Hair loss has become a common concern that we see in clinical practice. Losing hair, especially when the cause is unknown, can be very unsettling. Hair loss can be particularly challenging to treat because it is widely individual and multifactorial.
Hair Loss Causes
Several chronic health conditions cause or contribute to hair loss. The most common causes are hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, blood sugar dysregulation/insulin resistance, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), iron deficiency anemia, viral infections, autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or rheumatoid arthritis, stress, pregnancy/ postpartum hormones, family history, medications, and nutritional deficiencies. We commonly use diagnostic testing to assess and determine underlying factors to hair loss and work up a plan for hair loss treatment.
Natural Hair Loss Treatments
Hair loss treatments can vary depending on the cause and severity of hair loss. However, regardless of the type of hair loss, replenishing micronutrient intake and absorption is essential to growing and maintaining healthy hair. Common deficiencies we see with hair loss include Vitamin D, Zinc, Iron, Essential Fatty Acids, and Vitamin A. We use Spectracell’s Micronutrient Panel to assess deficiencies in important minerals, vitamin, antioxidants, and fatty acids. Addressing food sensitivities, supporting optional thyroid hormones and sex hormones, maintaining a healthy iron status, and establishing healthy ways to manage stress and/or autoimmunity are some of our treatment approaches to hair loss.
If you’re losing hair and want to learn about your risk factors and underlying causes that may be affecting your hair, call 480-588-6856 to schedule a FREE brief meet and greet with a naturopathic doctor.