Can a Naturopath Help with Hair Loss and Hair Thinning?

Our Naturopath Melissa can absolutely help you get to the root cause of your hair loss and hair thinning concerns. This means we take the time to connect you to a more holistic understanding of hair loss, we don’t just treat symptoms and we don’t just provide temporary, short-term, band aid solutions. We thoroughly investigate all conditions, all systems of the body and all dietary and lifestyle factors, that are known to be associated with hair loss. We then customise safe and targeted treatment protocols, based on your unique presentation, to offer you long term, sustainable solutions to your hair loss and hair thinning concerns.

What is involved in a hair loss and hair thinning consultation?

Our Naturopath Melissa, taking a hair loss and hair thinning specific consultation, will consider your family history, past medical history, past and current medication use, current health presentation and symptoms, dietary preferences, lifestyle choices, sleep patterns, exercise routines and nervous system/emotional health.

They can also review blood tests and specialist reports and refer you for any additional testing that may be beneficial.

An initial consultation will include:

- review of your intake form, submitted 24 hours prior to the consultation

- 60-75m initial comprehensive case-taking analysis

- identification & explanation of your unique drivers of hair loss or thinning

- referral for general or functional pathology to further identify any underlying conditions contributing to hair loss or hair thinning

- follow up 3 phase treatment plan email

- full explanation of all treatment protocols (herbal, nutritional, dietary, lifestyle)

- email communication between consults

Hair loss and hair thinning signs and symptoms

It is totally normal to lose around 100 strands of hair per day. However, hair loss of significantly more than this, or feels unusual, should be investigated. Some of the signs and symptoms can include:

- hair loss that feels ‘more than usual’

- changes to hairline

- receding hair line

- widening part on hair scalp pain or itchy scalp

Root causes and drivers of hair loss and hair thinning

To identify hair loss causes, our Naturopaths consider and thoroughly investigate the following

- genetics & family history

- immune disorders, autoimmune conditions

- viral, bacterial, parasitic infections

- thyroid hormone imbalance - thyroid conditions

- adrenal hormone and nervous system imbalance - cortisol and the stress response

- sex hormone imbalance – elevated androgens like testosterone and DHEAs

- sex hormone status and hormone conditions – post pill syndrome, menstrual irregularities, PCOS, pregnancy, post-partum, menopause

- gut health, microbiome balance, function of digestion & absorption

- poor sleep, impaired detoxification and elimination pathways

- blood sugar imbalances, insulin handling issues

- nutritional deficiencies and/ or insufficiencies, dietary preferences

- medication side effects, rebound hair loss post medication use

- hair styles, hair treatments, topical products and/or haircare products

- allergies, intolerances, inflammation or infection

Some types of hair loss to consider

- Androgenic Alopecia

Hair loss initiated by the hormone ‘androgen dihydrotestosterone’ (DHT) and referred as hereditary hair loss. Recognised as the most common contributor to hair loss in females and males. Excess DHT is known to attach to hair follicles and impact the growth cycle of the hair. Some other signs signs of excess DHT may include; acne, excessive or an increase in coarse, thick, dark body hair (chin, chest, nipples, abdomen, back) hair loss and/ or baldness.

- Alopecia Areata

Hair loss induced by autoimmunity, whereby the immune system “attacks” hair follicles. This condition can affect hair on the head, eyelashes, eyebrows and overall body hair. The autoimmune condition can contribute to hair falling out in patches.

- Anagen Effluvium

Sudden hair loss, often induced by chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

- Telogen Effluvium

Rapid hair loss often resulting from trauma, extreme stress, shock (emotional and/or physical) or a serious health condition. This can occur 6+ months after a shock or trauma and can shift the hair follicle to the ‘telogen’ phase (resting) and therefore exacerbating the ‘exogen’ phase (resting).

How does a naturopath treat hair loss and hair thinning?

Once our Naturopath, Melissa has identified the unique drivers of your hair loss or hair thinning, they will formulate a customised and targeted treatment plan that may include

- herbal medicines to balance hormones and to promote blood flow to the scalp, boosting hair growth

- nutritional medicine, nutrient and mineral replenishment to promote healthy hair growth

- herbs, supplements and flower essences to correct any nervous system dysfunction or emotional stress that may contribute to hair loss

- stress management strategies

- dietary additions to ensure nutrient abundance for the hair follicle and to promote healthy hair development

- lifestyle recommendations, exercise and sleep strategies

- anti-inflammatory strategies, hair loss is primarily an inflammatory condition

If you are concerned about hair loss or hair thinning, and you are looking for holistic treatment and guidance, then please reach out. Follow the booking link to book an initial appointment or discovery call today.

Melissa & Ijlal x

References:

Holmber, C. (2020). Hair Loss & Your Hormones. Retrieved from https://www.courtneyholmbergnd.ca/blog/hair-loss-and-your-hormones

Ho, C. H., Sood, T., Zito, P. M. (2021). Androgenic Alopecia. Stat Pearls. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430924/

Kuivisto, K. (2022). Hair Loss: A Naturopathic Approach. Retrieved from https://bdhh.com.au/hair-loss-a-naturopathic-approach/

Nature’s Intentions. (2019). Treatment options for Hair Loss. Retrieved from https://www.naturesintentionsnaturopathy.com/hair-loss/treatment-options-for-hair-loss.html

Oakley, A. (2015). Alopecia areata. DermNet NZ. Retrieved from https://dermnetnz.org/topics/alopecia-areata

Thiedke, C. C. (2003). Alopecia in Women. American Family Physician, 67 (5), 1007-1014. Retrieved from https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0301/p1007.html