Hair loss is a major issue that affects confidence and self-esteem in both men and women.
I am not a trichologist, but I do find hormonal issues affect hair loss, so it is something I see on a regular basis. Here’s how I treat hair loss:
#1 Blood Tests – I check certain blood tests which affect hair growth such as a thorough thyroid profile and iron levels. Testosterone levels if too high in both men and women can cause hair loss.
#2 Hormones – hormonally, hair loss can affect us at all the different stages of life. For a woman in menopause, the new low levels of hormones can worsen hair loss so taking hormone replacement therapy can help. In premenstrual women, lower levels of natural progesterone can make hair loss worse. Have you ever noticed that pregnant women often have lovely thick glossy hair? That’s because they have high levels of progesterone to sustain the pregnancy. Taking some progesterone (bio or body identical, NOT synthetic progestin) can help.
#3 Stress hormones – hair can fall out 3 months after a period of stress. If you think this is the case for you, taking supplements like Ashwagandha, B Vitamins, Rhodiola amongst others can help balance the stress hormones and stop hair loss. In some cases, I do an adrenal stress profile test to measure cortisol with my patients.
#4 Hair supplements – often a good hair supplement tablet with biotin, zinc and other ingredients like a marine complex can help, hair is slow to respond to what you’re taking so it can take 3-4 months to see a marked improvement.
#5 Hair Tonics – I work with laboratories in London to make custom made hair tonics for my patients which you apply to the scalp. These can be a combination of hormones and other active ingredients like Finasteride and Minoxidil amongst others. They have great benefits for my patients.
