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Hair Health
Hair loss is preventable AND reversible. Our best recommendations for you. Remember… Hormones are key! By age 50, half of women will complain of hair loss. Two-thirds of all menopausal women deal with thinning hair or bald spots!
IS THIS YOU? The causes of thinning hair or hair loss in women: Progesterone or Estrogen deficiency – hair loss on head Starting or stopping birth control pills (which contain synthetic progestins) Essential Fatty Acids deficiency (EFAs) Vitamin B12 deficiency Severe stress Hypothyroidism — Diffuse hair loss everywhere Protein deficiency (common with vegetarian diets) Anorexia or bulimia Anti-depressants Anti-cholesterol drugs Blood thinners Blood pressure meds Harsh commercial shampoos Perms, hair color, bleach, blow-drying, and improper combing/brushing The hormonal process where testosterone is converted to DHT happens in both men and women. Even though women normally have a tiny fraction of the amount of testosterone that men do, this small amount can still cause DHT-triggered hair loss, so abnormal levels can cause an even greater problem. Types of Hair Loss: Andogenetic What Causes It? Can be triggered by menopause, pregnancy, ovarian cyst birth controls that have high androgen indexes.
What Happens? Leads to diffuse hair thinning over the entire scalp.
SOLUTION: Keep your hormones balanced! Telogen Effluvium (Stress Related Hair Loss, low thyroid) What causes Telogen Effluvium? Can be caused by events like childbirth, surgeries, major infections, malnutrition, car accidents, crash dieting, some antidepressants, and extreme stress. Some dermatologists believe that low iron intake (from not eating enough red meat) can contribute to TE. Can also be a symptom of thyroid dysfunction, such as hypothyroid. What Happens? 6-12 weeks after the stressful event, a big portion of hair shifts from the anagen (growing) phase and catagen (resting) phase into the telogen (shedding) phase. Handfuls of hair can fall out, mostly on the top of the scalp The hairs that fall out have a small bulb of keratin on the ends. Is it permanent? NO! TE is fully reversible, even in severe cases. Treatment depends on the cause and whether a specific factor can be identified. In many cases, the environmental trigger must be removed in order for hair to start growing normally again.
Some doctors will prescribe Minoxidil (Rogaine) but be aware that Minoxidil is for long-term use, and will only be effective for as long as you’re using it. If you stop, hair growth will stop and you will lose the growth you achieved. So you are stuck on use of a chemical substance on your scalp, long term.
SOLUTION: Alleviate stress. A supplement called Phosphatidylserine is a great over-the-counter product that can lower cortisol, the stress hormone. L-Tyrosine is also great for you as it supports thyroid function!
Anagen Effluvium What causes it? Cancer treatment or toxic products that block rapid cell growth. What happens? Hair follicles become frozen in time and hair falls out quickly—unlike in telogen effluvium, ALL of the hair can be lost. The hair that falls out has a narrow, tapered look. Is it permanent? NO! Because the hair follicles are just frozen in time, they can start growing again once the threat has been removed, i.e. once chemotherapy stops. When new hair grows back, it can be a completely different texture and color.
SOLUTION: Again, balance your hormones.
Traction alopecia What causes it? Very tight hairstyles that pull at the hair over time, like tight ponytails, extensions, and braids. What happens? The tight hairstyle and its pulling of the hair can cause localized trauma to hair follicles that leads to hair loss. Is it permanent? If caught early enough, hair growth can resume normally.
SOLUTION: Keep hair free-flowing
Why is This Happening to Me?! Hair loss on the head of a woman indicates low estrogen or progesterone. Hair loss all over the body can indicate low thyroid. HORMONAL SHIFTS: When progesterone and estrogen levels fall, the body responds by increasing production of androgens which convey male-like properties. During peri-menopause and menopause, testosterone combines with the enzyme 5 alpha reductase to create DHT which can cause female pattern baldness. DHT appears to make the follicles go into their phase faster. This causes the hairs produced by those follicles to become thinner and thinner with each growth cycle. Eventually follicles become smaller and can close up entirely. PREGNANCY: About half of women will shed hair after childbirth. But that’s only because it was extra full while pregnant. During pregnancy high levels of hormone keep hair from falling out. After delivery, your hormones go back to normal levels, and the hair loss that was delayed occurs all at once. Don’t worry!
ADRENAL DYSFUNCTION STRESS: When adrenal glands are compromised by stress, more androgens are made which can also lead to hair loss in women.
GENETICS: Women rarely lose their hair due to a genetic predisposition; instead it is usually caused by hormonal imbalance and other cyclical shifts such as during/after pregnancy, postmenopausal trauma, birth control side-effects, or adrenal dysfunction. Do not despair…. hair is amazingly adaptive and can be restored!
BIRTH CONTROL: It’s good to keep in mind that any medications that alter the hormones (including oral contraceptives) have the potential to cause or worsen hair loss. The following types of birth control have been linked to hair loss: Progestin implants such as Norplant Hormone injections such as Depo-Provera Skin patches like Ortho Evra Vaginal ring like NuvaRing Birth control and other medications, including antidepressants can alter your hormone levels, so taking them may cause hair loss.
THINNING: Don’t fret. Some shedding is normal. The average person loses about 50—100 strands a day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. But thinning beyond that can a sign of a problem, such as hormonal imbalance, thyroid abnormalities, adrenal dysfunction, or even stress.
DRYNESS: Most parched, brittle hair can be blamed on the overuse of heat-styling tools such as flatirons, curling irons, or blow dryers. Heat damages the protective cuticle layer. Women of color are especially susceptible. While an occasional dye job won’t hurt, going for color more than four or five times a year can—especially if you’re going a lot lighter. You’re bleaching the hair, which chemically strips it making it more likely to break down. Environmental factors, like exposure to UV rays or pollution, can also roughen the cuticle. Solution: Reduce your use of hair dryers & irons. Keep hair irons and dryers on low. Use a good conditioner after shampooing. Also, a moisturizing styling product before applying any heat to hair. Hold your dryer 6 inches away from your head. Go for frequent trims (ideally every eight weeks). If you’re out in the sun, wear a hat or use a leave-in conditioner with SPF. Stimulate your scalp when you’re in the shower. Increase blood flow to the head to keep follicles open healthy The Healthy Hair Diet: For thick, strong, shiny strands, don’t deprive yourself —restricted diets can actually cause hair loss— Supplement with these nutrients.
Be patient! New hair growth can occur between 3 weeks to 4 months.
Vitamin D—Studies have found that D may help activate hair growth and re-awaken sleeping hair follicles. Take at least 1,000 IU supplement daily. Protein—It boosts hair strength; women should get at least 46 grams a day (3 ounces of chicken had about 23 grams)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids—Eat fatty fish (like salmon) twice a week for hydrated hair, or take up to 1 gram a day of a DHA and EPA supplement. Biotin—Eggs are rich in this B vitamin essential for growth. Or take a 30 mcg supplement daily. Folic Acid—Makes hair grow faster. A great product is Rodex Forte. B-12 Sublingual—Provides proper nutrients which stimulate hair growth L-Tyrosine—Can help strengthen hair, nourishes thyroid. An unhealthy thyroid can cause hair loss
Testimonial: Dear Barbara, The natural progesterone has improved my life so much, no more horrible periods ,I was having hair loss and growing facial hair the progesterone had helped lots, but I added the Saw Palmetto about 5 months ago, just like you recommended 320 mg. once a day and now I can say WOW hair loss diminished and facial hair reduced almost by 80 % and I have started to even lose some weight. - E.H.
IS THIS YOU? The causes of thinning hair or hair loss in women: Progesterone or Estrogen deficiency – hair loss on head Starting or stopping birth control pills (which contain synthetic progestins) Essential Fatty Acids deficiency (EFAs) Vitamin B12 deficiency Severe stress Hypothyroidism — Diffuse hair loss everywhere Protein deficiency (common with vegetarian diets) Anorexia or bulimia Anti-depressants Anti-cholesterol drugs Blood thinners Blood pressure meds Harsh commercial shampoos Perms, hair color, bleach, blow-drying, and improper combing/brushing The hormonal process where testosterone is converted to DHT happens in both men and women. Even though women normally have a tiny fraction of the amount of testosterone that men do, this small amount can still cause DHT-triggered hair loss, so abnormal levels can cause an even greater problem. Types of Hair Loss: Andogenetic What Causes It? Can be triggered by menopause, pregnancy, ovarian cyst birth controls that have high androgen indexes.
What Happens? Leads to diffuse hair thinning over the entire scalp.
SOLUTION: Keep your hormones balanced! Telogen Effluvium (Stress Related Hair Loss, low thyroid) What causes Telogen Effluvium? Can be caused by events like childbirth, surgeries, major infections, malnutrition, car accidents, crash dieting, some antidepressants, and extreme stress. Some dermatologists believe that low iron intake (from not eating enough red meat) can contribute to TE. Can also be a symptom of thyroid dysfunction, such as hypothyroid. What Happens? 6-12 weeks after the stressful event, a big portion of hair shifts from the anagen (growing) phase and catagen (resting) phase into the telogen (shedding) phase. Handfuls of hair can fall out, mostly on the top of the scalp The hairs that fall out have a small bulb of keratin on the ends. Is it permanent? NO! TE is fully reversible, even in severe cases. Treatment depends on the cause and whether a specific factor can be identified. In many cases, the environmental trigger must be removed in order for hair to start growing normally again.
SOLUTION: Alleviate stress. A supplement called Phosphatidylserine is a great over-the-counter product that can lower cortisol, the stress hormone. L-Tyrosine is also great for you as it supports thyroid function!
Anagen Effluvium What causes it? Cancer treatment or toxic products that block rapid cell growth. What happens? Hair follicles become frozen in time and hair falls out quickly—unlike in telogen effluvium, ALL of the hair can be lost. The hair that falls out has a narrow, tapered look. Is it permanent? NO! Because the hair follicles are just frozen in time, they can start growing again once the threat has been removed, i.e. once chemotherapy stops. When new hair grows back, it can be a completely different texture and color.
SOLUTION: Again, balance your hormones.
Traction alopecia What causes it? Very tight hairstyles that pull at the hair over time, like tight ponytails, extensions, and braids. What happens? The tight hairstyle and its pulling of the hair can cause localized trauma to hair follicles that leads to hair loss. Is it permanent? If caught early enough, hair growth can resume normally.
SOLUTION: Keep hair free-flowing
Why is This Happening to Me?! Hair loss on the head of a woman indicates low estrogen or progesterone. Hair loss all over the body can indicate low thyroid. HORMONAL SHIFTS: When progesterone and estrogen levels fall, the body responds by increasing production of androgens which convey male-like properties. During peri-menopause and menopause, testosterone combines with the enzyme 5 alpha reductase to create DHT which can cause female pattern baldness. DHT appears to make the follicles go into their phase faster. This causes the hairs produced by those follicles to become thinner and thinner with each growth cycle. Eventually follicles become smaller and can close up entirely. PREGNANCY: About half of women will shed hair after childbirth. But that’s only because it was extra full while pregnant. During pregnancy high levels of hormone keep hair from falling out. After delivery, your hormones go back to normal levels, and the hair loss that was delayed occurs all at once. Don’t worry!
ADRENAL DYSFUNCTION STRESS: When adrenal glands are compromised by stress, more androgens are made which can also lead to hair loss in women.
GENETICS: Women rarely lose their hair due to a genetic predisposition; instead it is usually caused by hormonal imbalance and other cyclical shifts such as during/after pregnancy, postmenopausal trauma, birth control side-effects, or adrenal dysfunction. Do not despair…. hair is amazingly adaptive and can be restored!
BIRTH CONTROL: It’s good to keep in mind that any medications that alter the hormones (including oral contraceptives) have the potential to cause or worsen hair loss. The following types of birth control have been linked to hair loss: Progestin implants such as Norplant Hormone injections such as Depo-Provera Skin patches like Ortho Evra Vaginal ring like NuvaRing Birth control and other medications, including antidepressants can alter your hormone levels, so taking them may cause hair loss.
THINNING: Don’t fret. Some shedding is normal. The average person loses about 50—100 strands a day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. But thinning beyond that can a sign of a problem, such as hormonal imbalance, thyroid abnormalities, adrenal dysfunction, or even stress.
DRYNESS: Most parched, brittle hair can be blamed on the overuse of heat-styling tools such as flatirons, curling irons, or blow dryers. Heat damages the protective cuticle layer. Women of color are especially susceptible. While an occasional dye job won’t hurt, going for color more than four or five times a year can—especially if you’re going a lot lighter. You’re bleaching the hair, which chemically strips it making it more likely to break down. Environmental factors, like exposure to UV rays or pollution, can also roughen the cuticle. Solution: Reduce your use of hair dryers & irons. Keep hair irons and dryers on low. Use a good conditioner after shampooing. Also, a moisturizing styling product before applying any heat to hair. Hold your dryer 6 inches away from your head. Go for frequent trims (ideally every eight weeks). If you’re out in the sun, wear a hat or use a leave-in conditioner with SPF. Stimulate your scalp when you’re in the shower. Increase blood flow to the head to keep follicles open healthy The Healthy Hair Diet: For thick, strong, shiny strands, don’t deprive yourself —restricted diets can actually cause hair loss— Supplement with these nutrients.
Be patient! New hair growth can occur between 3 weeks to 4 months.
Vitamin D—Studies have found that D may help activate hair growth and re-awaken sleeping hair follicles. Take at least 1,000 IU supplement daily. Protein—It boosts hair strength; women should get at least 46 grams a day (3 ounces of chicken had about 23 grams)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids—Eat fatty fish (like salmon) twice a week for hydrated hair, or take up to 1 gram a day of a DHA and EPA supplement. Biotin—Eggs are rich in this B vitamin essential for growth. Or take a 30 mcg supplement daily. Folic Acid—Makes hair grow faster. A great product is Rodex Forte. B-12 Sublingual—Provides proper nutrients which stimulate hair growth L-Tyrosine—Can help strengthen hair, nourishes thyroid. An unhealthy thyroid can cause hair loss
Testimonial: Dear Barbara, The natural progesterone has improved my life so much, no more horrible periods ,I was having hair loss and growing facial hair the progesterone had helped lots, but I added the Saw Palmetto about 5 months ago, just like you recommended 320 mg. once a day and now I can say WOW hair loss diminished and facial hair reduced almost by 80 % and I have started to even lose some weight. - E.H.
