Hair is more than an aesthetic feature. Changes in hair density, texture or shedding can sometimes be associated with processes occurring elsewhere in the body. When hair becomes thinner or falls out more than usual, it is worth looking for possible underlying factors rather than relying only on shampoos, serums or “hair vitamins”.
The hair follicle is influenced by many systems, including hormones, nutrition, stress levels and overall health. External treatments may support the scalp and hair shaft, but lasting improvement often requires understanding the broader picture.
Hormones and hair health
As a gynaecologist, I often see how hormonal changes can affect hair.
Oestrogen helps support the growth phase of the hair cycle. Changes in oestrogen levels, including after childbirth or during perimenopause and menopause, may contribute to increased shedding.
Androgens, including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), can play a role in androgenetic hair loss. In some women, hair follicles are more sensitive to these hormones even when blood-test results are within the usual range.
Thyroid disorders can also affect the hair. For example, hypothyroidism may be associated with dry, brittle hair and diffuse shedding. Insulin resistance, which can occur alongside excess weight or irregular cycles, may also be linked with hormonal changes that influence hair growth.
Nutrient deficiencies worth checking
Hair loss is often attributed generally to “vitamin deficiency”, but it is important to identify specific factors. Low iron stores, measured through ferritin, can be associated with persistent diffuse shedding even without anaemia.
Other important nutrients include zinc, vitamin D, B vitamins and adequate protein intake, all of which support normal hair growth and keratin production.
It is also important to consider whether nutrients are being absorbed properly. Digestive conditions, restrictive diets and chronic gastrointestinal symptoms can affect nutrient intake and absorption. If this factor is overlooked, supplements alone may not bring the expected result.
Stress and hair shedding
Prolonged stress can affect the hair-growth cycle. Noticeable shedding may begin two to three months after a significant illness, emotional strain, surgery, rapid weight loss or other stressful event. Even ongoing background stress can make recovery more difficult.
Looking at the full picture
I do not look for one “magic pill”. During a consultation, we explore why hair loss may have intensified now: whether hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, lifestyle factors, stress or health conditions could be contributing.
Hair loss is not always just a hair concern. A careful, individual assessment helps identify the factors that may need attention and create a realistic plan for recovery.
The hair follicle is influenced by many systems, including hormones, nutrition, stress levels and overall health. External treatments may support the scalp and hair shaft, but lasting improvement often requires understanding the broader picture.
Hormones and hair health
As a gynaecologist, I often see how hormonal changes can affect hair.
Oestrogen helps support the growth phase of the hair cycle. Changes in oestrogen levels, including after childbirth or during perimenopause and menopause, may contribute to increased shedding.
Androgens, including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), can play a role in androgenetic hair loss. In some women, hair follicles are more sensitive to these hormones even when blood-test results are within the usual range.
Thyroid disorders can also affect the hair. For example, hypothyroidism may be associated with dry, brittle hair and diffuse shedding. Insulin resistance, which can occur alongside excess weight or irregular cycles, may also be linked with hormonal changes that influence hair growth.
Nutrient deficiencies worth checking
Hair loss is often attributed generally to “vitamin deficiency”, but it is important to identify specific factors. Low iron stores, measured through ferritin, can be associated with persistent diffuse shedding even without anaemia.
Other important nutrients include zinc, vitamin D, B vitamins and adequate protein intake, all of which support normal hair growth and keratin production.
It is also important to consider whether nutrients are being absorbed properly. Digestive conditions, restrictive diets and chronic gastrointestinal symptoms can affect nutrient intake and absorption. If this factor is overlooked, supplements alone may not bring the expected result.
Stress and hair shedding
Prolonged stress can affect the hair-growth cycle. Noticeable shedding may begin two to three months after a significant illness, emotional strain, surgery, rapid weight loss or other stressful event. Even ongoing background stress can make recovery more difficult.
Looking at the full picture
I do not look for one “magic pill”. During a consultation, we explore why hair loss may have intensified now: whether hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, lifestyle factors, stress or health conditions could be contributing.
Hair loss is not always just a hair concern. A careful, individual assessment helps identify the factors that may need attention and create a realistic plan for recovery.
2026 © Elena Konovalova
Hair loss
Book a consultation — choose a clinic, and I’ll contact you to arrange a convenient appointment time.