Do you know exactly why your hair falls out in the shower? US doctor explains and shares a hack to fix it

1. Low ferritin level

If the ferritin level in the blood is below 50 (ng/mL), it means the hair follicles are starving, noted Dr Tetzloff. The best way to deal with this includes:

• Increasing vitamin C
• Fixing the gut with SBI Protect, butyrate, digestive enzymes, and probiotics
• Avoiding liquids 10 minutes before and after meals to help with absorption
• Getting tested for hidden infections

2. Crashing hormone levels

“Low estrogen. Low progesterone. Low testosterone. High androgens. PCOS. Perimenopause. Post-pill syndrome. All of these change your hair growth cycle,” stated Dr Tetzloff.

• Urinary hormone test (to get the actual hormone patterns)
• Seed cycling for gentle hormone support
• DIM or calcium d-glucarate (if estrogen dominant)
• Vitex (if low progesterone, not for everyone)
• Spearmint tea (if high androgens)
• Strength train to support testosterone naturally

3. Stress hormones wrecking hair follicles

Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol levels, which in turn lead to hair loss. This is called telogen effluvium, and it is the body signalling that it is going into survival mode and shutting down all non-essential functions, shared Dr Tetzloff. Since hair is not essential for survival, it is the first to go.

• Vitamin C (lowers cortisol)
• Phosphatidylserine (blunts cortisol response)
• Magnesium glycinate nightly
• 4-point cortisol test (not just AM cortisol)
• Non-negotiable nervous system work: breathwork, walks, yoga

4. Poor gut health

Taking in supplements is not helpful if the gut cannot absorb them properly. Signs of gut trouble include bloating, constipation, acid reflux, and food sensitivities. According to Dr Tetzloff, the support includes:

• Gut Zoomer stool test (to find infections, dysbiosis, inflammation)
• Taking digestive enzymes with meals
• Taking betaine HCl if low stomach acid
• Taking L-glutamine or SBI Protect for gut lining repair
• Taking bone broth daily
• Avoiding inflammatory foods (gluten, dairy, sugar) for 30 days and checking results

5. Deficiency of nutrients

“Hair is a luxury tissue,” stated Dr Tetzloff. “Your body will steal nutrients from your hair to keep vital organs running.” In such cases, supplements become necessary. Important ones include:

• Zinc
• B-complex with methylated B12 and folate
• Vitamin D3 + K2 (test levels first – optimal is 50-80)
• Protein from animal sources
• Healthy fats

It is important to eat a balanced diet, shared the doctor. Nutrients from food first, supplements to fill gaps.

6. Fluctuating blood sugar level

Spiking and crashing blood sugar levels cause inflammation, which disrupts the hair growth cycle and pushes follicles into “shedding mode” early. Insulin resistance also leads to hair loss. Rectifying the situation involves:

• Consuming protein and fat at every meal (minimum 30g protein)
• Never eating carbs naked – always pairing with protein/fat
• Apple cider vinegar before meals
• Walking 10 minutes after eating
• Taking berberine or chromium
• Getting fasting insulin tested (not just glucose)
• Putting on muscle

7. Thyroid imbalance

“Your hair needs active thyroid hormone to grow. Without it, follicles go dormant,” noted Dr Tetzloff. Therefore, it is important to opt for a full thyroid panel test, which includes TSH, Free T3, Free T4, TPO, and TG antibodies. Other functional labs may be necessary to ascertain the problem. Things to incorporate in lifestyle include:

• Selenium, zinc, magnesium, iodine supplements
• Gluten-free diet
• Eating enough calories, carbs, protein, and healthy fats
• Trying thyroid castor oil packs

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.