This month, we’re partnering with Hers to take a deep dive into why you might be losing your hair, and how you can stop hair loss in its tracks. Hers has a 100% online process for hair loss hair loss. Based on your assessment,  a licensed provider will prescribe you a customized  treatment plan based on your hair’s needs. Their treatment range contains ingredients proven to regrow thicker hair within 3-6 months*. 

Are you cleaning out your hairbrush nearly every day? Does your morning routine include an everything shower that ends with clumps of hair all over the wall? Do you avoid wearing a slicked back bun to the office? We promise, you’re not alone. 50% of women experience hair loss in their lifetime. Although this experience can feel shocking, scary, and sad - fear not! There are a number of reasons why your hair might be falling out, and there IS light at the end of the tunnel. We’re here to talk you through some causes of a thinning hairline, and what you can do to stimulate regrowth. 

Hormonal changes
Hormonal imbalances can wreak havoc on your body in numerous ways, and hair loss is often one of the most noticeable effects. When your hormones are out of balance, it can disrupt the natural pattern of hair growth. For example, an excess of androgens (male hormones that women also produce in smaller amounts) can shrink hair follicles, leading to thinner hair and hair loss. This is often seen in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where elevated androgen levels can cause significant hair thinning. 

Thyroid issues are another common culprit. Hypothyroidism can lead to hair loss due to the thyroid gland’s crucial role in regulating metabolism and growth. 

And believe it or not, your period also brings a significant hormonal shift. During the menstrual phase of your cycle, estrogen levels decline. This can result in hair becoming finer and more prone to shedding. If you notice symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, or fatigue, it’s worth chatting with your doctor to understand your best options to balance your hormones, and treat the underlying issue. 

Mental health
Did you know that when you're under significant stress, your body’s natural response is to trigger physiological changes that prioritize survival over less critical functions? One of the less critical bodily functions is hair growth. Normally, 85-90% of your hair is actively growing, but stress can cause more of your hair to stay in the resting phase, which causes it to fall out more easily. In addition, stress hormones like cortisol can disrupt the hair growth cycle, and make it more difficult for hair to grow. 

Stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to poor eating habits, lack of proper sleep, and neglect of self-care routines, all of which can contribute to hair loss. We feel your pain. The mental impact of seeing your hair thin can create a vicious cycle. It may increase your stress levels and perpetuate the problem. It’s important to tackle stress head on! Spend time with friends and family, practice mindfulness through journaling, take a yoga class or a long walk outside, and reach out to a therapist if needed. 

Nutritional deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies (and eating disorders especially) can damage your hair, making it fall out or become brittle. Hair needs lots of vitamins, minerals, and proteins to grow, and stay healthy. If you're not eating a balanced diet, you might not get enough important nutrients. 

Iron helps carry oxygen to your hair, and without enough iron, your hair can start to fall out. Biotin, a B vitamin, helps make keratin, which is what your hair is made of. If you don't have enough biotin, your hair can get weak and break. Other nutrients like vitamin D, zinc, omega-3s, and protein are also crucial for keeping your hair silky (and on your head!)

Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia can make things even worse. When your body isn't getting enough food, it focuses on keeping your vital organs working, and your hair is not a vital organ. It's important to talk to doctors, dietitians, and therapists to get your mind, body, and your hair healthy again. 

Medical conditions
A number of medical conditions can answer the question, “why am I losing my hair?” For one, Thyroid Disorders can disrupt the balance of hormones that regulate hair growth, leading to thinning or shedding. Autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata cause the body's immune system to attack hair follicles, resulting in patchy hair loss. As we mentioned earlier, one common condition is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS leads to hormonal imbalances that often cause hair thinning and increased hair loss. In addition, scalp infections, such as ringworm, can also cause your hair to fall out.

Autoimmune diseases, like Lupus, can cause hair loss, as your immune system starts attacking your hair follicles. Chronic illnesses like diabetes can disrupt your blood flow, so your hair doesn't get the nutrients it needs and starts to fall out. If you have a condition that affects how your body absorbs nutrients, like some gastrointestinal disorders, you might see your hair thinning because it's not getting enough vitamins and minerals. And let's not forget about medications—drugs for cancer, arthritis, depression, and heart problems can all have hair loss as a side effect. 

Genetics
And sometimes, your genes are to blame for a receding hairline. Genetics play a big role in hair loss, especially with conditions like androgenetic alopecia (aka male or female pattern baldness). This occurs when certain genes you inherit make your hair follicles super sensitive to a hormone called DHT. DHT can shrink those follicles, leading to thinner hair that falls inevitably out faster. So, if your parents or grandparents had thinning hair, there's a good chance you might too. But don’t worry, there are ways to manage it!

Aging
Finally, the reason your hair is falling out may just be part of aging. As we age, hair often thins because our hair follicles naturally slow down, leading to less hair growth. The hair that does grow tends to be thinner and more fragile, making it easier to break or fall out. On top of that, changes in hormones—especially a drop in certain hormones or a rise in others like DHT—can cause hair follicles to shrink, producing weaker hair over time. Combine that with factors like sun exposure and stress, and it’s no surprise that as the years go by your hair may thin.

What can I do?

So… what we’ve all been waiting for. What do you do when your hair is falling out? Can you grow back a full hairline? Luckily, the answer is yes. Hers is now providing access to hair regrowth treatment to help you get your strands back in check. As you now know, hair loss is not one size fits all. The best treatment will vary depending on the root cause (excuse the pun) of why you’re losing hair. Hers offers a personal quiz with an even more personal solution. If you're noticing more strands in your brush, make a visit to the Hers site to find out what treatment is best for you. 

*Results vary. Based on studies of topical and oral minoxidil.