HAIR LOSS DISASTER
Dr. MIchael Wald, DC, Board Certified Nutritionist, Dietitian
PRESENTED BY DR. MICHAEL WALD
DC | DIETITIAN | BOARD CERTIFIED NUTRITIONIST
Chappaqua NY in Westchester – an hr north or NYC
914-552-1442
Hair loss can be a distressing condition that affects both men and women, and it can have a significant impact on an individual’s self-esteem and quality of life. There are several underlying causes of hair loss, and identifying the specific cause is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment.
Types of hair loss in men and women:
There are several types of hair loss that can affect both men and women, including:
Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male/female pattern baldness, is the most common type of hair loss. It is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones, and can lead to a receding hairline and thinning of the hair on the top of the head.
2. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances, such as those occurring during pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid disorders, can contribute to hair loss.
3. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like scalp infections (e.g., ringworm), autoimmune diseases (e.g., alopecia areata), and trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) can cause hair loss.
4. Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, vitamin D, and biotin can lead to hair loss.
5. Stress: Physical or emotional stress can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle and result in temporary hair loss.
6. Medications: Some medications used for cancer treatment (chemotherapy), blood thinners, antidepressants, and hormonal therapies may cause hair loss as a side effect.
7. Aging: As individuals age, the rate of hair growth slows down, and hair follicles may become less active, leading to thinning hair.
8. Traction Alopecia: Hairstyles that pull on the hair tightly, such as braids, ponytails, or cornrows, can cause gradual hair loss over time.
9. Excessive Styling or Heat Damage: Frequent use of heat styling tools like straighteners or curling irons, as well as chemical treatments like perming or coloring, can damage the hair shaft and lead to breakage and thinning.
10. Physical Trauma: Severe physical trauma like surgery, accidents, or burns can cause temporary hair loss known as telogen effluvium.
11. Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss or extreme dieting can disrupt the hair growth cycle and result in temporary hair loss.
12. Anemia: Iron deficiency anemia can lead to hair loss as iron is essential for healthy hair growth.
13. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause excessive hair shedding in women due to increased androgen levels.
14. Genetic Predisposition: Certain genetic factors can make individuals more susceptible to hair loss.
15. Chemical Exposure: Exposure to certain chemicals like arsenic, thallium, or radiation therapy can cause hair loss.
16. Smoking: Smoking has been linked to hair loss due to its negative impact on blood circulation and oxidative stress.
17. Environmental Factors: Exposure to harsh environmental conditions, such as pollution or excessive sunlight, can damage the hair and lead to hair loss.
18. Scalp Conditions: Scalp conditions like psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis can cause inflammation and disrupt the normal hair growth cycle.
19. Hormonal Birth Control: Some forms of hormonal birth control may contribute to hair loss in women, especially if they are sensitive to hormonal changes.
20. Hair Products: Certain hair products containing harsh chemicals or frequent use of tight headgear (e.g., helmets) can contribute to hair loss.
Telogen effluvium is a condition that causes a sudden increase in the number of hair follicles that stop growing and enter the resting phase, leading to excessive hair shedding. This can be caused by stress, hormonal changes, or certain medications.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss in patches. It can affect both men and women and can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, allergies, and hormonal imbalances.
The causes of hair loss can vary depending on the type of hair loss and the individual. Some common causes include genetics, hormonal imbalances, stress, and certain medical conditions.
SPECIFIC DISEASES AND CONDITIONS THAT CAN CAUSE HAIR LOSS IN MEN AND WOMEN:
Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Hypothyroidism: This condition occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, which can lead to hair loss.
Hyperthyroidism: On the other hand, too much thyroid hormone can also cause hair loss.
Malnutrition: A diet lacking essential nutrients like iron, zinc, or biotin can lead to hair loss.
Malabsorption: When the body cannot properly absorb nutrients, hair loss may result.
Gluten Intolerance: Some people with gluten intolerance may experience hair loss due to poor nutrient absorption.
Inflammation: Chronic inflammation in the body can lead to hair loss.
Heavy Metals: Exposure to heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic can cause hair loss.
Infections: Certain infections like fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in nutrients like vitamin D, iron, and zinc can contribute to hair loss.
Stress: Prolonged stress can cause hair loss due to the body’s increased production of cortisol.
Lack of Proper Sleep: Poor sleep quality and quantity have been linked to hair loss.
Circulation Problems: Poor blood flow to the scalp can lead to hair loss.
Autoimmune Diseases: Certain autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis can cause hair loss.
It’s important to note that hair loss can be temporary or permanent, depending on the underlying cause. If you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
TOP MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND SOME MEDICATIONS THAT CAN CAUSE HAIR LOSS:
Medications that Can Cause Hair Loss:
1. Antidepressants (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRIs)
2. Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol)
3. Anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine)
4. Blood Thinners (e.g., warfarin)
5. Cholesterol-Lowering Medications (e.g., statins)
6. Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
7. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
8. Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine)
9. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
10. Thyroid Medications (e.g., levothyroxine)
It’s important to note that hair loss can be a symptom of a larger underlying medical condition, so if you are experiencing hair loss, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
COMMON MEDICAL APPROACHES TO HAIR LOSS IN MEN AND WOMEN
The most common medical approaches to hair loss in men and women include:
Medications:
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): a topical solution that stimulates hair growth and slows down hair loss.
- Finasteride (Propecia): an oral medication that blocks the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair loss.
* Spironolactone (Aldactone): a medication that blocks the production of androgens, including DHT, and is sometimes used off-label to treat hair loss in women.
Hair transplantation:
- Follicular unit transplantation (FUT): a surgical procedure that involves moving healthy hair follicles from the back and sides of the head to the balding areas.
* Follicular unit extraction (FUE): a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves removing individual hair follicles from the back and sides of the head and transplanting them to the balding areas.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT):
* Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) uses a low-level laser or light-emitting diode (LED) device to stimulate hair growth. It is thought that the light energy increases blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth.
It’s important to note that these medical approaches may not work for everyone and may have varying degrees of success. It’s also important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment for hair loss.
None of these medical approaches even consider the underlying causes of hair loss
This is Dr. Michael Wald
ASK THE BLOODDETECTIVE – ON MOST PODCAST PLATFORMS
Chappaqua NY in Westchester – an hr north or NYC
914-552-1442
Testing that can help determine the underlying causes of hair loss in men and women:
1. Thyroid Function Tests: Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can both cause hair loss. Thyroid function tests, such as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4), can help identify if thyroid dysfunction is contributing to hair loss.
2. Nutrient Deficiency Tests: Malnutrition and malabsorption can lead to hair loss due to a lack of essential nutrients. Blood tests can measure levels of vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and biotin, which are important for healthy hair growth.
3. Inflammatory Markers: Inflammation can cause hair loss, and blood tests can measure levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Elevated levels of these markers may indicate the presence of an underlying inflammatory condition contributing to hair loss.
4. Heavy Metal Tests: Exposure to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic can cause hair loss. Blood tests can measure levels of these heavy metals and help identify if exposure is contributing to hair loss.
5. Infectious Disease Tests: Infections such as fungal infections of the scalp, bacterial infections, and viral infections can cause hair loss. Blood tests can detect the presence of these infections and help guide treatment.
6. Autoimmune Disease Tests: Autoimmune diseases such as alopecia areata, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis can cause hair loss. Blood tests can measure levels of autoantibodies, which are proteins produced by the immune system that attack the body’s own tissues, including hair follicles.
7.Peripheral Blood Smear – a functional test showing the function, not merely just the numbers, of white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets and can even reveal organisms, leaky gut and more.
8. Atherosclerosis – lack of blood supply caused by narrowed and stiff blood vessels will reduce blood flow to the scalp
9. Autonomic nervous system stress can cause the death of hair follicles and inflammation along with increased levels of stress hormones.
10. Body Composition Testing – provides the percentages of the lean mass, fat and water in your body (your body composition); dosages of proteins and other forms of nutrition can be tailored to your body composition – ultimately, your health efforts must result in an increase in your body composition.
11. Bone Density Testing (ultrasound) – loss of bone density may be a symptom of malnutrition and malabsorption, calcium imbalance, inflammation, protein and mineral deficiencies and more
12. BloodDetective Interpretation: Do you know where the ranges of normals of blood tests come from? They are derived from average people that donate blood – and NOT healthy people. Your blood results (i.e, cholesterol, magnesium, calcium, sodium, blood sugar, thyroid levels, etc. are compared to clinical ranges (the blood ranges that the typical medical doctor relies on), along with healthy ranges that are more narrow ranges associated with healthy people and not merely average people; this form of interpretation often reveals essential health and nutrition information missed by doctors if they are not trained in reading blood nutritionally and against the optimal blood ranges of health people vs. average.
Hair loss can have multiple underlying causes, including hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, inflammation, and genetic factors. While conventional doctors may rely on standard laboratory tests and reference ranges to assess a patient’s health, Dr. Wald takes a more individualized approach by comparing a person’s labs to those of healthy individuals rather than merely relying on clinical normal ranges.
the BloodDetective approach is the use of advanced laboratory testing and a wide range of specialized tests that go beyond what is typically offered in conventional medicine. These tests can provide valuable insights into a person’s overall health status and help identify potential underlying causes of hair loss.
For example, hormone testing can reveal imbalances in hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol. Imbalances in these hormones can contribute to hair loss in both men and women. Nutritional testing can assess levels of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids that are crucial for healthy hair growth. Deficiencies in these nutrients can impair hair follicle function and lead to hair loss.
Key Point
It is important to note that hair loss can have multiple underlying causes, and laboratory tests may need to be combined with a thorough medical history and physical examination to accurately diagnose the cause of hair loss.
Common nutritional causes of hair loss:
🔹 Protein: Hair is made of protein, so a diet that is deficient in protein can lead to hair loss. Aim for at least 46 grams of protein per day.
🔹 Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon and walnuts, are essential for healthy hair growth. Other healthy fats like avocados and olive oil are also important.
🔹 Anti-Inflammatory Foods: A diet high in anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, and fatty fish can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can contribute to hair loss.
🔹 Caloric Deficiency: Eating too little can lead to hair loss, as the body may not have enough energy to support hair growth. Aim for a caloric intake that is appropriate for your age, sex, and activity level.
🔹 Phytohormones: Foods that are high in phytohormones, such as soy and flaxseeds, can help balance hormone levels in the body, which can help prevent hair loss.
🔹 Essential Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon and walnuts, are essential for healthy hair growth. Other essential fatty acids like omega-6 and omega-9 are also important.
🔹 Vitamin D: Vitamin D is important for overall health and can help prevent hair loss. Aim for at least 600 IU of vitamin D per day.
🔹 Biotin: Biotin is a B-complex vitamin that is important for healthy hair growth. Aim for at least 2.5 mcg of biotin per day.
🔹 Zinc: Zinc is an essential mineral that is important for healthy hair growth. Aim for at least 8 mg of zinc per day.
🔹 Other Minerals and Vitamins: Other minerals and vitamins that are important for healthy hair growth include iron, silica, and vitamin C.
Blood Detective Key Point
The right tests for each individual are key to revealing precisely what nutrition is needed and how much. The practitioner will determine how often and in what combinations of nutritional supplements and food choices should be consumed.
Join me each Monday on ASK THE BLOOD DETECTIVE ON MOST PODcast platforms