Understanding Hair Loss and Alopecia in Women: Causes and Treatments As a practitioner, I see many women in my practice who are deeply distressed by hair loss. They have tried various aesthetic treatments and hair studios, spending thousands of dollars, only to see little to no real improvement. Hair loss is not just a cosmetic issue—it affects confidence, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. As I entered my 40s, having a baby and spending sleepless nights while juggling work, I personally began to see my hair thinning out. It was a frustrating and emotional experience, and I realized first hand how challenging hair loss can be for women. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial in determining the most effective treatment. Let’s explore some primary causes and effective natural treatments available for alopecia in women. Causes of Alopecia in Women Female Pattern Hair Loss, Known as Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA): This is the most common cause of hair loss in women, characterized by diffuse thinning over the mid-frontal scalp. There is a genetic predisposition to this along with hormonal factors. Although it can be observed at any age post-puberty, it is predominantly seen in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women due to lowering of estrogens and imbalances in DHT (testosterone metabolites). Telogen Effluvium This condition is often triggered by physiological or emotional stress, and it leads to diffuse hair shedding. It can generally start three months after a stressful event and can last up to six months. There is a component of adrenal insufficiency and mineral deficiencies in these instances. Chronic stress initially elevates cortisol levels, which can disrupt the hair growth cycle by pushing more follicles into the resting (telogen) phase. Over time, prolonged stress may deplete adrenal function and lead to lower cortisol production and further hormonal imbalances that weaken hair follicles. Additionally, deficiencies in iron, zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins can make the problem worse by impairing follicle function and slowing regrowth. Low ferritin, the body’s stored form of iron, is particularly linked to excessive shedding. It is intended to support the active growth phase of hair. As a Naturopathic physician and functional medicine practitioner, I encourage proper nutrition, stress reduction, and targeted supplementation can help stabilize shedding and encourage healthy regrowth. Alopecia Areata As a naturopathic doctor, I see firsthand how frustrating and unpredictable alopecia areata can be. It’s an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss that can sometimes progress to total hair loss on the scalp or body. In many cases, I find that underlying factors like chronic stress, gut inflammation, and deficiencies in vitamin D, zinc, or iron can contribute to flare-ups. My approach focuses on calming the immune response, restoring gut health, and replenishing key nutrients to help encourage natural regrowth and reduce recurrence. I’ve seen incredible improvements when we address these root causes with a whole-body approach. Tinea Capitis Tinea capitis is a fungal infection that affects the scalp and leads to patchy hair loss. It’s usually accompanied by redness, itching, and scaling, and in some cases, the hair may break off near the scalp. This fungus lives in warm, damp environments and spreads easily through direct contact or shared items like hats and brushes. We may address the infection with natural antifungals, that support skin, immune health, and scalp balance to prevent recurrence. Identifying the Type and Cause of Hair Loss in Women As a naturopathic physician, I look at the whole picture and seek to understand the true nature of hair loss before determining the best course of treatment. Appropriate testing will be recommended based on the history and nature of your symptoms. Depending on your case, I may order blood tests to check for iron levels (including ferritin, which we mentioned above), thyroid function (TSH, free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies), and key nutrients like vitamin D, zinc, and B12. Hormonal testing can also be important, especially if there are signs of androgenic alopecia or PCOS—this might include DHEA-S, testosterone, and estrogen/progesterone balance. If autoimmune factors are in question, I may look at markers like ANA or inflammatory cytokines. In cases of scalp irritation or persistent shedding, a scalp biopsy or fungal culture may be necessary. We will work together to find the root cause and support healthy hair regrowth. Natural Treatments For Hair Loss in Women The treatment always falls in line with naturopathic principles and how the body heals. We call this the “therapeutic order.” We will clear up obstacles to cure and establish your foundations of health for stress, toxicity, sleep disturbances, dietary changes, and other issues. Firstly, we will replenish the required nutrients the body needs to heal. These may be minerals or specific targeted nutrients in the correct forms and dosages, the appropriate use of herbs for hormonal balance or stress response, or remedies for underlying infections, if any. Certain homeopathic remedies can also be extremely gentle and highly effective. If there is an autoimmune condition causing the hair loss, it may be required to dig in further to investigate the root cause of an imbalanced immune system. The body has the inherent ability to heal when provided with the right ingredients and approach—one that is science-based, and which makes all the difference. 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