Baldness

Background

Hair loss can be genetic (e.g., male pattern baldness) or reflect medical problems which are treatable. The latter include:

Treatable Causes

Low iron

If the hair loss is diffuse, think low iron (even if tests are "normal") and other nutritional deficiencies.

Stress or infection

Hair loss and thinning can be seen 6-9 months after any severe stress or infection (called "Telogen Effluvium"). Hair grows back 3-9 months after stress resolves.

Hormonal imbalance

Even if tests are "normal," low thyroid can result in hair loss.

If the hair loss is in the front of the scalp, the cause could be excess testosterone (in men or women) or too low an estrogen (in women) — see the online article Bioidentical Estrogen at the reference link below.

Autoimmune dysfunction

If spotty bald patches, see a dermatologist (the cause is usually autoimmune related — e.g., alopecia areata).

More Information Online

Bioidentical Estrogen (Safety and Effectiveness of Bio-Identical Hormones)

Treatments

Recommended Supplements

These natural supports can give marked benefit over time in helping grow thick and healthy hair.

Multivitamin powder

Optimize overall nutritional support with a good multivitamin powder.

Iron

Take an iron supplement until your ferritin blood test is over 100 ng/ml.

Biotin, horsetail (plant), Millet, etc.

A mix of these and other nutrients can be remarkably helpful.

Saw palmetto

In men, if hair loss is in the front of the scalp, there may be excess conversion of testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone). If blood tests confirm increased DHT, use the herb saw palmetto 160 mg 2x a day to lower DHT levels. It takes 6 weeks to resolve.

Medications

Minoxadil (Rogaine)

Minoxadil (Rogaine) is sometimes modestly effective for localized hair loss (like male pattern baldness) at a high cost — but it is reasonably safe.

Other Therapies & Advice

Optimize thyroid function

Optimize thyroid function (see hypothyroidism) and DHEA-s hormone levels. A holistic physician can help with this.

Hair transplants

Hair plug transplants for localized loss are also reasonable.