Struggling with Hair Loss? It’s Not Just About Biotin.
If your hair is thinning, falling out in clumps, or your ponytail suddenly feels a lot smaller—you’re not imagining it. And you’re definitely not alone.
Hair loss is one of the most common concerns I hear from women in my practice. And yet, it’s one of the most misunderstood.
You may have been told to “just take biotin” or blamed it on aging. But hair loss—whether it’s gradual shedding, sudden thinning, or a diagnosis like alopecia—isn’t superficial. It’s a message from your body that something deeper may be going on.
Let’s unpack what might actually be causing it—and what you can do about it.
The Root Causes of Hair Loss
Hair is a barometer of health. When your body is stressed, undernourished, or inflamed, it’s smart—it pulls resources away from things like hair and nails to focus on survival. That’s why hair loss is rarely just about your scalp.
Here are the most common underlying causes I see:
1. Nutrient Deficiencies
Yes, biotin gets a lot of attention—but it’s far from the full story. Your hair depends on a whole symphony of nutrients to grow, including:
Iron and ferritin: Low levels are one of the most common reasons for hair thinning—especially after childbirth or during heavy periods.
Zinc: Essential for follicle health and immune function.
Vitamin D: Helps regulate the hair cycle and reduce inflammation.
B vitamins: Support cellular energy and reduce stress response.
Protein: A lack of amino acids can slow or halt new hair growth.
2. The Labs That Tell the Full Story
If you’re experiencing hair loss, look deeper. Here are some key labs I often recommend to my patients:
Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, antibodies): Thyroid dysfunction—especially Hashimoto’s—is a major player in hair loss.
Iron + Ferritin
Vitamin D
Zinc and Copper
Comprehensive metabolic panel
Sex hormones (Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA)
Cortisol (saliva or DUTCH test)
hs-CRP and ANA (for systemic inflammation and autoimmune markers)
Stool testing (to assess gut function and nutrient absorption)
These results offer real insight into what your body needs—not just what your symptoms suggest.
3. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones have a direct impact on your hair cycle. And imbalances can disrupt that cycle dramatically. Some common culprits:
PCOS: Often causes high androgens (like testosterone) which can lead to thinning at the crown.
Postpartum: Estrogen drops rapidly after birth, triggering shedding.
Perimenopause: As estrogen and progesterone shift, hair texture and density can change too.
Thyroid dysfunction: As mentioned above, sluggish thyroid slows hair growth and increases shedding.
If your cycle has changed or your energy is off, your hormones might be affecting more than you think.
4. Stress and the Nervous System
Your hair follicles are incredibly sensitive to cortisol and adrenaline. High stress doesn’t just feel bad—it can push hair follicles into a “resting phase,” stopping new growth and triggering shedding.
You might notice this a few months after a big stressor—like childbirth, illness, surgery, emotional trauma, or even long-term burnout.
Healing your hair often starts with calming your nervous system and helping your body feel safe again.
5. Digestive Health & Inflammation
Even if you’re eating well, inflammation in the gut can prevent your body from absorbing key nutrients. Conditions like IBS, SIBO, or low stomach acid can create a perfect storm for hair loss.
And if your microbiome is out of balance? That can also increase stress hormones, impact estrogen clearance, and worsen nutrient deficiencies. Gut health isn’t separate from hair health—it’s foundational.
6. Immune Function & Autoimmunity
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune form of hair loss, where the body mistakenly attacks its own hair follicles. But even if you haven’t been diagnosed, autoimmune activity can be low-grade and still impact your hair.
That’s why I always look at immune markers and inflammation levels—because calming the immune system often helps restore the hair cycle, too.
Real Healing Is Possible—Just Ask Devon
One of my patients, Devon, came to me after struggling with alopecia that left her feeling hopeless. She had tried everything she could think of—topical treatments, over-the-counter supplements, endless internet rabbit holes—and still, her hair continued to fall out in handfuls.
When we started working together, it was clear her body was overwhelmed. Her nervous system was stuck in overdrive. Inflammation was high. She had key nutrient deficiencies, and her hormones were completely out of sync.
We took a whole-body approach:
✅ Calmed her nervous system through restorative practices and adrenal support
✅ Reduced underlying inflammation that was disrupting her immune system
✅ Replenished depleted nutrients like iron, zinc, vitamin D, and B vitamins
✅ Supported and balanced her hormonal rhythms gently and naturally
And slowly but surely—her body responded.
Devon’s hair started growing back. Her energy lifted. Her confidence returned. And the most beautiful part? She started feeling like herself again.
Check out her picture on this blog. These are her real results.
"I thought I’d just have to live with it. I was covering bald patches with hats and feeling totally disconnected from my body. Working with Dr. Jenny changed everything. My hair is growing back, but more than that—I feel grounded, vibrant, and in control of my health again. I can't thank her enough."
— Devon, Truckee California
So, What Can You Do?
Hair loss isn’t vanity—it’s a signal. And when we address it through a whole-body, root-cause lens, real healing becomes possible.
You’re not just your symptoms. And you don’t have to settle for generic advice that doesn’t actually work.
If you’re looking for personalized support—or just a better way forward—I’d love to help.
Our approach is different:
We look under the hood with functional testing
We personalize a plan based on your labs and lifestyle
We support your body from the inside out—with nutrition, herbs, mindset, and care
Because hair loss isn’t just about what’s on your head.
It’s about reconnecting to what’s happening in your whole body.
