Hair Loss: A Functional Medicine Approach
Hair loss is a common concern for both men and women and often signals an underlying imbalance in the body. Dr. Rajsree Nambudripad, MD, an expert in integrative and functional medicine, takes a root-cause approach to restoring healthy hair growth by evaluating hormones, nutrition, gut health, inflammation, and environmental factors.
Common Causes of Hair Loss
1. Thyroid Imbalance
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can contribute to hair thinning. Optimizing your thyroid hormones levels and adjusting thyroid medication (if needed) is crucial for regrowth.
2. Low Iron (Ferritin Deficiency)
Iron is essential for hair growth. Dr. Rajsree aims for ferritin levels above 50, ideally 90-110, and recommends iron with Vitamin C for better absorption.
3. Insufficient Protein Intake
Hair is made of keratin (protein). Dr. Rajsree recommends consuming half your body weight (in pounds) in grams of protein daily and supplementing with Collagen with Hyaluronic Acid.
4. Poor Digestion & Low Stomach Acid
Low stomach acid can impair protein absorption, affecting hair growth. Gut microbiome testing can assess digestion, and Digestive Enzyme Pro and Betaine and Pepsin may help.
5. Hormonal Shifts
Pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, and irregular periods can trigger hair loss. Bio-identical hormones may help stabilize hair growth.
6. Stress & High Cortisol
Chronic stress can cause telogen effluvium, where hair follicles prematurely shed. Adrenal testing and stress-reducing strategies support regrowth.
7. Inflammation & Gut Health
Systemic inflammation from poor diet, gut imbalances, or metabolic issues can disrupt hair growth. Addressing gut health is key to absorption of vital nutrients.
8. Autoimmune Conditions
Conditions like alopecia areata, Hashimoto’s, lupus, and Crohn’s disease can cause hair loss. A functional medicine approach reduces inflammation and supports immune balance.
9. Environmental Toxins & Chemicals
Hair dye chemicals, chlorine exposure, and heavy metals (mercury, lead, arsenic) can impact scalp and hair health. Filtered water and detox protocols may help.
10. High DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)
Excess DHT can shrink hair follicles, leading to thinning at the temples and crown. Saw palmetto as found in our Prostate Support is a natural DHT blocker.
Watch Dr. Rajsree’s expert video on hair loss to learn more.
If you’re experiencing hair thinning or excessive shedding, Dr. Rajsree offers a comprehensive, root-cause approach to restoring hair health.
Submit an application today to uncover the underlying causes and regain healthy, vibrant hair.
Dr. Rajsree is a caring and compassionate physician, who is board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Integrative/Holistic medicine. She is passionate about helping patients optimize their health through a preventative approach involving healthy lifestyle, dietary changes, targeted nutritional supplementation, and optimizing hormones. Her practice is unique in the personalized attention she devotes to each and every patient.
