Question: Is there a solution for a woman with rapidly thinning hair?
Dr. Brownstein's Answer:
My experience is that there are two main health issues that can cause excess hair loss: thyroid problems, and mineral and vitamin deficiencies.
The most common cause of hair loss is hypothyroidism. Up to 40 percent of our population is suffering from an undiagnosed, abnormal thyroid problem. So the first step with unexplained hair loss is to make sure that your thyroid is healthy.
Many patients do better with natural, desiccated thyroid as opposed to synthetic thyroid hormone such as levothyroxine. Examples of desiccated thyroid hormone are Nature-Throid or Westhroid. It is also important to ensure that you are not iodine deficient. Iodine is vitally important to thyroid function, and taking thyroid hormone does not correct iodine deficiency.
In fact, taking thyroid hormone will actually worsen the iodine deficiency.
Hair loss can also be caused by mineral deficiencies. The hair follicle requires an adequate supply of minerals to function. Deficiencies of selenium, magnesium, iron, boron, and zinc can all cause hair loss. Deficiencies of vitamins C and D can also cause hair to fall out.
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