Mailbag! The FIX for Female Hair Loss?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 22, 2023
“Is there anything I can do to stop hair loss?”
Joann from Bluffton, SC
Women lose their hair FAR more often than people think. Even though hair loss is more common in men, it can ALSO happen to women at any age.
In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology says that by age 40, around 40 percent of women have some hair loss.
Female pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia, is the most common type in women. It’s typically slow to start and begins with thinning at the crown and on top of the head.
Many things that can cause women’s hair to thin, including…
- genetics
- changes in hormones (pregnancy or menopause)
- medical conditions (like polycystic ovary syndrome or thyroid disorders)
- medications
- stress
- damaging hairstyles
Folks with diabetes tend to lose more hair than others. And that’s because a commonly overlooked cause is poor blood sugar control.
Keeping your numbers in check can help. A healthy low-sugar diet, regular exercise, and blood-sugar-supporting supplements could slow or even halt the hair loss.
Plus, there are several things any woman (or man) who is concerned about hair loss can do to support a healthy head of hair.
- Collagen: Collagen is a protein that’s the building block of hair and surrounds each strand. It has many roles, including strengthening and growing hair, growing nails, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and supporting a healthy digestive system. Foods that contain collagen include beef and pork bone broth, skin-on chicken, sardines, and organ meats. But many folks benefit from taking a supplement as well.
- Biotin: Vitamin B7 or biotin promotes healthy hair growth and prevents loss. Be sure to eat plenty of biotin-rich foods, including organ meats, eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts, mushrooms, avocados, and sweet potatoes. Supplements are available as well.
- Pumpkin seed oil: Studies show that in some cases, zinc-rich pumpkin seed oil can increase hair growth rate by about 30 percent. The oil blocks an enzyme linked to hair loss called 5-alpha reductase. Pumpkin seed oil supplements are available. Or products containing the oil can be applied directly to the scalp.
- Saw palmetto: You may have heard of using saw palmetto to support prostate health. But the herb is also being studied for promoting hair growth. More research needs to be done to pinpoint exactly how it works. But the evidence so far suggests adding saw palmetto to your hair-care routine could help your hair grow.
- Microneedling: Microneedling is similar to acupuncture. Tiny needles are rolled over the scalp to increase blood flow and promote hair growth. Look online for a practitioner experienced in the technique.
In some cases, an invisible fungus can cause hair loss. Ketoconazole is a medicinal antifungal shampoo that can stop hair loss caused by a fungal scalp infection. It can be found at most drugstores.
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? Click here to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds
In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...
Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk
With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...
Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health
If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...
Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin
If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...
Seasonal Allergy “Off Switch” Discovered in the GUT
“Doc, why am I suddenly suffering from seasonal allergies when I’ve never had them before?” It’s a question I get all the time—and my answer might surprise you. Stop looking up at the trees—and start looking down at your gut… Your sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and runny nose might have more to do with what’s...
“Canary in the Coal Mine” Test Sniffs Out Brain Issues Early
One of the most common questions I get is how to tell if you’re starting to experience cognitive decline. I get it—losing your memory is scary, especially when it sneaks up on you. But here’s some exciting news that might put your mind at ease. A fascinating new study suggests that your nose might be...
BEAT Stubborn Leg Swelling Without Dangerous Diuretics
“I need help with edema.” —Swollen Hi Swollen, When patients complain of edema—fluid retention that causes feet, ankles, and legs to swell—I explain that, while conventional medicine immediately prescribes diuretic drugs, nature offers us effective solutions we can try first. I’ll share those in just a moment, but first, let’s take a quick look at...
Mental Health Linked to 30% FASTER Aging [6-Step FIX]
Your mind and body are more connected than you might realize—and a groundbreaking new study proves just how profound that connection really is. In fact, it’s this mind-body link that helps explain why battling depression can put you on the fast track to physical decline. Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve...
The Air You Breathe Is Silently Stealing Your Memory
You already know that air pollution damages your lungs. Chances are you’ve heard it can also harm your heart. And I bet you won’t be surprised when I tell you it claims millions of lives annually. But now, alarming new research suggests polluted air might also damage your brain. This study found that long-term exposure...
Get Intermittent Fasting Benefits Without Going Hungry
Intermittent fasting, which involves cycling between eating and fasting periods, is effective. There’s plenty of evidence for that. It’s not just weight loss, either. Intermittent fasting has significant benefits for metabolic health. However, many people find fasting difficult to stick to—and others can’t do it at all due to medical issues—so they miss out on...