Episode 129: What You Need to Know About Hair Loss in Women
In this re-release episode from January 2021, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Toni discuss: the different types of hair loss, causes, lab tests to consider and solutions that can work for women in perimenopause who are experiencing hair loss. It’s important to recognize that some hair loss is normal but unfortunately, abnormal hair loss is common. Up to 50% of women will experience significant amounts of hair loss in their lifetime. What is Normal? Loss of 50-100 hairs on average per dayNo change in hairline/scalp you can see; pony tail still same size3-4 months postpartum: you don’t lose hair during pregnancy; make up for it at this timenormalizes at around 6-12 months postpartum The Stages for Hair Follicles: Anagen – active growth phase lasting 2-7 yearsCatagen – brief transitional phase where fibre stops growingTelogen – rest phase lasting 3 months where old hair pushed up to skin surface then shed What is Abnormal? Losing more than 100 hairs per day when not postpartumChange in your hairline with more scalp visibleTelogen effluvium: temporary hair loss after stress, shock or traumatic event Type of Hair Loss: Genetic – progressive gradual reduction in your hair volume, can make your hair follicles more susceptible to reactive hair lossReactive – also known as telogen effluvium, temporary hair loss Causes of Hair Loss: Nutrient deficiencies: low iron, vitamin b12, protein intakeLow thyroid function: Hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s autoimmune thyroiditisYour thyroid gland helps to regulate your body’s metabolism by controlling the production of proteins and your tissue use of oxygen. Any thyroid imbalance can therefore affect your hair follicles. If hypothyroidism is left untreated it may result in anemia or iron deficiencyStress, shock or traumatic eventCan negatively impact your estrogen levels which can impact hair lossRaises your androgen levels, disrupts your scalp health causing dandruff, negative impact on your digestionCan negatively impact your thyroid functionLeaky gut, celiac disease and eating gluten – see Episode 8 for more info on gut healthDamaging hair dye or other hair care products that weigh your hair downTraction alopecia: caused pulling hair back tightly (eg. ponytail, bun or braids) and weakening hair folliclesHormone changes and imbalancePerimenopause with lower estrogenPCOS with high androgens and insulin resistanceCaloric restriction:Excessive fastingCleanses with low protein intakeEating disordersNo or low carb intake Laboratory Testing You Can Consider To Determine The Cause of Your Hair Loss: Nutrient testingIron panel – hemoglobin, ferritin, iron and transferrin saturation levelsVitamin B12Celiac screenFood sensitivity testingThyroid panel (TSH, free T4 and T3 plus thyroid antibodies) – see Episode 42 for more infoAutoimmune testingHormone testingadrenal/cortisolhormone panel with estrogens and androgensBlood sugar testingInsulin and glucose levels when fastingHemoglobin A1CGlucometer or continuous blood sugar testing at home What you can do about it? Biotin: does it really work? Found in eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts, sweet potatoes, broccoli and cauliflowerCan impact accuracy on certain lab testing like thyroid hormone tests Too much can worsen cystic acne and affect your absorption of vitamin B5, which is needed for skin healthYour hair is made of protein, so adequate intake of protein rich foods is essential Palm sized portion with lunch and supperAim for a total intake of 1 gram per kilogram of body weight dailyComplex carbohydrates provide your hair with the energy it needs to growCarrots, sweet potatoes, squash, greensOther minerals and vitamins: iron, copper, zinc, selenium, vitamin C, B12, D3, essential amino acids l-lysine and l-methionine Supporting scalp circulation Head/scalp massageExercise, yoga, headstandsEssential oils applied topically to scalpThyme, rosemary, lavender, cedarwood in carrier oil of jojoba and grapeseed has been shown to support hair ...
