Hair loss can be devastating and frustrating for many. Naturopathic hair loss treatment is one method of determining the root cause and having a custom treatment plan to help decrease it and facilitate regrowth. Let’s learn more about the causes of hair loss and naturopathic hair loss treatment options available.

Causes of Hair Loss:

Hair loss is a message from the body stating that something is imbalanced internally. A common misconception is that hair loss occurs due to external factors, like using hair dyes, styling tools and products. Although this is true, what is happening inside the body is equally important in determining the reason behind hair loss.

1. Thyroid Health

The thyroid is an important gland in the body that releases thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, which acts nearly on every organ in the body. Thyroid hormones regulate the speed at which cells work. Optimal thyroid hormones ensure that all cells in the body are working when it needs to and resting appropriately. Hypothyroidism, decreased thyroid function, and to a limited degree hyperthyroidism, increased thyroid function, has been linked to hair loss. Dr. Swalah is able to do a full thyroid health assessment in order to determine if hair loss is due to the improper function of the thyroid gland and its hormones. If thyroid hormones are not working optimally, Dr. Swalah utilizes evidence-based treatments, ranging from diet, supplementation, herbal support, and lifestyle changes to support the thyroid gland and thyroid hormones.

2. Hormones  

Hormones are an important and influential part of the human body. Hormones influence everything from hunger levels, reproductive organ function and even the hair cycle. Therefore, hormonal imbalances can be a leading cause of hair loss. The most well-studied hormone associated with hair loss is a group of hormones called androgens, impacting both male and females. Androgenic alopecia – hair loss associated with high levels of androgens – can be inherited or due to aging, blood sugar dysregulation, diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome and nutrient deficiencies. As part of naturopathic hair loss treatment, Dr. Swalah is able to do a full hormonal health assessment in order to determine if hair loss is due to a hormonal imbalance. If hormonal dysregulation is the root cause, Dr. Swalah utilizes evidence-based treatments, ranging from diet, supplementation, herbal support and lifestyle changes to support and rebalance hormones.

3. Nutrients

Hair is one of the last places the body sends nutrients too. When there are nutritional deficiencies, the body will utilize it for more important, life-sustaining cells and organs. That is why addressing nutrient deficiencies is not just important for the hair but for optimal health! There are many nutrient deficiencies linked to hair loss like iron, riboflavin, biotin, folate, vitamin B12, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin A and much more. Through a proper assessment & lab work, Dr. Swalah is able to determine which nutrients are deficient and utilize evidence-based dietary changes and supplementation to correct the deficiencies.

4. Stress

Stress can impact hair growth in more ways than imaginable. In fact, there is even a diagnosis for stress-induced hair loss, called Telogen effluvium. People going through significant stressful periods, like childbirth, extensive surgical procedures and chronic illness, have experienced this kind of hair loss. Telogen effluvium occurs when the hair follicle abruptly stops growing and goes into the resting phase all at the same time. Then when the hair follicle sheds, massive amounts of hair beings to fall out, which can be distressing to experience. The good news is that with proper stress management, telogen effluvium can be reduced and the goal of proper hair regrowth can possibly be achieved. Dr. Swalah addresses the source of stress and works on establishing a herbal, dietary, lifestyle and supplement regiment to combat the negative effects of stress.

5. Immune

Dysregulation of the immune system can lead to hair loss. Alopecia areate is a form of hair loss that occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles leading to hair loss, usually in small patches. As a naturopathic hair loss focused doctor, Dr. Swalah utilizes the healing power of nature to stop the body from attacking hair follicles, keep inflammation at bay and promote regrowth of the hair follicles. Naturopathic hair loss treatments include, but not limited to, immune regulation herbs, anti-inflammatory foods, stress-reducing lifestyle management and hair follicle stimulating herbs.

Hair loss can be emotionally distressing, impacting self-esteem in negative ways. Hair loss can also be a sign of other areas of the body not working optimally. Addressing hair loss is important as treatment can positively impact other areas of health. Connect with Dr. Swalah to see how her natural hair loss treatments and diagnosing can help prevent hair loss and increase hair growth.