As women, we tend to be our own worst critics and constantly fret about our appearance. If your hair starts falling out, it can be extremely upsetting especially when you don’t know the cause. We are already affected by the changes that take place in our body as we age, but the onset of hair loss is particularly debilitating, as it affects our overall self-esteem and wellbeing.
There are many causes of hair loss in women. Sometimes it’s not just a single cause which can make it even more difficult to deal with. You may notice that your hair falls out after a stressful event, however there’s usually a delay of a few months for this to start happening after the event. While stress is a cause that we can readily recognize and accept (because we know it will grow back), there are other causes that may not be as obvious such as thyroid problems, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, or other hormonal imbalances. Regardless of the cause, it is very upsetting to find clumps of hair falling out, part widening, or even worse, bald spots emerging.
The Good News is That Dr. Wood Can Help!
New Patients Call: 972-382-5597
While hair loss can feel overwhelming and confusing, you do not have to figure it out on your own! Dr. Wood and the amazing staff at Wonderfully Made Functional Medicine are here to help you! You don’t have to live with unwanted hair loss and accept that that’s just the way it’s going to be. We will work to find the underlying causes of hair loss and treat accordingly!
Causes of Hair Loss
One of the most common causes of hair loss is a thyroid problem. There are a number of reasons why a thyroid disorder can cause hair to fall out. The thyroid is known as the “master gland.” It regulates your metabolism, hormones, and other physiological processes. A sluggish thyroid, called Hypothyroidism, causes your metabolism to slow down. Energy isn’t readily available to all of the biological processes that depend on it, including hair growth.
Hypothyroidism can also cause your digestive system to slow down, which can impede absorption of vitamins and minerals such as iron. Iron is critical for hemoglobin in red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen and it’s possible that there isn’t enough oxygen being delivered to hair follicles, which can also lead to hair loss.
The thyroid is a major player in our body’s synchronized endocrine system, which is made up of many glands that produce hormones. When a woman reaches her perimenopausal/menopausal years, hormone levels decline and can contribute to hair loss. In fact, imbalanced hormones are the most common cause of hair loss for middle aged women. Female hormone production begins to decrease as women reach their forties and fifties and can not only cause hair to fall out, but can also cause changes in texture such as dryness or brittleness. Hair can become thinner, finer, and the scalp can become itchy and dryer.
Hormone imbalances that can contribute to hair loss include:
- Estrogen deficiency
- Too little or too much testosterone production
- Progesterone deficiency
- Adrenal fatigue (low cortisol levels)
- Insulin resistance
Other causes of hair loss in women can be:
- Sudden stress such as divorce, or death of a family member
- Chronic stress
- Poor diet
- Significant weight loss
- Auto-immune disorders
- Iron deficiency
- Low B vitamin levels
- Some medications
Additionally, nutritional deficiencies can contribute to hair loss. There are supplements available that can help restore hair issues such as:
- Biotin
- Iron (should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision)
- Selenium
- Zinc
- B-Complex
- Magnesium
- Iodine (should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision)
- Vitamin D3
Because hormones are the chemical messengers that send signals throughout your body, any imbalance in the endocrine system can cause a cascade effect where other hormones are thrown off. This is why it’s important to explore ALL potential root causes, because if you are only addressing one particular problem, you aren’t correcting the whole.
Dr. Wood begins her care by spending time getting to know YOU, your history, and your lifestyle. She will also run a very comprehensive set of labs to help determine the root causes of your hair loss. And finally, she will work with you to restore your body’s natural function, as it was designed.
Contact our New Patient Coordinator for a Free Consultation
To start your road to recovery, contact our New Patient Coordinator today. She will answer any questions you have, explain our treatment protocols, fees, and options. You can also fill out the form below and we will contact you at a time that it is convenient.
New Patients Call: 972-382-5597