7 Ways to Treat Female Hair Loss Naturally
Androgenetic alopecia or female hair loss is the most common form of hair loss in women. It starts with thinning of the hair along the part line and gradually increases over the top of the head. If you are struggling with female hair loss then keep reading as I share with you my top 7 ways to treat female hair loss naturally.
Androgenetic alopecia is caused by over activity of androgens (male hormones). These androgens have the ability to slow the hair’s growing phase and lengthen the time between shedding and starting a new growth phase. The follicle is also affected with the androgens causing it to shrink, producing a shorter, thinner hair than previously. Identifying what may be causing your hair loss is the first step in successful treatment. Read below to identify what might be causing your hair loss.
What Causes Androgenetic Alopecia
Hormonal Birth Control – Progestins in hormonal birth control act more like testosterone, which is an androgen, in the body then progesterone. The high testosterone levels damage the hair follicles affecting their growth phase which can take months or even years before you visually notice the impact. Look out for the following progestins in hormonal birth control levonorgestrel, norgestrel, medroxyprogesterone acetate and etonogestrel.
High testosterone – Testosterone is an androgen and therefore has the ability to impact the growth cycle of the hair as we discussed above. It is commonly high in women with androgenetic alopecia but it is not always high. The reason being is that testosterone converts via the enzyme 5 α- reductase to DHT (a more potent androgen). Therefore, if the 5 α-reductase enzyme is very active you may be converting all your testosterone to DHT which would mean testosterone levels would be low/normal. That is why it is important to test all the androgens when investigating androgenetic alopecia.
PCOS – Is marked by high androgens in the blood and is therefore commonly linked to female hair loss. The most important part would be to address and treat the PCOS first (Read PCOS: Redefining the Problem for natural treatment options) as that would be driving the high androgens. Then second line of treatment would be to stimulate healthy hair growth with zinc and iron if needed, see below.
Thyroid – both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid is linked to hair loss in females. It is important to investigate this potential link when treating androgenetic alopecia.
Inflammation – Makes the hair follicles more sensitive to androgens as a result chronic inflammation is linked to androgenetic alopecia as well as PCOS. Inflammation markers can be measured in the blood but cleaning up your diet and avoiding inflammatory foods goes along why in reducing inflammation.
5 α-reductase – is an enzyme that converts testosterone to the more potent androgen DHT. Often in women with androgenetic alopecia this enzyme is up regulated producing DHT that damages the hair follicles. Fortunately, zinc, nettle root and saw palmetto can naturally reduce 5 α-reductase activity making them a great treatment option for women with androgenetic alopecia.
How to fix it
Identifying the driving factor is important in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Some women have high testosterone and high DHT while other only have high DHT. Inflammation is a driver but it is not for all women so identifying the cause/s for you is the first step in treatment. Below are some natural treatment options to consider.
Zinc – plays many roles in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Firstly, it inhibits 5 α-reductase and this inhibitory effect is enhanced by vitamin B6 so they are best taken in combination. Zinc is also anti-inflammatory and promotes hair growth. It’s best to test serum zinc levels first and if low take a daily dose of 25-50mg per day.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) – Inhibits the 5 α-reductase enzyme and as a result reduces the conversion of testosterone to the more potent and follicle damaging DHT (here is the science). Saw palmetto has been used extensively in the treatment of both male and female androgenic alopecia (here is the science). Not only is it an inhibitor of 5 α-reductase it is also antiandrogenic and anti-inflammatory, all very important1. Dose 2-3g per day.
Nettle root (Urtica dioica) – similar to saw palmetto, nettle also inhibits the 5 α-reductase enzyme and therefore can be a very useful herb in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (here is the science). Ensure you are choosing nettle root as nettle leaf has a very different action. Dose 2g per day.
Iron – has an important role in the syntheses of hair growth stems with these cells containing high levels of free iron. Therefore, low iron levels will inhibit proliferation of the hair growth stems resulting in hair loss and poor growth (here is the science). Test via the blood before taking an iron supplement. Aim for a ferritin level of >50 µg/L.
Vitamin D – is super important, not only does it stop aging of the hair follicle but it’s also required for the genes that turn on the hair follicle cycle, which is super important for normal healthy hair. Studies have linked low vitamin D levels to changes in hair growth (here is the science). Optimal serum vitamin D levels are >80 nmol/L.
Progesterone – blocks testosterone binding to 5 α-reductase and therefore inhibits the production of DHT. Not only that but it reduces luteinizing hormone which reduces testosterone production. Your body only makes progesterone once you have ovulated so ensuring you a) are ovulating regularly and b) making enough progesterone when you ovulate is important for treatment of androgenetic alopecia. If you need help increasing progesterone read 6 Ways to Boost Progesterone Naturally.
Reduce inflammation – By reducing inflammation hair follicles are less sensitive to the impact of androgens and will help lessen the hair loss. Avoid inflammatory foods such as sugar, trans fats, fried and processed fats, vegetable oils, red meat and alcohol. Increase anti-inflammatory foods such as salmon, sardines, turmeric, ginger, walnuts and green leafy vegetables.
How long does it take?
Patience is a virtue when treating hair loss. The phase between when the hair stops growing, falls out and then starts growing again is 3 months in length. Therefore, when treating androgenetic alopecia, you will not see improvements in the first 3 months, in fact you will still notice some hair loss. Committing to your treatment plan during this time will help ensure that the next 3 months are marked by improved hair growth and reduced hair loss. Be patient.