The most important strategy is to ascertain the cause. Before you even consider the hormonal aspects, ensure that there are no sinister diseases or other causes contributing to the problem. When hair loss is associated with another condition it is commonly seen as hair loss in patches, sudden hair loss, or can even be associated with redness, pain or scalding. In these instances it is imperative to be assessed thoroughly by a health professional. There are a number of immune disorders and endocrinological ones as well (most commonly thyroid disorders) that will contribute to the problem. Additionally, a number of medications can cause hair loss as well.
Clinically I have seen a number of both men and women present with hair loss and actually be suffering from a specific nutrient deficiency (common ones to look out for are Zinc and Iron) or suffering from a thyroid disorder (more commonly hypothyroidism but can be both and the autoimmune subtypes) or diabetes.
Specifically male pattern balding is thought to be influenced by the male hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Testosterone is responsible for hair growth in men and converts itself to DHT by an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. DHT acts the hair follicles and for reasons we don’t understand, hair follicles sometimes become more sensitive to DHT, slowing down hair production and producing weaker, shorter hair.
Naturopathic treatment focus on addressing this hormonal hypersensitivity and attempt to reduce the conversion of the testosterone to DHT. The most effective prescription includes Zinc, Essential Fatty Acids and the wonderful herbal medicine Saw palmetto. These treatments work together to reduce the conversion into DHT and can assist to delay the hair loss process.
