. It typically presents as patchy hair loss.
This type of hair loss can be tricky and it’s best to approach this with a team, including dermatologists, your autoimmune specialists, and naturopathic doctors.
🌱 Naturopathic Approach: Support and manage the autoimmune condition. Identify and remove triggers (think gluten or hidden infections), modulate the immune system naturally and reduce inflammation through a targeted anti-inflammatory protocol.
5.) Follicle Trauma
This type of loss includes:
- Traumatic or Traction alopecia: This type of loss is caused by repeated pulling or tension on the hair. This condition typically occurs due to certain hairstyles or hair care practices that put excessive stress on the hair follicles. Over time, this stress leads to inflammation and scarring. This damage can eventually cause the follicles to stop producing new hair, resulting in gradual thinning or baldness in the affected areas.
- Scalp Conditions – Fungal Infections: Tinea capitis, or scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection that can cause hair loss, especially in the form of breakage. Hair loss from this infection can look like bare patches with lots of broken hair shafts, and usually comes with severe itching, red and swollen patches, and a flaking scalp that resembles dandruff. It is most often seen in children but it can occur in adults. Clearing the infection usually results in hair regrowth in normal growth patterns.
- Scarring alopecia: This rarer form of hair loss is usually caused by infection or neoplasm.
- Antigen effluvium: This is chemotherapy-induced hair loss. In this condition, the hair growth cycle is abruptly interrupted in the middle of the growth phase, leading to rapid hair shedding. The good news is that this condition is usually temporary, and hair growth can resume once chemotherapy treatment is completed.
🌱 Naturopathic approach: NDs can help with traction education and recovery (so can your hairstylist) and supporting fungal infection elimination. Regarding scarring alopecia and antigen effluvium, we very much sit in the adjunctive care category – we encourage conventional care as a priority, and can help you advocate for your needs, support side effects of conventional treatment, and be a cheerleader for you!
✨ PRO-TIP: Talk to your Stylist ✨
Regardless of the type of hair loss, your regular hairstylist can be an excellent support when things start to thin. Your stylist may even notice changes in scalp health, hair texture, breakage, or density before you do.
They’re a valuable ally in early detection, general care, and recommending scalp-supportive styles or products.
If they suggest seeing a doctor or ND—listen.
Hair loss is a signal, not just a symptom.
In naturopathic medicine, we see it as the body’s way of saying something’s out of balance. Figuring out which of the 5 common causes of hair loss you are dealing with is step one of your healing journey.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Want to explore the root cause of your hair loss?
Let’s work together to uncover what your body is really trying to tell you.
📍 Location: Rooted Naturopathic Clinic, Barrie
📞 Call to Book: 705-792-6717
🌐 Visit Our Website: Book online with Dr. Sarah by clicking here.