149 Experiencing Hair Loss, Thinning, Shedding, Breakage? Here is What to Do Now

One of the more common issues I hear from my patients is one I have also dealt with - hair loss, thinning, and breakage. Throughout my nearly 20 years of experience helping people with thyroid and Hashimoto's, I've noticed that along with fatigue, brain fog, and weight gain, hair problems are a common occurrence. In the latest episode, I shed some light on the top reasons for hair loss. But, don’t worry, I also share practical solutions to bring life back to your locks.

Here are the top 5 most common causes of hair issues:

1. Thyroid and Hashimoto’s
2. Nutritional Deficiencies
3. Stress
4. Hormonal Shifts
5. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Let’s dive a little deeper into each one and look at ways you can support hair health for each of these root causes (pun intended!) 

Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, and Hair Woes

The thyroid plays a significant role in our overall well-being, including our hair health. Hypothyroidism, where your body produces insufficient thyroid hormone, and Hashimoto's, an autoimmune disease that mistakenly attacks the thyroid, often lead to hair shedding, thinning, and brittleness. To address these issues, it's vital to take a comprehensive approach.

This starts with a thorough understanding of your thyroid status - you have to know your numbers! And, you have to know all of them. Many doctors will only test TSH but that won’t give you the full picture. A full thyroid panel is essential. This includes TSH, Total T4, Total T3, Free T4, Free T3, T3 Uptake, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies. A thorough evaluation will help identify any imbalances, especially if Hashimoto's is the underlying cause. And, these results will also help you understand your thyroid type.

Once you know where your thyroid stands, it's time to support it effectively. A personalized approach to thyroid health, combined with measures to calm the immune system, can slow down or halt the attack on the thyroid by Hashimoto's. A well-rounded strategy is key to combating hair issues.

Take Control of Your Thyroid Health

All too often, I meet with patients who only half understand their thyroid status because their doctor is only giving them half the story. That is why I created a free Hashimoto’s training to help you determine your thyroid type and support it with a two-fold approach. In this workshop, I help you navigate your way to the full picture so you can advocate for yourself and your health. Sign up here. 

Gut Health and Hair Loss

The gut is a powerful player in our overall health, and that includes our hair health. What many people don’t realize is that thyroid health impacts gut health because when your thyroid is off, it can slow down gut transit time, leading to constipation and impaired nutrient absorption. Additionally, leaky gut, where the intestinal lining becomes permeable, can further exacerbate hair problems by allowing unwanted particles into the bloodstream. Balancing thyroid health and gut health goes hand in hand. And, when your gut is healthier, your hair is healthier.

Nutrition and Hair Loss

Even when the gut is healthy, hypothyroidism can still lead to poor nutrient absorption. When thyroid hormone levels are inadequate, the hair follicles may not receive the necessary nutrients for proper growth and maintenance. As a result, hair can become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Key nutrients essential for healthy hair include iron, zinc, and B12.

Iron is crucial for oxygen transport and is necessary for healthy hair growth. A deficiency in iron can lead to hair loss and thinning. Zinc also plays a vital role in hair health, as it helps with tissue growth and repair, including hair follicles. Additionally, B12 supports the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the hair follicles.

To address nutrient deficiencies, consider adding supplements like Ferrochel Iron, liquid B12 such as the Methyl B Complex from Quick Silver Scientific, or the B12 ND from Premier Research Labs.  For a zinc deficiency, you could try adding Reacted Zinc to your daily routine. However, it's essential to note that addressing nutrient deficiencies goes beyond supplementation. Ensuring proper digestion and absorption of these nutrients is equally vital. Iron-rich foods, a balanced diet, and a well-functioning gut play crucial roles in maintaining healthy hair and overall well-being.

Thinning Hair Caused by Stress

Stress has a significant impact on our body, including hair health. Whether it's emotional stress or physical stress from illness or inflammation, the body's response can lead to hair problems. Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, can play a role in hair loss, specifically a condition called telogen effluvium. In this condition, the hair follicles enter a resting phase, leading to increased shedding and hair loss.

Managing stress is essential for maintaining healthy hair and overall health. Incorporating stress-reducing techniques into your daily routine can make a significant difference. Mindfulness practices, meditation, acupuncture, and hypnosis are valuable tools for reducing stress levels. If you missed our episodes on hypnosis, be sure to go back and check out episodes 139 and 140. Additionally, phosphatidylserine (I recommend PS 150), a supplement that helps lower cortisol levels, can promote better sleep quality and a calmer state of mind.

Hormonal Shifts and Hair Loss

Hormonal shifts, particularly those experienced during perimenopause and menopause, can influence hair health. As estrogen levels decrease, many women experience hair thinning, texture changes, and sometimes even hair loss. These hormonal imbalances can exacerbate existing thyroid-related symptoms, making it a challenging time for those with Hashimoto's.

Addressing hormonal shifts often involves balancing hormone levels and supporting the body during this transition. Bio-identical hormones and hormone-balancing supplements can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being. However, it's essential to make well-informed decisions about hormone replacement therapy and consult with healthcare professionals. Stay tuned and subscribe for more on this in upcoming episodes.

Cause of Hair Loss #5, PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)

For those with PCOS, hair issues are commonly linked to hormonal imbalances, particularly high testosterone and estrogen levels. PCOS is also associated with issues related to blood sugar regulation. Balancing hormones and blood sugar levels are essential components of managing PCOS-related hair problems. One of my favorite supplements for supporting PCOS is Sensitol by Desi...