Hair loss is a leading concern among men. Men who lose their hair often struggle with lower confidence and express wishing they could get their hair back. It’s estimated that 35 million men suffer from hair loss, so if you’re one of them, just know you’re not alone.
At Forum Health, we’ve helped hundreds of male patients stop hair loss with functional medicine treatments and regain a head of fuller, thicker hair.
We can do this because functional medicine specializes in getting to the root cause of health conditions, including hair loss. Hormone imbalance is an incredibly common root cause for men’s hair loss—so if you’re losing your hair, this could be the cause.
Thankfully, there are solutions, and you could be on your way to enjoying a head of restored hair in very little time.
The Hormone Imbalances That Cause Hair Loss
If you’re searching for hair loss treatment, you’ll first need to identify the condition’s root cause. There are several contributors to hair loss, but the most common ones are hormone imbalances. Working with a functional medicine doctor will help you determine whether hormones are causing your hair loss and which treatment options will effectively solve the problem.
1. Testosterone
When Testosterone is converted into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by an enzyme called the 5-alpha reductase, male pattern baldness is likely to occur. This conversion happens within the prostate gland, elevating the importance of prostate health maintenance if you want to reduce the risk of balding.
2. Thyroid Levels
Your thyroid is a gland located in the front of your neck that regulates two hormones: Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4). They play key roles in many of your body’s functions, including your hair and skin health.
A telltale sign of poor metabolism function is poor skin and hair health. If your thyroid is dysregulated, your metabolism could suffer. You likely could notice brittleness and thinning of your hair before it starts falling out if thyroid problems are the root cause of your hair loss.
3. Male Menopause
It’s not just women who go through a hormonal shift later in life. Men experience their version of menopause—called andropause. Just like menopause, andropause wreaks havoc on hormonal balance, especially testosterone.
4. Stress-Related Hormonal Imbalance
We all know that stress is something to be avoided, but if you need another reason to champion your inner peace, here it is: stress creates hormonal imbalances associated with hair loss. If you experience abnormally high levels of stress for extended periods, you’re at higher risk for the following hair loss conditions:
- Alopecia areata: A condition in which your body attacks your hair follicles, causing higher-than-normal levels of hair to fall out.
- Telogen effluvium: A condition in which your hair follicles decide to take a rest and are no longer able to “hold on” to your hair.
Natural Treatments For Hair Loss
Thankfully, there are holistic treatments for hair loss. It’s always a joy to see our Forum Health patients restore their confidence and vitality after identifying the right treatment for them.
1. Hormone Therapies
There are a wide variety of ways to address hormonal imbalances that could be the root cause of your hair loss. A functional medicine physician will work with you to identify the treatment appropriate for your unique medical profile.
2. Blood-derived Growth Factors Therapy
Blood-derived Growth Factors Therapy is one of our favorite treatment options thanks to its extensive healing properties. This treatment utilizes your blood’s plasma to stimulate hair growth and regenerate scalp health.
3. Lifestyle Interventions And Supplements
As functional medicine practitioners, we look at your health’s whole picture—including lifestyle. We will work with you to create a plan that reduces stress, empowers you to eat well, and gives you the information you need to proactively boost your vitality and wellness. This could range from exercise to supplements and will promote better health.
Getting Started With Functional Medicine And Hair Loss Treatment
If you’re one of the 35 million men affected by hair loss, we want to assure you that there is hope. We have compassion for the fact that hair is an integral part of your vitality and has a significant impact on how you feel about yourself. Functional medicine aims to restore your body’s balance and optimize your overall health.
That’s why we’re passionate about working with men just like you who are searching for a safe, long-lasting solution for hair loss. If you’re ready to explore options, schedule an appointment with Forum Health!
