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:
- Thyroid and Hashimoto’s
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Stress
- Hormonal Shifts
- 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 Designs for Health. A balanced diet and avoiding dairy may also help with symptoms of PCOS.
Natural Topical Solutions for Improved Hair Health
Incorporating natural oils like Homa, Amla, or Argan for hair oiling can help combat dryness and brittleness. Hair oiling is a beneficial practice where natural oils are applied to the hair and left for an extended period before shampooing. This can nourish the hair and promote overall hair health.
Choosing hair care products wisely is also crucial for maintaining healthy hair. Avoid chemical hair dyes, as they can harm the hair follicles and leach into your body. Instead, opt for natural hair dye alternatives (learn more about what I use in episodes 121 and 142).
Topical serums with essential oils like rosemary or basil can promote hair growth and rejuvenate hair follicles.
Positive Mindset and Good Hair
Mindset is a powerful tool for addressing hair issues and overall health. Visualizing your desired outcome and focusing on positive thoughts can influence your body’s response. Remember, your body hears everything your brain is thinking, so maintaining a positive mindset can have a significant impact on your journey to better hair and well-being.
Next Steps
Hair issues can be a reflection of underlying health imbalances, and addressing them can lead to positive changes in your overall health and well-being. Remember to consider thyroid and Hashimoto’s, nutrient deficiencies, stress management, hormonal shifts, and PCOS as possible contributors to hair problems. Don’t forget to choose hair care products wisely and maintain a positive mindset throughout your journey to better hair health.
Eliminating Health Mysteries
When it comes to healthy hair, we need to find that missing piece of the health puzzle because it’s not just about the hair. Could one of these five reasons be the missing clue for you or someone in your life? Be sure to subscribe and share this episode.
Links:
Resources mentioned
Free Thyroid Mystery Solved Workshop. Register here: http://www.thyroidmysterysolved.com/augustworkshop
Suggested Products
Ferrochel Iron Methyl B Complex from Quick Silver Scientific B12 ND from Premier Research Labs Reacted Zinc Sensitol PS 150Related Podcast Episodes:
111 What Is Your Thyroid Type? (and How to Manage It) 139 How to Power Up Your Hashimoto’s and Thyroid Healing Journey with Hypnosis Part 1 140 Power Up Your Hashimoto’s and Thyroid Healing Journey with Hypnosis, Part 2 121 Hair Dyes and Autoimmunity – What’s a girl to do? 142 Hair Color and Autoimmunity – My Hairprint Journey ContinuesThanks for Listening
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PLEASE NOTE
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