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.

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