Navigating Hair Loss

Medically Reviewed by:Jessica Raymond, NP

Written by: Our Editorial Team

Last updated: 02/01/2024

As August comes to an end, so does National Hair Loss Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on an issue that affects nearly 80% of men and 50% of women at some point in their lives.(1) Let's take a closer look at the complex realm of hair loss. Combating hair loss requires a comprehensive understanding of its causes and available solutions. In this blog post, we will delve into the basics of hair growth, explore common triggers for hair loss, discuss the role of hormones, diagnose the condition, and provide insights into effective solutions. The Marek Health approach, grounded in personalized diagnostics and holistic strategies, will serve as our guiding light.

The Science of Hair Growth

Hair growth occurs in a cyclical pattern that consists of four primary phases:

Anagen Phase: This is the growth phase where hair actively grows. It can last for several years and varies based on genetics.

Catagen Phase: During this transitional phase, hair growth slows down, and the hair follicle shrinks. This phase lasts for a few weeks.

Telogen Phase: Known as the resting phase, hair is released from the follicle, and new hair begins to form in the follicles. This phase lasts for a few months.

Exogen Phase: The old hair is shed from the scalp to make way for the new hair. This phase also lasts for a few months. 

The cycle then repeats, with around 85-90% of hair follicles in the anagen phase at any given time. (2)

Hair loss often occurs when the Anagen phase is disrupted, leading to limited opportunity for growth. Less time spent growing results in thinner and shorter strands, eventually contributing to visible hair loss or bald patches. Understanding the growth phases allows us to demystify hair loss and identify effective strategies for prevention. (3)

Factors Leading to Hair Loss

There is no one-size-fits-all explanation for hair loss. Being multifactorial in nature, some of the key drivers include:

Genetics: Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male and female pattern baldness, is largely hereditary. This phenotype is characterized by an excessive response to androgens, namely dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can cause hair follicles to shrink over time.

Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones, particularly androgens like testosterone and DHT. Hormonal imbalances can exacerbate hair thinning. For example, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women asymmetrically elevates androgen levels, thereby contributing to hair loss. (4)  

Age: Hair growth naturally slows down with increasing age. The growth phase shortens, leading to finer and thinner hair strands.

Thyroid Health: The thyroid cascade is deeply involved in the growth of hair follicles. Both hypo- and hyperactive thyroid can provoke hair loss. One subtype of hair loss known as alopecia areata has been linked to elevated thyroid antibody activity. (5)

Stress: Chronic stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to a condition called telogen effluvium. Hair shedding increases due to stress, driven primarily by the hormone cortisol. (1)

Nutrition and Diet: Optimizing micronutrient intake is essential for hair follicle development and pigmentation. The key here is optimizing, as excessive intake of specific micronutrients can worsen hair loss.

To ensure your micronutrient levels are in balance, consider our Comprehensive Vitamin and Mineral Panel. This comprehensive assessment goes beyond guesswork, providing valuable insights into your micronutrient status and enabling you to tailor your diet for optimal hair health while avoiding potential pitfalls.

Medications and Treatments: Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and certain anticoagulants, can cause hair loss as a side effect. Aggressive hair treatments like frequent dyeing or heated styling tools can also damage hair follicles.

Lifestyle and Hair Health

Our lifestyle plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair. Poor nutrition, sedentary living, and unmanaged stress can all contribute to the underlying pathophysiology of hair loss. A holistic approach should evaluate modifiable behavioral risk factors and deeper states of dysfunction.

Stress management techniques, such as meditation and exercise, are essential in minimizing hair loss triggered by elevated stress hormones. Regular exercise promotes blood circulation, ensuring a steady supply of nutrients to hair follicles.

The Connection between Hormones and Hair Loss

Hair loss isn't just a surface-level issue; it often stems from deeper bodily imbalances, particularly hormonal fluctuations. Hormones play a pivotal role in regulating various bodily functions, and when they go awry, hair health can be severely affected. Understanding the intricate relationship between hormones and hair loss is essential for effective management and intervention.

Hormones at Play

One of the key culprits in hair loss is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone. While testosterone is crucial for various physiological processes, including developing male reproductive tissues, it can also be converted into DHT via an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. DHT, when present in excessive amounts or when hair follicles are genetically sensitive to it, can shrink hair follicles, leading to a gradual reduction in hair thickness and eventual hair loss. This phenomenon is called androgenetic alopecia, or male and female pattern baldness. (5)

The TRT Dilemma: Does TRT Cause Hair Loss?

The connection between TRT and hair loss is not straightforward and can vary based on individual factors. The studies that have been done always result in contradictory results of Testosterone Replacement Therapy due to individual factors. Some men on TRT may experience increased DHT levels, which could potentially accelerate hair loss. However, not all individuals on TRT will experience this effect, and some might even see improvements in hair quality due to increased testosterone levels. 

An individual's genetic predisposition to male pattern hair loss is the determining factor on if TRT will cause hair loss. (6)

The Significance of Specific Biomarkers

In the realm of hair loss, specific biomarkers become crucial indicators of underlying hormonal imbalances. For example, measuring levels of total and free DHT and testosterone can provide insights into the potential triggers of hair loss. Abnormal levels of these hormones, especially when combined with genetic susceptibility, can point toward androgenetic alopecia. (5)

Additionally, cortisol, the stress hormone, can contribute to hair loss. Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to hair thinning. Monitoring cortisol levels can offer insights into the stress-related factors contributing to hair loss. (1)

Assessing iron levels and ferritin status is a valuable addition. This becomes crucial due to the potential link between iron deficiency and hair loss. Research, such as the study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (7), indicates that iron deficiency can contribute to hair shedding and loss. Evaluating these markers and a basic complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia helps identify whether iron deficiency might contribute to the issue. Including these assessments in your hair loss investigation provides a more comprehensive picture, enabling a more targeted approach to addressing the concern.

Testing for these biomarkers and others like thyroid hormones can help pinpoint the underlying hormonal imbalances that might be causing or exacerbating hair loss. By identifying these imbalances, healthcare providers can develop personalized interventions targeting the root causes of hair loss, whether through lifestyle modifications, hormone-regulating medications, or other targeted approaches.

Diagnosing Hair Loss

Recognizing the signs of hair loss is crucial for timely intervention. Consulting healthcare professionals helps in accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. Comprehensive blood work is a powerful tool for identifying underlying causes, including hormonal imbalances and nutrient deficiencies. 

At Marek Health, our approach is rooted in comprehensive diagnostics that delve into potential factors like hormonal imbalances and nutrient deficiencies. With the guidance of our experienced team, you'll gain insights and strategies to support your hair health and overall well-being. Book your consultation here.

Hair Loss Solutions

Hair loss can be distressing, but the good news is that various solutions are available. These solutions range from well known FDA-approved treatments such as Finasteride to advanced protocols such as dermaneedling, emphasizing the significance of informed and personalized treatment plans.

Lifestyle Modifications for Hair Health

Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins is essential for healthy hair growth. Nutrients like Vitamin-D, folate, biotin, and iron play a crucial role. Targeted nutritional therapy can be a significant needle mover in the right direction. 

Stress Management: Chronic stress can exacerbate hair loss. Engaging in stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, and regular exercise can positively impact hair health.

Regular Bloodwork: You need multiple data points to establish an accurate baseline. Quarterly or bi-annual diagnostics allow for cultivation of longitudinal data, providing deep insight into your health status. 

Role of Personalized Treatment Plans

Effective hair loss management goes beyond one-size-fits-all approaches. Personalized treatment plans consider an individual's unique factors, including genetics, hormone levels, and lifestyle. Consulting with a healthcare provider specializing in hair health can lead to tailored strategies addressing the root causes of hair loss.

The Marek Health Approach

Marek Health's approach to hair loss seeks to get to the root of hair loss. Recognizing that hair health is interconnected with overall health. We deploy a comprehensive approach to address the underlying factors contributing to hair loss.

Personalized Interventions Based on Diagnostics

Marek Health believes in the power of diagnostics. Through comprehensive blood work and specialized testing, our team identifies specific biomarkers, hormonal imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies that could be triggering hair loss. These insights form the foundation for personalized intervention. Your protocol should be as individualized as your fingerprint.

Holistic Strategies for Long-Term Hair Health

The Marek Health approach extends beyond mere symptom management. By addressing hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and lifestyle factors, the team crafts strategies that tackle hair loss and enhance overall well-being. These strategies may include tailored nutritional plans, stress management techniques, and evidence-based treatments.

Hair loss doesn't have to define your health. With Marek Health, you're not just addressing hair loss; you're investing in comprehensive health transformation that extends far beyond your scalp.

For your further reading, we recommend these resources:

·         Dhurat, R., Sukesh, M., Avhad, G., Dandale, A., Pal, A., & Pund, P. (2013). A Randomized Evaluator Blinded Study of Effect of Microneedling in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Pilot Study. International Journal of Trichology, 5(1), 6–11. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.114700 In this study, the group receiving both microneedling and minoxidil treatment showed a more significant improvement in hair regrowth than the group receiving minoxidil treatment alone.

·         Singh, A., & Yadav, S. (2016). Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 7(4), 244. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.185468 This review article discussed the potential of microneedling to enhance the absorption of topical treatments.

Disclaimer: This blog post/article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. This is not a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied upon. If you are considering a treatment, always consult your primary care physician to discuss the risks and benefits.

Citations:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9710406/

  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499948/

  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9917549/#:~:text=While%20old%20hair%20is%20resting,as%20telogen%20effluvium%20(TE).

  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4174066/

  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4931647/

  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2701485/

  7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190962205047456