The importance of ferritin and iron testing

Could your thinning hair be more than a cosmetic concern—perhaps a signal of hidden hormone, thyroid, or nutrient imbalances?

In this must-listen episode of the Modern Thyroid and Wellness Podcast, host McCall McPherson sits down with functional medicine expert Dr. Breanne Kallonen to unravel the multifaceted causes of female hair loss. Together, they explore the often-overlooked connections between hormone imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, autoimmune disease, and metabolic stressors like insulin resistance.

Breanne brings her experience working with high-achieving women to highlight why generic treatments fail—and how personalized lab work, optimal (not just “normal”) ranges, and foundational lifestyle shifts can lead to sustainable hair restoration. This conversation goes far beyond cosmetic concerns and positions hair loss as a valuable signal of deeper health imbalances.

About the Guest

Dr. Breanne Kallonen is a high-performing naturopath and founder dedicated to helping women reclaim their health, vitality, and confidence. With degrees in Biomedical Sciences and Naturopathy (earned by age 25), Breanne specializes in root-cause solutions for hormone, metabolic, and hair loss issues. She is also a coach for ambitious women who want to optimize both their health and high-performing lifestyle.

Key Topics Covered

• The top causes of hair loss in women: low iron, vitamin D, hormone shifts, thyroid dysfunction, Hashimoto’s, stress, post-viral inflammation, insulin resistance
• Why "normal" lab values aren’t enough—what to look for in optimal ranges, especially for ferritin and thyroid
• The strong correlation between iron deficiency and genetic hair loss (androgenic alopecia)
• Comprehensive lab testing strategies: what to run, how to interpret, and why history matters
• The role of metabolic dysfunction (especially insulin resistance) in accelerating hair thinning
• Why many women are overprescribed testosterone—and how excess levels can backfire for hair health
• The connection between gut health, inflammation, and nutrient absorption
• Nutrition foundations: protein, fiber, vegetables, and identifying deficiencies
• Short-term interventions (like red light therapy or collagen) to stimulate follicle activity while working on root causes
• Importance of realistic timelines—what results you can expect in 3, 6, or 9 months depending on the root issue

Practical Advice for Listeners

• Run comprehensive blood panels including TSH, Free T3/T4, ferritin, serum iron, insulin, vitamin D, and inflammatory markers
• Prioritize protein intake (100g/day minimum) and track it honestly for a few days
• Focus on metabolic flexibility—avoid extremes in diet unless indicated by labs
• Address sleep, hydration, stress perception, and movement as foundational support
• Be cautious with high-dose testosterone pellets or HRT—work with a clinician who monitors blood levels and risks
• Expect 6–9 months for meaningful hair regrowth depending on the underlying cause—this is a long-term game

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