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Fertility Nutrition

Female Hair Loss – Why It May Be Your Hormones!

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist
July 16, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

Thinning hair, noticeable bald spots, receding hair line, large clumps of hair showing up in your hair brush or shower drain, these are typically things you hear about from men, not women. More and more though, we are contacted by women who are experiencing hair loss who want to know if this is a sign of something wrong with their hormones and how they can fix the problem. Fortunately, hair loss is not a sign of infertility, but is a side effect of hormonal imbalance which can impact your fertility.

Many women feel confident, feminine and more attractive when their hair looks good. The time and energy a woman puts into her hair is often a statement of style and an affirmation of beauty; it’s even an expression of self-love.

Our hair is a permanent accessory that is part of our identity. Well, maybe not so permanent. Style, beauty, femininity, confidence, attractiveness and self-love can all fall to the floor when a woman’s hair begins falling out.

Women are bombarded with the message, through modern media, that “when my hair looks good, I can deal with anything.” So, what is a girl to do when her hair starts falling out against her will?

Education is a powerful first step! Learning the underlying cause(s) and how to naturally support the body in recovering or achieving balance will help ease fears and help you move forward with the best ways to rebalance hormones and foster the regrowth of hair.

Why Does Hair Fall Out?

While it is normal, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) , “… to shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day,” if you feel like or see that you are losing more than that, it’s more than normal shedding. It’s hair loss.

The events that lead to hair loss in women all impact female hormone balance. The hair follicle is androgen sensitive, meaning it is sensitive to the fluctuation of male hormones. Contributors to hormonal hair loss in women can be the reasons listed above, however, more often can be associated with:

Birth control use
Birth control pills contain artificial progestins that act like male hormones, known to shrink and damage the hair follicle. An overabundance of male hormones in women could potentially contribute to insulin resistance as well.

Low thyroid function
This is indicated especially if hair loss is accompanied by fatigue, unexplained weight gain, aching joints, constipation, dry skin, feeling cold all the time, poor sleep, etc. Hair follicles are sensitive to thyroid hormones.

Hormonal imbalance between estrogen and progesterone, or due to PCOS as a result of:

  • high blood sugar (insulin) levels
  • excess adipose tissue (body fat)
  • elevated levels of androgens (testosterone) in women
  • anovulation

Nutrient deficiencies
Low levels of certain nutrients within the body (poor diet), for example vitamins A, E and iron may result in hair loss.

Adrenal Disorders
Adrenal Disorders such as adrenal fatigue syndrome and low cortisol can lead to hair loss and affect your fertility. Adrenal hormones should be measured for hair loss.

Chronic inflammation
Androgenic alopecia, hair loss when androgen levels are not too high, is an indicator of inflammation. Hair loss is just one sign of inflammatory issues like Celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Naturopathic Doctor Lara Bridden says, “Inflammation hyper-sensitizes your hair follicles to a normal amount of androgen. Reduce inflammation by avoiding food sensitivities such as wheat and/or dairy, and by correcting intestinal permeability.”

Giving birth and breastfeeding
During and after pregnancy, estrogen levels may frequently rise and then dip back down quickly. This sudden dip is what leads to hair loss after giving birth, which can be normal and should stop as hormone levels balance again. If hair loss is accompanied by a myriad of other symptoms post pregnancy, there may be a deeper issue beyond normal hormone fluctuations, such as thyroid function. “But exhaustion, feeling down, difficulty losing weight, intense struggle to produce enough breast milk, and hair loss aren’t always just a normal part of having had a baby,” says Dr. Aviva Romm, Yale trained physisican, midwife, and herbalist. If you are experiencing any of these issues post pregnancy, do talk to your doctor about what you are going through.

Signs of Excessive Hair Shedding

  • a widening part
  • a ponytail becomes noticeably thinner
  • receding hairline most notable first at the temples
  • seeing more than usual (for you) hair on your pillow after a night’s sleep or in your hair brush when styling your hair
  • pulling handfuls of hair from your head when washing your hair

What Can Be Done About It?

There can be any number of different factors contributing to your hair loss. If you’re reading this and thinking, “well I have that and that, and am going through that,” then you may already have an idea of what is a contributing cause for you. You may already be doing much of what is suggested here and may learn of additional ideas to consider trying.

If, however, you aren’t so sure that any of the causes listed above are a problem for you, then a good place to start may be to talk with your healthcare provider about testing. It is important to learn the root cause – especially if dealing with infertility – because that which is causing hair thinning and shedding may also be contributing to your inability to conceive.

Get Tested
Testing with your healthcare provider that may prove helpful in determining a cause(s) are:

  • thyroid levels (a complete thyroid panel that measures T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies may be most helpful)
  • nutrient levels – vitamins A, E, C and B vitamins, zinc and iron levels. Ask that serum iron, ferritin (should be at least 50ng/ML) and Total Iron Binding Capacity be measured (a more thorough way to know if iron levels are low and to determine anemia)
  • insulin levels
  • hormone levels – estrogen and androgens like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone that is known to slow hair growth
  • Cortisol, aldosterone and other adrenal markers

After testing, consider beginning to make specific dietary and lifestyle changes and using natural therapies if any of these areas are determined to be contributing factors to your hair loss.

In conclusion:

Hair loss is stressful! Stress, illness, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalance, taking medication like birth control and systemic inflammation can all be causative factors. It is important to address the root cause and move forward from there.

The tricky part is that it is believed that the cause of hair loss most likely happened three months prior to beginning to see hair fall out. So, the underlying cause may not be easy to pinpoint. Natural hair re-growth will take time. Just as it can take 3 months after an event to realize that hair is falling out, it can take just as long, or longer, to begin seeing hair re-growth if the cause has been addressed. It is important to be patient! There is hope!

As you work to learn the cause of why hair loss is happening to for you and to support the body in preventing it from happening, might I offer a reminder from the words of “The Queen” herself, Beyonce, “A woman is most beautiful when she smiles.”

References

  • Bauer, J. (n.d.). Can Low Iron Levels Cause Hair Loss? Retrieved from: http://www.joybauer.com/healthy-living/low–iron-hair-loss.aspx
  • Bridden, L. (2013, March 19). The Pill, Thyroid, and 4 Other Causes of Hormonal Hair Loss. Retrieved from: http://www.larabriden.com/causes-of-hormonal-hair-loss/
  • Chase, B. (n.d.). 7 Reasons to Try Grape Seed Extract for Hair Loss. Retrieved from: http://www.progressivehealth.com/grape-seed-hair-loss.htm
  • Do you have hair loss or hair shedding? (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/hair-care/hair-loss-vs-hair-shedding
  • Gottfried, S. (n.d.). Hair Loss, Hormones and How to Regain Your Luscious Locks. Retrieved from: http://www.saragottfriedmd.com/hair-loss-hormones-and-how-to-regain-your-luscious-locks/
  • Helt, A.M. (n.d.) Personal communication.
  • The Science: Hair Growth. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.intelligentnutrients.com/proof
  • Kane, E. (n.d.). Hair Thinning in Women. Retrieved from: http://dremilykane.com/2001/09/22/hair-thinning-in-women/
  • McAndrews, P. (Ed.). (n.d.). Causes of Hair Loss. Retrieved from: http://www.americanhairloss.org/women_hair_loss/causes_of_hair_loss.asp
  • Romm, A. (2015, October 20). Thyroid Problems After Pregnancy: Ending Unnecessary Postpartum Suffering – Aviva Romm. Retrieved from: http://avivaromm.com/thyroid-problems-after-pregnancy

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About the Author

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Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist

Elizabeth Willett is the Senior Herbalist and Lead Educator at NaturalFertilityInfo.com. She holds a BS in Mass Communications (2000) from Minnesota State University, and a Master of Arts degree (MA, 2010) in Holistic Health Studies with a specialization is herbalism from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Liz has written over 200 articles on women's fertility and brings a vast wealth of knowledge and expertise in holistic health and healing to Natural Fertility Info.com

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

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The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

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Type ‘STEPS’ in the comments below if you want to learn which steps are most important for fertility and hormone health. Let’s turn those red flags green. 💚

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🌱Learn how to balance your HORMONES naturally 👇

Here are 3 practical and affect ways to support your hormonal health.

One of the keys to see the best results is to stay consistent and learn as much about your body as you can.

1️⃣ Use liver supporting herbs

Herbs such as milk thistle have been shown to help the liver in it's natural ability to get rid of toxins and chemicals in the body.

This can make a big difference when it comes to hormone balance.

2️⃣ Do the Fertility Cleanse 1-2x per year

Support the body in it’s natural ability to get rid of excess hormones by doing a fertility cleanse.

3️⃣ Stop using skin care and cleaning products that contain hormone mimicking chemicals

Xenohormones mimic estrogen in the body and can cause imbalance.

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇

#hormonehealth #hormonalhealth #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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Should men do a Fertility Cleanse as well? 💪

A common misconception when it comes to fertility is that if there is an issue it is most likely going to be with the woman. 

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Statically fertility issues impact men just as often as women and lifestyle factors can make a big difference. 

The Male Fertility Cleanse Kit helps to support men to cleanse and detox excess hormones, toxins, increase circulation and promote hormone balance. 

👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

#malefertilty #naturalfertility #gettingpregnant #fertilitytips

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Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

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👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

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Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

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By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

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It’s a soothing and effective fertility tea that provides just the right mixture of beneficial fertility herbs designed to help:

1️⃣ Nourish the uterus*
2️⃣ Support fallopian tube health.*
3️⃣ Help maintain normal ovarian function.*
4️⃣ Encourage normal uterine health.*
5️⃣ Support hormonal balance.

This tea is one of two teas in our Fertility Cleanse Kit. 

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

What tea are you drinking today??

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By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

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Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing

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🥚 In the past, a common belief was that the only factor which determines ovarian and egg health was age. 

Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🤯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
➡️ Proper circulation
➡️ A healthy fertility cycle
➡️ Balanced hormones
➡️ Healthy eggs

Egg health is one of the cornerstones of healthy fertility. 

The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

This journey takes about 90 days. 

The steps you take today will impact the health of your eggs 3 months from now. 

That is why I talk so much about taking a MINIMUM of 90 days to prepare for pregnancy or IVF/IUI. 

🙂 The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support the health of your eggs. There is too much info to put into this tiny caption but….

Type EGG if you would like me to send you my Egg Health Checklist that takes you through all of the steps to take.👇👇

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5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

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Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

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What does the Fertility Cleanse Kit include and how to use the kit. 

A common misconception when it comes to fertility is that if there is an issue it is most likely going to be with the woman. 

This is simply not true. 

Statically fertility issues impact men just as often as women and lifestyle factors can make a big difference. 

The Male Fertility Cleanse Kit helps to support men to cleanse and detox excess hormones, toxins, increase circulation and promote hormone balance. 

👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

#malefertilty #naturalfertility #gettingpregnant #fertilitytips

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Is it okay to start a kit and the Fertility Cleanse at the same time?

Do you have natural fertility questions? Type them below. We are happy to help!

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🌸Estrogen dominance/deficiency
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👇To begin learning how to fertility chart, type CHART into the comments below and I will share a link to my getting started to fertility charting guide. 👇 

#fertility #fertilitycharting #fertilitytips #fertilitycoach #naturalfertility

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The Fertility Cleanse kit is one of the best ways to prepare for conception. 

It's the first step we suggest for most couples when they start trying to get pregnant. 

With over 680 five star reviews, the Fertility Cleanse Kit is by far a customer favorite. 

You can find the Fertility Cleanse Kit on our website. Link in the bio... @naturalfertilityinfo

Want to learn more? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪

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🌱 Using a greens powder such as FertiliGreens daily can be an easy way to get more greens in your diet….. But if you are new to green powders the taste may catch you by surprise.

💚I do think FeriliGreens is some of the best tasting greens powder out there, but here are to some tips to make taking your daily dose tastier… especially if you are new to taking the :

✅ Mix FertiliGreens into your fertility smoothie
✅ Mix with 8 oz of water and add a little juice for taste
✅ Mix with water and some chocolate stevia drops
✅ Mix with water and some cocoa powder and vanilla stevia drops

Do you take a greens powder daily? What is your go-to method.

I personally take mine mixed in water + all my powdered and liquid supplements mixed with some cocoa powder and chocolate stevia drops 😋

👇 If you would like to learn more about foods and nutrition shortcuts specifically for fertility start a 21 Day Fertility Diet Challenge. Type FOOD in the comments below and I will send you the link 👇

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🧘🏽‍♀️ Rose Fertility Meditation.... Take 2 minutes to unwind and support your fertility with this gentle meditation.

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Your journey towards motherhood is unique, but you don't have to go it alone 

🤍 Surround yourself with positive and uplifting people who believe in you and your dreams 💫 

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naturalfertilityinfo

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Mar 15

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing
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