Gut Health, Hormones & Hair Loss: The Surprising Connection
Watch Joe & Jan talk about one of the hottest topics right now!
From post-partum hair loss to gut microbiome, hormone disrupters, what are some warning signs of bad gut health and what we can do to start our gut health journey!
Some great info - a must watch!
Written by Jan Macfarlene - Clinical Nutritionist
Experiencing hair thinning or hair loss can be incredibly distressing. The endless search for the perfect shampoo, lotion, potion or supplement to fix your woes with only the sheer disappointment of you left wondering, what the ‘F’ is going on...
In the world of science these days, incredible break throughs have now given us the insight into the ‘gut’.
What it has shown us is that “the gut is connected to literally everything in our body”, alongside our trusty hormones who absolutely run the show morning to night, and for some of us, an added ruling schedule of a monthly regime… er yay.
So, what are some symptoms that might give you a little insight as to whether your gut and hormones might be that naughty drunk friend dancing on the table, and throwing up in the background messing up your chi?
Let’s take a look...
• Hair loss/shedding • Hair thinning • Weight gain • IBS • Stomach pain • Constipation • Brain fog • Fatigue • Anxiety • Depression • Lack of Vitality or Joy • Mood Swings • Insomnia • Temperature sensitivity • Night sweats • Low sex drive • Joint pain • Back pain • Headaches • Migraines • Excess facial hair • Acne • Low mood/depression • Osteoporosis
Um yep, you got it, there they are!
Do you feel seen?
Have these guys been lingering around for some time, and you have been side eyeing them pretending they aren’t there (or an issue at least).
So, what are the factors that affect our health, hormones, gut and hair health?
Many factors contribute, not limited to the following: genes, microbiome, environmental factors, pollutants, chemicals, herbicides, pesticides, food additives, plastics, stress, food intake.
Let’s Talk About The Gut...
The gut, or gastrointestinal tract, is home to trillions of bacteria that play a vital role in digestion, metabolism, immunity - whopping 80%, our mental health - 90% of our serotonin is made in the gut then sent to brain. When the gut microbiome is imbalanced, it can lead to a variety of health problems, mental health, autoimmune disorders, and hormonal imbalances.
Hormones ahh hormones...
Hormones well they literally do run the show. From regulating our insulin aka blood sugars, energy, mood, sleep, and they even play a critical role in hair health. When hormone levels are imbalanced, it can lead to hair thinning and hair loss.
Stress, Cortisol, and Hair Loss
Stress is a common trigger for hair loss. When we experience stress, our bodies release the stress hormone cortisol. While cortisol is essential for our survival, chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones in our bodies. Cortisol can interfere with the production of other hormones, including those responsible for hair growth, such as testosterone and estrogen.
How Gut Health Affects Hormone Levels
The gut microbiome communicates with the brain through the gut-brain axis. This complex network of signals can influence hormone production and regulation. Studies have shown that gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance of gut bacteria, can lead to increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, which can disrupt hormone balance.
How Do Nutrient Deficiencies Affect Hair Loss?
A healthy gut microbiome along with gut functionally is essential for the absorption of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. These nutrients are vital for hair growth and health.
Autoimmune Disorders and Hair Loss
80% of autoimmune sufferers are women. A common autoimmune condition known as alopecia areata directly causes hair loss. These conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, including hair follicles. Gut dysbiosis and hormone dysregulation are linked to the development of autoimmune disorders.
What Are Some Hormone Disorders?
Androgenetic Alopecia: the most common type of hair loss, is often linked to hormonal imbalances, particularly those involving androgens like dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Other hormones that can contribute to hair loss include:
Estrogen Dominance/Loss: Fluctuating estrogen levels, especially during menopause, can disrupt the hair growth cycle.
Thyroid Hormones: Thyroid disorders can lead to hair thinning and loss. 1 in 8 women will suffer from thyroid dysfunction, taking up over 80% of thyroid disorders.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This condition affects women's hormone levels, leading to irregular periods, excess hair growth, and acne.
So how do we find out if our gut or hormones are throwing out your Chi?
Unfortunately, basic pathology offered through the GP is like looking at few plants vs a whole rainforest of information.
BUT there is now incredible comprehensive advanced diagnostic testing available.
We can now look at over 30,000 species of our microbiome to determine IBS underlying factors, inflammatory links, autoimmune links, allergy links and more, along with important gastrointestinal markers.
And in the world of hormones, we can look at an extensive insight all in one advanced urinary test called the advanced DUTCH urinary hormone analysis testing. Assessing estrogen dominance, androgen issues, cortisol affects, and even our sleep hormone melatonin is vital to obtain a comprehensive insight.
This advanced testing looks at:
Estrone E3/(E1+E2)
2-OH Estrone
4-OH Estrone
2-OH (E1 + E2)
16-α- OH E1
2-MeO Estrone
4-MeO Estradiol
4-MeO E1
4-OH E1
Bisphenol A
Allopregnanolone
3α-Dihydroprogesterone
Deoxycorticosterone
Urinary Androgens
Androstenedione
Etiocholanolone
Epi-Testosterone
5α-DHT
Urinary Glucocorticoids
Total Cortisone
Tetra-hydrocortisol
Urinary Free Diurnal Cortisol
Free Cortisol
Free Cortisone
Urinary Diurnal Melatonin
Morning Melatonin
Evening Melatonin
Urinary Creatinine
Thank you for reading, we hope this helps you in your journey.
Link below if you are interested in booking a consultation, follow my instagram, or check out my website.
Jan x
Jan Macfarlane
Clinical Nutritionist Inner Wellness Clinic
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/innerwellnessclinic/
Website www.innerwellnessclinic.com.au