Introduction: Hair Loss Is Never “Just Cosmetic”

Few symptoms impact someone’s self-confidence more than hair thinning. Patients often describe feeling embarrassed, old, or unlike themselves. Some avoid photographs, social events, or new hairstyles because of it.

In functional medicine and aesthetics, we view hair loss as a clinical symptom, not an isolated issue. Hair reflects:

• Nutritional status
• Hormonal balance
• Stress levels
• Inflammation
• Scalp health
• Vascular and microcirculatory changes
• Genetic predisposition

This blog explains the biology behind hair thinning — without listing treatments — so patients understand what’s happening beneath the surface.

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Learn more about our functional approach to hair and wellness here.

Section 1: How Hair Actually Grows — The Hair Cycle

Each hair follicle cycles continuously through three phases.

1. Anagen (Growth Phase)

Lasts 2–7 years. Healthy follicles spend most of their time in this phase.

2. Catagen (Transition Phase)

A short, two-week phase where growth stops.

3. Telogen (Resting Phase)

About three months. After this, the hair sheds and a new anagen phase begins.

Any shift that shortens anagen or pushes too many follicles into telogen leads to noticeable thinning.

Section 2: Common Causes of Hair Thinning

1. Hormonal Fluctuations

Changes in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, cortisol, and DHEA all influence follicle growth and thickness.

2. Genetic Predisposition

Genetics determine follicle sensitivity to hormonal signaling, scalp circulation, and inflammation.

3. Stress and Cortisol Dysregulation

Chronic stress pushes follicles prematurely into shedding.

4. Nutrient Deficiencies

Low iron, B vitamins, zinc, protein, and omega-3s can weaken follicles.

5. Inflammation

Inflammatory conditions of the scalp reduce follicle activity.

6. Aging

The scalp loses collagen, vascular density declines, and follicles miniaturize.

7. Autoimmune Activity

Certain autoimmune patterns can reduce follicle function.

8. Microvascular Changes

Reduced blood flow = reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery.

Section 3: Understanding Female Hair Thinning

For many women in St. Louis, hair thinning becomes more noticeable during:

• Pregnancy
• Post-partum
• Perimenopause
• Menopause
• High-stress periods

Shifts in estrogen and progesterone significantly change follicle thickness and scalp density.

Section 4: Understanding Male Hair Thinning

In men, genetic sensitivity plays a more prominent role, but inflammation, stress, sleep deprivation, and nutritional gaps also matter.

Section 5: The Emotional Impact of Hair Loss

Patients frequently describe:

• Avoiding social events
• Changing hairstyles to hide thinning
• Increased anxiety
• Feeling “older” than their age

Hair represents identity. Losing it affects emotional and social well-being.

Section 6: The Importance of a Clinical Evaluation for Hair Concerns

Even without discussing treatments, we evaluate:

• Scalp health
• Inflammation levels
• Hormone balance
• Nutritional markers
• Thyroid function
• Chronic stress patterns
• Family history

Understanding root causes helps patients feel validated and informed.

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Section 7: How Hair Changes Over Time

Throughout life, follicles:

• Thin
• Shorten their growth phase
• Produce finer hair
• Become more sensitive to hormones
• Lose structural support

Understanding this natural progression helps set expectations.

Section 8: Lifestyle Factors That Influence Hair Health

Without recommending treatments, we can acknowledge contributors:

• Sleep quality
• Stress load
• Smoking
• Hydration
• Diet
• Chronic illness
• Inflammation

These influence cellular signaling and follicle turnover.

Conclusion

Hair thinning is common — but it is not something people have to accept without understanding. Knowledge empowers patients to feel confident and informed about their hair biology.

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Learn more about hair wellness and functional health at our St. Louis clinic.

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