Hair Loss, an Upsetting Symptom

Understanding Hair Loss

In our functional medicine practice, we encounter a wide array of physical symptoms, but one of the most distressing for patients can be hair loss. Hair is often tied to personal identity and self-esteem, so losing it can deeply impact emotional well-being.

Hair loss can present in many forms. Some individuals experience diffuse hair thinning all over the scalp, while others notice patches of baldness. Many report finding more hair in their shower drains or on their brushes, and some may experience hair loss in a pattern typically associated with male baldness. Though more common in men, these patterns can affect both men and women alike.

Causes of Hair Loss

There are a number of potential root causes of hair loss, and uncovering them requires a comprehensive evaluation of each patient’s health. Functional medicine doctors always aim to understand the underlying drivers of symptoms rather than simply treating the symptoms themselves. Below are some key contributors to hair loss as well as some potential treatments:

1. Stress: Physical and Emotional

One of the major causes of hair loss is stress, which can either be physical (e.g., illness, surgery, or trauma) or emotional. Prolonged stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to conditions like telogen effluvium, where more hair enters the resting phase and subsequently falls out. Stress management techniques, including mindfulness, meditation, and adaptogenic herbs, can be vital in addressing stress-related hair loss.

2. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal changes play a significant role in hair loss, particularly elevated levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen responsible for androgenic alopecia (commonly referred to as male-pattern baldness). In women, hormonal shifts during perimenopause, menopause, or postpartum can also trigger hair loss. Balancing hormones through personalized interventions, including bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), dietary adjustments, and targeted supplementation, can help mitigate this.

3. Thyroid Dysfunction

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is a common cause of hair loss. Autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can further exacerbate hair thinning. Supporting thyroid health through appropriate thyroid hormone replacement, iodine, selenium, and a well-rounded diet can make a significant difference in managing hair loss linked to thyroid disorders.

4. Nutrient Deficiencies

Adequate nutrient intake is essential for healthy hair growth. Iron deficiency (particularly in menstruating women) is one of the most overlooked causes of hair loss. Low ferritin levels, which reflect iron stores, are often found in patients with hair thinning. Inadequate protein intake and deficiencies in key vitamins like biotin, zinc, vitamin D, and B vitamins can also impair hair health.

5. Toxic Exposures

High levels of heavy metals, such as mercury, can disrupt cellular function and trigger hair loss. Mercury exposure can come from certain types of fish, amalgam dental fillings, or environmental factors. Detoxification support, including chelation therapy and the use of binders like chlorella or activated charcoal, may be necessary for patients with heavy metal toxicity contributing to their hair loss.

6. Autoimmune Conditions

In addition to thyroid-related autoimmune disorders, conditions like alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss) can contribute to hair loss. Functional medicine often focuses on reducing systemic inflammation and healing the gut lining to modulate immune system function, using interventions like an anti-inflammatory diet, probiotics, and specific supplements such as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.

7. Gut Health and Inflammation

The gut-skin-hair axis is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in maintaining healthy hair. Chronic inflammation stemming from gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, or food sensitivities can manifest as hair loss. Healing the gut through personalized dietary protocols (such as gluten or dairy elimination), gut-healing supplements (e.g., L-glutamine, collagen, and probiotics), and addressing gut infections can be crucial steps in restoring hair health.

A Functional Medicine Approach to Hair Loss

When patients come to us with hair loss concerns, we find it essential to take a holistic and compassionate approach. We don’t just treat the hair loss itself; we explore the entire person, their health history, lifestyle, stress levels, and potential environmental exposures. Diagnostic testing, such as blood work to evaluate hormone levels, thyroid function, and nutrient deficiencies, along with heavy metal screening, can provide valuable insights into the underlying causes.

For many patients, addressing hair loss is not just about aesthetic concerns—it’s about restoring vitality and balance within their bodies. By focusing on the root causes and supporting the body’s natural healing processes through targeted interventions, we aim to help patients regain not only their hair but their overall health and well-being.

Make an appointment today to learn more about how our Denver functional medicine office can help you with hair loss and other concerns.