Portrait of a woman wearing a brown coat

PCOS and Hair Loss: Is There a Connection?

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By Kimberly Vaughn, Clinical Trichologist, Certified Nutritional Coach,
Chief Hair Loss Coach and President of HPIHair Partners

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects a significant percentage of women, but many have never heard of it. Even those who have been formally diagnosed with it are often unaware that hair loss is one of its most common symptoms. 

The hair loss that women with PCOS experience can be either male-patterned hair loss (MPHL) or female-patterned hair loss (FPHL). MPHL involves loss of hair at the temples and front hair line, as well as sometimes on the crown. FMPL, which can also be present in men, is diffused across the entire scalp. 

How can you find out if your hair loss is due to PCOS?

You would need to be diagnosed by a gynecologist or general practitioner. “A pelvic exam is important to rule out ovarian tumors, but the cysts often seen in patients with PCOS will not usually be felt on exam,” says Dr. Jack Monaco, founder of The Nashville Hormone & Integrative Medicine Center in Nashville, Tennessee. “Laparoscopic visualization of the pelvic organs demonstrates a characteristic appearance of the ovaries but is not routinely done for diagnosis. But it may be done if other gynecologic issues are present.” 

But here are some of the other symptoms that frequently come with PCOS: 

  • Besides thinning hair, women often experience the opposite in other parts of the body—excessive hair growth on the chin, other parts of the face, arms, and abdomen. It grows at such a rapid rate that tweezing or shaving won’t work. It also tends to be dark and coarse. If the hair is brown or black, laser hair reduction can be a good option to get rid of it. 
  • Irregular, heavy, or infrequent menstrual periods. 
  • Acne on the face, back, and chest. 
  • Obesity and difficulty losing weight. 
  • Infertility. 
  • Dark patches on the skin. 

It’s also common for women with PCOS to be diagnosed with diabetes, pre-diabetes, and/or a thyroid disorder. No one is exactly sure what causes PCOS, although researchers believe it’s usually a combination of genetic and environmental factors. 

In fact, animal studies suggest that in some cases, it may begin as a result of genetic or chemical changes in the womb. “The exact cause is not known, but it is clearly a hormonal condition,” Dr. Monaco says. “The classic PCOS patient is obese and has blood sugar and insulin abnormalities and high blood pressure. There is a variant of PCOS, however, where the patients are thinner and may have only acne or facial hair as their presenting symptoms.”

Testing for PCOS 

PCOS is generally diagnosed through extensive testing.

First, an ultrasound is performed to look for ovarian cysts. However, the absence of cysts doesn’t necessarily mean the absence of the syndrome. In some women, there are no cysts at all, while others will have cysts that come and go, as their hormone levels and menstrual periods regulate for months at a time. For these reasons, PCOS is an exceedingly complicated disease. 

Besides an ultrasound, a battery of tests should be done to make a diagnosis and determine the root cause. This is because PCOS may be attributed to elevated testosterone levels, thyroid malfunction, adrenal gland malfunction, diabetes/pre-diabetes, and/or poor ratio of beneficial to harmful bacteria in the gut.

“Testing to make the diagnosis of PCOS includes blood testing for testosterone levels, blood sugar and insulin resistance, and adrenal hormones, both salivary and blood,” according to Dr. Monaco. “Pelvic ultrasound and thyroid hormones will also be helpful,” he says. 

Therefore, the evaluations include: 

  • Total testosterone test. Bear in mind that some women with PCOS have seemingly normal testosterone levels. In this case, the problem is often abnormal sex hormone binding globulin, which carries testosterone around in the body. If that’s the culprit, testosterone levels may need to be reduced below what is considered normal. 
  • Full battery of thyroid function tests. 
  • Adrenal function test called the 17-hydroxyprogesterone test (17-OHP), which is performed early in the morning after fasting. 
  • Hemoglobin-A1C test and glucose challenge test to check for diabetes and pre-diabetes. • Gut and stool tests to determine the health of the microbiome/gut. 
  • Epigenetic hair follicle test to uncover underlying health concerns and get to the cause of both hair loss and excessive hair growth. 

Treating PCOS 

Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS, so treatment is focused on managing the symptoms.

“While there is no specific “cure” there are many options for the PCOS patient, such as Berberine and Metformin to regulate blood sugar and insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome, Inositol which influences the actions of insulin, adrenal support, and diet and carbohydrate restriction,” Dr. Monaco says. 

The most common medication given is birth control. It takes over the function of the ovaries and helps to regulate female hormones, as well as testosterone levels. However, this alone may not be enough to curb symptoms. 

If diabetes, thyroid malfunction, or adrenal malfunction are found to be root causes, those diseases must be treated individually. For example, as Dr. Monaco mentioned, Metformin (also called Glucophage) may be prescribed for a diabetic or pre-diabetic condition to regulate blood sugar. In some cases, this medication also regulates hormone levels. 

Weight loss or weight management is often part of the treatment plan, although researchers are uncertain if obesity is caused by PCOS or if PCOS causes obesity. If acne is a symptom, it may be treated by a dermatologist. 

But what about hair loss?

Do any of these treatments help to curb thinning hair or the excessive hair growth on other parts of the body?

Yes, they can help. Scalp treatments that stimulate blood circulation on the scalp can encourage growth. Meanwhile, efforts to reduce testosterone levels, which are usually responsible for excessive hair growth, can reduce unwanted hair.

Of course, any hair that is already on the face and body must be removed through procedures like laser hair reduction, which can usually kill the hair follicle with about eight treatments. Without lowering testosterone, however, the hair will continue to grow despite laser treatments, which can be expensive if they have to be repeated regularly. 

Additionally, diet and exercise can potentially help with all symptoms of PCOS from hair loss and hair growth to irregular periods, blood sugar, insulin levels associated with diabetes and pre-diabetes, obesity, and poor gut health.

Nutrition management must be individualized, though. There is no one-size-fits-all diet. Therefore, it’s important to work with a registered dietician who has experience with PCOS. 

If you have hair loss accompanied by irregular, heavy, or infrequent periods, or if you have hair loss along with excessive hair growth on the face and body (as well as any of the other symptoms mentioned in this article), please look for a gynecologist or general medical doctor with experience diagnosing and treating PCOS.

Social media groups are available to help you find referrals in your area. A doctor knowledgeable about this disease can guide you with an individualized treatment plan based on your test results. It’s also recommended to see a Certified Trichologist to specifically treat your hair loss and excessive hair growth.

A woman looking at the camera with very short pixie-cut hair

Thyroid Problems and Hair Loss: Key Insights

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By Kimberly Vaughn, Advanced Trichologist, Certified Nutritional and Hair Loss Coach, President of HPIHair of Nashville, Tennessee

An estimated 80 million Americans deal with hair loss, while 20 million Americans are estimated to have some thyroid problems. A significant number of these people may find that their thyroid problems and hair loss are directly connected. Yet, this link is not well-known, even among the medical community. If a physician is aware of it, the complexities of diagnosis are often misunderstood. Nevertheless, hair loss is one of the first symptoms an endocrinologist might see if there is a problem with the thyroid.

Despite its small size, the thyroid has a significant effect on many of the body’s organs and systems. It is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck right below the Adam’s apple. Why is it so important? “The thyroid controls the metabolic rate of the body, which is how you convert food into energy. The function of every cell depends on the proper function of the thyroid gland and its hormones,” says Lynn N. Ellington, an M.D. in obstetrics and gynecology and founding partner of the Womens Group of Franklin, Tennessee. (Dr. Ellington is also a frequent guest of the ThyroidHairLossConnection podcast).

Our thyroid can be hyperactive as in hyperthyroidism or hypoactive as in hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hypothyroidism, and Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism. Many people mistakenly think that only hypothyroidism is associated with hair loss, but any of these thyroid conditions may include hair loss and related symptoms.

“Regardless of the cause of the thyroid imbalance,” says Dr. Ellington, “if the thyroid hormones are too high or too low, the body can lose more hair follicles than it can replace, thus resulting in hair loss overall. With hypothyroidism, there is a normal amount of hair loss, but the new hair growth is slowed so there is a net loss of hair. With hyperthyroidism, the replacement is normal, but the amount of hair loss on a daily basis is accelerated. Thus, there is also a net loss of hair with this condition.”

Besides hair loss, the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism include: fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, joint and muscle pain, and depression. Common hyperthyroidism symptoms include (besides hair loss): anxiety, heat intolerance, concentration problems, and goiter.

Of course, the thyroid is a gland that produces hormones: T1, T2, T3, and T4. Medicine actually knows very little about T1 and T2, but we know that T3 and T4 help oxygen enter our cells, which helps the body produce and use energy. In this way, it plays a vital role in metabolism.

To diagnose thyroid problems and hair loss, a comprehensive blood panel must be conducted, including:

  • TSH
  • Free T4
  • Free T3
  • Reverse T3
  • Thyroid antibodies
  • SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)
  • Total T4
  • Total T3
  • It would take an entire article to discuss the significance of each of these markers. Unfortunately, however, due to insurance issues or perhaps lack of knowledge, doctors may only run tests for TSH and Free T3. These are not enough to get a full picture of the thyroid’s function and whether hair loss can be attributed to it. The numbers for each of these markers must be evaluated together, and sometimes, other hormonal issues might be involved. You can see why a diagnosis can be complex.

Vitamins, Minerals, and Diet

If someone is ultimately diagnosed with a thyroid condition, they might be treated with antithyroid medications if they have hyperthyroidism or a synthetic hormone replacement if they have hypothyroidism. Hair loss and other symptoms may not improve with these medications, however. That is because the underlying cause of the hair loss could be a nutritional deficiency that has also caused or contributed to the loss of thyroid function.

In some cases, though, an excess of a particular nutrient can cause hair loss. This is the case with selenium, for example, so it is important to avoid over-supplementation.

Diet also plays a part in both the function of the thyroid and the potential for hair loss. There is no one-diet-fits-all approach, however, to take care of these symptoms. Everyone is different, and everyone has different nutritional deficiencies and food sensitivities. For that reason, it is recommended that people suffering from hair loss are evaluated from a holistic perspective and not just for the physical hair loss experienced. Again, hair loss is complex with many different contributing factors.

Below is a list of the most important nutrients related to the health of the hair and scalp, as well as the optimal levels for healthy, growing hair.

  • Vitamin B12 – 500-900 mcg
  • Vitamin D 25-hydroxy – 50-90 mcg
  • Folic Acid – 10.0-20.0 mg
  • Copper – 90-126 mcg
  • Zinc – .75-1.01 mg
  • Iron – 70-125 mg

If someone suffers from hair loss, the above labs should be checked along with the Thyroid tests mentioned. Bear in mind that copper and zinc can accumulate in the body, so it is recommended to test their levels every six months.

In the case of iron, a test should also be done to evaluate “transferrin saturation.” Iron can be high, while ferritin levels (a blood protein containing iron) may be low. These additional numbers reflect how your body is storing and using iron. This is because we have free radical iron that may not be processed properly due to another vitamin deficiency.

Again, the interactions between hormones, nutrient deficiencies, and organ functions must be evaluated together to determine the true reason for the symptom of hair loss.

Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania logo

How to Stimulate Hair Regrowth

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Naturally treat your hair loss and promote hair regrowth! This little treatment offers stimulation and increases blood circulation to the scalp along with increasing cell production and collagen.

Researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine, at the University of Pennsylvania, have discovered that mildly wounding the scalp or micro-bleeding may be the big hair loss cure of the future we’ve been searching for. Derma-rolling has been used in the aesthetics industry for years with successful results. The treatment works the same for the scalp.

By rolling the device below and causing small wounds in the scalp we trigger a reaction of harm to the skin which then in turn promotes a healing response and stimulation.

The result of Derma-rolling stimulates regeneration in the areas it is applied to, it can also work to stimulate hair regrowth (in places where hair loss has occurred). The scalp and face (think beards) are most commonly effected in a positive way!

Increased blood circulation in the scalp may also help because the increased blood flow may help remove more DHT from the hair shaft –providing a reduction in DHT.

Professional Laser treatment or LLLT is the most effective proven way to stimulate the blood flow across the entire scalp promoting less shedding and new hair regrowth.


This cold red laser light is absorbed by specialized cells deep within the follicle, providing energy to enhance cellular respiration and hair growth.

Blood flow and circulation is a hair follicles best friend!  Consider your natural options to a healthy growing experience.

Photo of Will Siskey diagnosed with alopecia areata treatment before and after

Overcoming Alopecia Universalis

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Guest Will Siskey, co-founder of the Sparrow Clinic, joins hosts Nataliia Sanzo and Kimberly Vaughn on this episode of the Thyroid Hair Loss Connection podcast. Listen to full episode here!

Will was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata at the young age of 16. His health challenge quickly progressed to Alopecia Universalis causing total hair loss all over his body.

Will writes about his journey to health on his clinic’s website: “It was out of desperation that we sought more natural treatments as traditional options had gotten us nothing more than a long list of side effects. We changed my diet among other lifestyle changes and sure enough a few years later I had about 85% recovery. Then a new challenge occurred, a gut parasite. We sought and learned more. Leading us to stem cell therapy using your own cells, tricking your cells to act younger with things like NAD+, immunomodulators, and so much more. So here I am 10 years later with a full head of hair experts said was impossible. All because the Lord, His design of our bodies, and the power of a determined mother.”

THLC asked Will to share what worked for him. This is his personal holistic, clean diet that supports his auto-immune condition plus suggestions for a simple, slightly less restrictive diet to improve health.

Will’s diet first started by eliminating the following:

  • Gluten
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Processed Foods
  • Artificial Ingredients
  • Food Substitutes
  • Peanuts
  • Artificial Colorings
  • Processed Salt

As his auto-immune condition improved, his diet continued to evolve, and Will shares the following with his diet today:

As for produce: organic–biodynamic even when available.

  • Fermented Foods
  • Organ meats
  • All of the ones listed above except I do eat raw 100% grass fed organic A2A2 Dairy on occasion now.
  • No vegetarian fed organic or non-organic chicken. Must be eating worms and insects.
  • No seed & nut oils: canola, sunflower, safflower, rapeseed, etc.
  • Wide array of colorful vegetables. Certain vegetables like spinach, kale, brussels sprouts, collard greens, etc. can contain some anti-nutrient components, making it essential to cook them properly.
  • Bone broth &/or bone marrow
  • Wild foods when available
  • Cooking oils: I use tallow, lard, coconut oil, avocado oil, or olive oil (the most unrefined and most natural the better.) Certain olive oils and processes can distort the omega profiles rendering them borderline toxic to your cells, while many others are “cut” or mixed with cheap seed oils like canola. This is also true even for organic corn and soy fed chickens.

Simple Ways to improve your diet & lifestyle

Without going too restrictive

  • Increase veggie & fruit intake if it is not a staple part of your diet. Everything should be organic but if not then I would take ION before eating for sure. There are only a select few foods that are GMO, so if you do not eat organic than make sure they are non-gmo. Corn is a great example. A list can be found online.
  • Beef, Lamb, Bison, Elk – Eat as wild and closest to nature intended as possible. For beef that is grass fed, preferably organic, no hormones, no antibiotics (unless necessary), etc.
  • Fish & shellfish – wild caught never farm raised. Larger fish tend to have higher levels of metals in them like swordfish and tuna. Don’t have to be avoided but something I wouldn’t eat a ton of.
  • Chicken & Eggs – Find a farm that grows them organically and not vegetarian feed which is often corn and grain etc. This still distorts the chicken’s fat profile to where it is almost toxic to us. The chickens may eat some grain but mostly worms and insects. Typically, one of the hardest items to find.
  • Oils – Use an organic olive oil or properly raised animal fat. A good olive oil source is Apollo Olive Oil in California. Avocado oil and coconut oil are also options.
  • Sugars – no artificial sugars or sweetners, no high fructose corn syrup. Best options are organic cane sugar, coconut sugar, or something minimally processed. Raw honey, maple syrup, and molasses are also other options. Organic stevia is okay too, but I wouldn’t overdo stevia.
  • Salt – use a sea salt. Some are even tested for micro plastics. A good brand I use is Redmond’s Real Salt.
  • Grains – organic sprouted ancient grains. Sourdough is best for any baked goods because it limits the gluten content through the fermentation process and increases nutrients.
  • Legumes – organic, soaked, and sprouted.
  • Nuts – organic – sprouted if you’re sensitive.
  • Dairy – Same standards for the beef above but also unpasteurized and raw dairy. If you’re getting cheese you want to make sure the cheese isn’t stored at too high a temperature. Finding a good farm is the best way to do this.
  • Limit processed and boxed foods.

Nataliia and Kimberly want to thank Will for his candid discussion about his Alopecia diagnosis and for providing the diet he follows. You can find out more about Will and the Sparrow Clinic by emailing him: Will@thesparrowclinic.com

A woman with thyroid

Thyroid, Hair Loss Connection

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Lots of Hair Shed?

Are you having symptoms of Thyroid Disease?

Hair loss is a complicated issue, and it is very important to look at all aspects of a person’s well-being when trying to identify the root cause.

When someone is suffering from symptoms of hormonal imbalance and thyroid issues, most likely they are also shedding hair. Getting the proper diagnosis early on will help restart your hair growth journey!

Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Disease

  • Anxiety and irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Sleep disorders (too much or too little sleep)
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Your body temperature is too warm or too cold
  • Lack of focus or concentration
  • Unusual weight changes
  • Fatigued muscles
  • Dry hair and skin

Why does the Thyroid Cause Hair Loss?

The thyroid is known as the “master gland”. This gland controls hormone production. When the thyroid is not regulating correctly, it affects other bodily functions. 

The development of the hair follicle falls into one of these major roles. Hair starts to shed resulting in thinning all over the scalp and possibly other areas such as your eyebrows.

New growth may not happen until the thyroid is operating properly again. The amount of hair loss could be severe if the thyroid condition is not treated.

An autoimmune condition known as alopecia is quite often seen with thyroid disorders. Two other autoimmune conditions, PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome and lupus, may cause hair loss and can be connected to thyroid issues.

Your thyroid also controls your digestive process. A slow-acting thyroid could cause your stomach to not produce as much acid as you need. This could hinder the absorption of vitamins and minerals. 

Minerals like iron are crucial for oxygenating red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the hair follicle. Lack of oxygen can lead to hair loss.

How to Find Out More?

Subscribe and listen to our podcast series: Thyroid, Hair Loss Connection. It is also available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Overcast. 

The hosts of this podcast are Kimberly Vaughn, a national trichologist, and certified nutrition, and hair loss coach, along with Nataliia Sanzo, a registered dietitian, a.k.a Nashville Thyroid Expert®️.

Each week, you will learn practical solutions to hair growth, thyroid healing, and balancing hormones with holistic nutrition, quality supplements, and the latest treatments. 

They will discuss evidence-based models leading to the root cause of your hair loss and thyroid disease. The hosts will incorporate the importance of gut health, diet, nutrition, and lifestyle protocols. 

The episodes will feature industry leaders in functional and integrative medicine, experts in health and nutrition, and actual clients who will share their stories and practices that work.

Does Finasteride, Minoxidil, Tretinoin Cure Hair Loss?

Does Finasteride, Minoxidil, Tretinoin Cure Hair Loss?

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Have you been researching for hair loss cure recently? You have surely found many hair loss solutions and probably see Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Tretinoin pop up frequently. But, what exactly do these prescription medications and other hair loss topical solutions do for your hair? Read on to find out.

Minoxidil

The Basics: Minoxidil stimulates hair growth, slows additional balding, and improves blood flow to the hair follicles by widening blood vessels. A 6% Minoxidil solution promotes hair growth by reactivating dormant follicles.

The Data: Minoxidil has been used for hair loss treatment for several decades. The medication affects follicular cells by enhancing hair growth and reducing hair loss. Mori and Uno discovered that a minoxidil solution shortened the telogen phase to 1 to 2 days in treated rats compared to approximately 20 days in untreated rats. There was an increase in the rate of DNA synthesis in anagen bulbs, suggesting that minoxidil stimulated secondary hair germ cells of telogen follicles and caused a rapid shift to the anagen phase. Read More

Finasteride Topical and Oral Pill

The Basics: Finasteride blocks the production of a hair loss hormone called DHT and stops more hair from falling out.

The Data: Oral Finasteride is FDA approved and has proven results for hair growth. Finasteride inhibits an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. The 5-alpha-reductase enzyme changes testosterone to another hormone and is one of the causes of hair loss in males. Since Finasteride blocks this enzyme, it will increase testosterone levels in the body and increase hair growth on the scalp. Oral Finasteride does have side effects, so a topical serum has been tested with similar results.

Tretinoin

The Basics: Tretinoin promotes healthy turnover in hair follicles to stimulate effective growth and speeds up the skin cell turnover process. Clinical studies have shown better hair growth and improved efficacy when prescription Tretinoin is combined with Minoxidil.

The Data: Tretinoin, also known as all-trans retinoic acid, is often combined with Minoxidil since they are reported to complement each other. Together, they create denser hair regrowth than either compound alone. Vitamin A and retinoic acid are reported to play a critical part in the growth, differentiation, and maintenance of hair follicles. Topical Tretinoin is known to control the hair growth cycle and has been promoted to stimulate the growth of sub-optimal hairs.

The Trichologists and hair loss specialists at HPIHair often use a combination of these topical solutions. We apply a science-based approach to get to the root of your scalp and hair issues. Each client receives a customized plan to start on their hair growth journey. Have questions or clarifications? We are more than happy to answer them. Request a consultation with us!

Healthy Hair Letter Blocks With Healthy Food

Blog Series: Help Your Hair Loss & Scalp Irritation The Natural Way

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Part Two: Vitamins and Minerals

Do you think the generic multi-vitamin that you take daily is sufficient for your overall health including your hair and scalp? Possibly, but how do we know for sure? If you searched recently for thinning hair solutions, you would find yourself overwhelmed with ads for topicals, shampoos, and supplements all aimed to grow your hair. There is typically a reason for hair thinning. Recognizing the root of the problem can be more difficult. We must look at many different factors, i.e., hormones, thyroid, lifestyle, nutrition, stress, environmental toxins. Fortunately, we now have the technology at our fingertips to identify some of the triggers that may lead to hair loss. Our Hair Follicle Test is an epigenetic test providing access to nutritional and environmental factors to help the patient optimize their overall health.

We want to focus on the Vitamin and Mineral section of the Optimize Hair, Skin, and Nails Report. Vitamins and minerals are also known as Micronutrients. The majority of vitamins and mineral must come from diet and nutrition. The human body is unable to make most of the micronutrients that are essential. While our bodies only require a small amount of these organic nutrients, they are essential for life. In addition, micronutrients play a major role in the hair follicle cycle with cellular turnover and how rapidly the cells divide. Deficiency or even over supplementation of vitamins and minerals may be causing your hair thinning.

When thinking about hair and scalp health, it is important to recognize the need for the optimal balance of vitamin and mineral levels. Let’s look at the top micronutrients and the foods to include for hair and scalp health: Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Iron, Selenium, and Zinc.

essential Vitamins for healthy hair

Vitamin A

Vitamin A, also known as Retinol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that is stored in the liver. Achieving an equilibrium of Vitamin A is extremely important. In excessive quantities, this micronutrient can cause toxicity. Vitamin A is one of the micronutrients that can hinder hair growth and cause hair loss if you consume too much or over-supplement. The maximum tolerable amount is 10,000IU per day. The top five food sources of Vitamin A: beef liver, sweet potato, spinach, raw carrots, and ricotta cheese.

Vitamin B

Known as Vitamin B Complex due to the eight water-soluble components: B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, B7 (biotin), folate, and B12. Hair loss is shown in those that are deficient in B2, biotin, folate, and B12. Riboflavin-rich foods include eggs, organ meats, lean meats, low-fat milk, green vegetables, and fortified cereals and grain products. Dietary sources of Vitamin B7 or Biotin include meat, fish, eggs, organ meats, seeds, nuts, sweet potatoes, spinach, and broccoli. The best foods containing Folate are beef liver, asparagus, brussels sprouts, dark green leafy vegetables, oranges and orange juice, nuts, beans, and peas. B12 sources are clams, beef liver, fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and milk. Other products are fortified with B12 including some dairy products, cereals, and nutritional yeasts.

Vitamin C

In a person with an iron deficiency, it is important to understand how essential Vitamin C is to assist with the absorption of iron in the intestine. Vitamin C also needs to be consumed through food sources such as citrus fruits, potatoes, tomatoes, green peppers, and cabbage.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is fat soluble and helps to maintain adequate levels of calcium and phosphorus in your body and is believed to exert an anti-inflammatory effect. Vitamin D occurs in very few food groups. The best sources are trout, salmon, tuna, mackerel, and other fatty fish. Beef liver, egg yolks, and cheese have very small amounts of Vitamin D. In the US, milk is fortified with Vitamin D at a rate of 120IU per cup.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E contains tocotrienols and are known to be potent antioxidants. There is a correlation between oxidative stress and hair loss. Hair loss patients commonly exhibit lower levels of antioxidants in their scalp area. Dietary sources of Vitamin E are wheat germ, sunflower, safflower oils, almonds, seeds, spinach, and broccoli. In addition, some companies add Vitamin E to their products.

The Minerals for Healthy hair

Iron

Iron deficiency is one of the top nutritional deficiencies, especially among women. It is debated if low levels of iron could contribute to hair loss, but there does seem to be a correlation when serum ferritin levels are low. As we learned in the Vitamin C paragraph, iron in plant foods is better absorbed by the body when eaten with Vitamin C rich foods. Iron food sources are lean meat, seafood, poultry, beans, lentils, spinach, kidney beans, and peas. Iron-fortified food products like cereals or grains are also optional.

Selenium

Selenium is an essential trace element that the body needs to stay healthy. Selenium does carry a risk of toxicity in amounts ingested above 400mcg per day. One important function of selenium is with the thyroid gland. Thyroid imbalances can be a cause of hair loss so it makes sense that making sure you get adequate amounts of selenium is important. Foods rich in Selenium include seafood, meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products, breads, cereals, and other grain products.

Zinc

Zinc is also an essential trace element and must be supplied through the diet since the body cannot make it on its own. Zinc deficiency is well known in patients diagnosed with Alopecia Areata. Supplementing with Zinc has shown increased hair regrowth in those patients. The ideal dietary sources of Zinc are oysters, red meat, poultry, and dairy products. Vegetarian sources that provide some zinc are beans, nuts, whole grains, and fortified cereals.

As you can see, eating a balance of vitamin-rich food is important to healthy scalp and hair. Finding the right balance is often frustrating, and because of the hair growth cycle, could take months to know that you are on the right track. Our Hair Follicle Test is the gateway to new information arming you with the knowledge to make optimal choices to maintain a healthy homeostasis in your body.

Hair Follicle Test

How do you know if you are eating the right vitamins and minerals for healthy hair and scalp? Our Epigenetic Hair Follicle test includes vitamin and mineral indicators in a 30 plus page report that is personalized for you. The new innovative test can be done In-Office or from the comfort of your own home with our At-Home test. In addition to the vitamin and mineral profile, our epigenetic test also reveals amino acids, antioxidants, fatty acids, and environmental stressors, arming you with the knowledge of changes that you can make to improve your overall scalp and hair health.

Click Below for sample report


Amino Acids

Blog Series: Help Your Hair Loss & Scalp Irritation The Natural Way

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Part One: Amino acids

Healthy Food

Surely you have heard of amino acids. Remember, we learned about it in middle school science! As a review, amino acids are molecules that create protein when combined and are considered the building blocks of our existence.

The human body needs amino acids. In addition to being necessary for survival, they are extremely important for the health and condition of your hair and scalp.  Collagen, elastin, and keratin are the fundamental protein elements that make up a healthy scalp and hair.  Collagen binds the scalp tissue and hair follicles together.

Collagen: The vital amino acids for collagen production are lysine, glycine, and proline. Lysine absorbs calcium aiding in the formation of collagen and is thought to able to prevent conversion of testosterone into DHT. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the leading cause of male pattern baldness. Glycine is essential for collagen production. It is also able to protect the body from nerve ailments that cause hair loss. Proline aids in maintaining muscle tissue and aids in collagen synthesis.

Elastin: Over 70 amino acids create elastin. It aids in the vitality of the hair and scalp like collagen. It gives scalp and hair its stretch and elasticity.

Keratin: The abundant amino acid in keratin is cysteine. Cysteine helps to maintain the overall health and strength of the hair.

What do Amino Acids Do?

  • Maintain a normal digestive system
  • Process food in our stomach
  • Provide a source of energy
  • Build muscle, grow, and repair tissue
  • Maintain vibrant skin, hair, and nails
  • Create hormones and neurotransmitters
  • Enhance your immune system

Even though your body produces hundreds of amino acids, it needs twenty to function properly. These twenty are divided into eleven non-essential amino acids and nine essential amino acids. The nine essential amino acids can only be received from your nutrition since our body cannot make these aminos.

Non-Essential & Essential Amino Acids

The ideal sources of essential amino acids are animal proteins such as beef, poultry, dairy, and eggs since these proteins are easily absorbed and used by your body. Foods that contain all nine essential amino acids are called complete proteins. It is possible to consume essential amino acids from vegetarian sources like soy, quinoa, spirulina, hemp seeds, chia seeds, and buckwheat. Incomplete proteins are those that contain some of the essential amino acids. These would include nuts and nut butters, seeds, beans, and some grains. A person following a vegetarian or vegan diet would need to ensure they are consuming enough different types of food to get all the nine essential amino acids in their diet.

Ultimate Scalp and Hair Health

Now that we understand how important amino acids are to your diet, we will now consider them for our hair and scalp health. External amino acid use can aid in the overall health of your scalp and hair. Using a scalp exfoliant or scalp mask rich in amino acids can help remove dead skin from the scalp which can be blocking the hair follicles.  Stimulating scalp treatments with a medicated scalp mask with added amino acids are an excellent way to nourish the hair and scalp while stimulating blood flow to the follicles!

Hair Follicle Test

How do you know if your amino acids levels are in tune? Which amino acids need improvement in your diet? Our Epigenetic Hair Follicle test includes amino acid indicators in a 30 plus page report that is personalized for you. The new innovative test can be done In-Office or from the comfort of your own home with our At-Home test. In addition to the amino acid profile, our epigenetic test also reveals vitamin, mineral, antioxidants, fatty acids, and environmental stressors, arming you with the knowledge of changes that you can make to improve your overall scalp and hair health.

Click Below for sample report


Hair, Skin, Nails Report

couple recovered from hair loss

Q&A with an Expert in Hair Loss

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Anyone can experience hair thinning.  Left on our own, we often don’t know why hair loss starts.  Twenty-year hair loss specialist Kimberly Vaughn answers your personal questions on alopecia, or hair loss.  Kimberly is the managing director of HPIHair in Nashville and a compassionate hair coach certified as a World Trichologist Society trained professional.  She specializes in hair preservation, hair restoration, and hair replacement.

Kimberly Vaughn

Question: I am a 27-year-old woman who is in great health (at least I think).  Workouts are on my schedule three to four days a week.  I am a vegan and work hard at getting enough protein in my diet, drink plenty of water, and my hair is still falling out.  What is going on?

Answer: From your description above, the first three thoughts that come to mind are:
1) Has something major happened in your life within the past 9 months? COVID, break up, etc…
2) When was the last time that you had a physical with a wholistic blood work up?  This means, ALL hormones, thyroid tests, vitamins, and minerals.
3) Do you have a genetic predisposition to hair loss? Parents, grandparents, aunts that have thinning hair?  Hair loss is a complicated topic with varying roads to travel in the quest for answers. The first step, and many times the hardest is determining the cause(s) of the hair loss.  As with any health concern, we need to understand the cause/effect scenario to determine treatment options.  Start looking for your answers, with factual evidence and get your blood work done.

Question:  I am in my early 30s and now wear hats every day.  What are my options to have hair again and can it look natural?

Answer: Hair loss is a challenging subject for men, no matter how old you are.  The photos you shared confidentially illustrate a significant hair loss on the top and crown of your head.  Treatment for advanced hair loss, such as you are experiencing, has limitations.  However, we now have many more options than ever before!  If you are considering a hair replacement to fully cover the scalp, Nashville offers many options for hair replacement studios.  Another options to consider is Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) treatments.  This is a tattoo-type procedure performed on the scalp to camouflage the bare skin, mimicking the look of a hair follicle.  SMP is performed in sessions and can offer as much camouflage as needed.  Either replacement or permanent camouflage are good options.  Do your homework though!  Ensure you have selected the best provider for your solution.

Question:  My hair has been thinning for a few years and continues to worsen.  My dermatologist has diagnosed my problem as androgenic alopecia.  Does this mean I will start losing more hair or will my hair become patchy and fall out in clumps?  After seeing several pictures online, I am more worried now than even before the diagnosis.

Answer: Take a few deep breaths, we will sort through the differences and you should feel better shortly.  Androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata are very different diagnoses and conditions.  The word “alopecia” simply means hair loss.  As you would imagine, the word androgenic refers to heredity and can be referred to as male-pattern hair loss or female-pattern hair loss.  Alopecia areata is an auto immune condition causing hair loss on the head, face, and other parts of the body.  It is very different than its stepsister androgenic alopecia.  Both hair loss conditions are extremely devastating and can affect your appearance in different ways, depending on your gender, age, and ethnicity.

Alopecia areata treatment, if started at the onset of the diagnosis, can be very successful and reduce the likelihood of further episodes.  Look deeply into your diet and overall health and consider steroid injections or micro needling procedures.  We have seen strong, promising results with the above treatments.  With androgenic alopeicia, although very different in nature and pattern of hair loss, a holistic approach is the best place to begin as well.  Hormones, thyroid, genetics, diet, and overall health are also key drivers adding to the genetic predisposition.  Don’t blame your family!  Eighty million of us experience some form of hair loss during our lifetime and blaming our amazing family isn’t the way to go!

Researcher Scaled

MTHFR = 2 Parents + Defective Genes

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What is MTHFR?

MTHFR is a gene in the body responsible for the manufacturing of the MTHFR enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. This enzyme is necessary for methylation (an epigenetic signaling tool that cells use to lock genes in the “off” position), DNA repairs, and support of other key functions in the body. Methylation is essential to convert both folate and folic acid into an active form that can be readily used by the body. We know that folate and folic acid are important to maintaining hair health. Those with this mutation may be experiencing hair thinning or hair loss. Individuals with this mutation may also develop a folate deficiency as well.

“The benefit of recognizing MTHFR deficiency early is that you can start preventative therapy, including a high folate diet, very early in life and prevent or reduce the most severe effects,” says Fritz Roth, a professor of molecular genetics in the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and senior author on a new study into the genetic causes of the disorder.

Their findings are published in the American Journal of Human Genetics.

There are likely thousands of variants circulating in the population whose effects on folate metabolism—and health—remain unknown. Knowing which variants impair enzyme function can help predict, and possibly prevent, the negative consequences associated with MTHFR deficiency.

Why is this important?

Methylation is essential to convert both folate and folic acid into an active form that can be readily used by the body. We know that folate and folic acid are important to maintaining hair health.

What Next?

Consider amino acid supplementation. Aminos are the building blocks of the proteins in our body and they also play a very critical role in our hair health. MTHFR is especially important for converting an amino acid called homocysteine into the amino acid methionine. Those sensitive to this mutation may also develop a higher homocysteine level, which has been linked to an increase in cardiac disease and stroke. Not a GENE you should be messing around with!

The following resources can help you learn more about this disorder:

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/mthfr-gene-and-folic-acid.html

https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/10953/mthfr-gene-variant

If you would like to get tested for the MTHFR gene mutation and are looking for answers to your hair loss questions contact us today at 615.662.8722 or complete our consultation form online.