There are many causes of hair loss in women. Genetic-related hair loss (androgenetic hair loss, AKA female pattern hair loss) usually appears in women in their 40s and 50s. In some cases, female-pattern genetically related hair thinning can occur in women as early as their 20s and 30s.

What is female pattern hair loss?

With female pattern hair loss (FPHL), a woman will begin to notice thinning hair around the part line of the scalp and the edges of her hairline. Typically, FPHL becomes apparent in women aged 40 to 60, but it can affect women at any age. In addition to genetic and hormonal changes affecting women in this age bracket, several external factors may trigger excessive hair shedding and rapid hair loss. These include emotional stress, inadequate nutrition, and underlying medical conditions.

What is the role of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in women's hair loss?

The leading cause of genetic hair loss is the effects of a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) on our hair follicles. Increased DHT causes the hair follicle to shrink and produce tiny, invisible hairs. DHT is a more potent form of the male hormone testosterone, found in both men and women. An enzyme in our cells, 5a-reductase, converts testosterone into DHT. Excess of DHT and testosterone can cause androgenetic hair loss in men and women, more acne, increased sebum production (seborrhea), and hirsutism (facial hair in women). Reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT will help reduce androgen-related hair loss and acne breakouts, seborrheic dermatitis, and hirsutism.

What are the most effective natural ingredients for women with genetic or age-related hair loss?

Saw Palmetto Berry Extract

Saw Palmetto supports healthy hair regrowth by preventing the conversion of testosterone into DHT and reducing the effect of DHT on the hair follicles. It seems that the most important inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase are lauric acid, myristic acid, and oleic acid.

Pumpkin seed oil

Pumpkin seed oil contains phytosterol, which prevents the conversion of testosterone to DHT and, thus, improves hair growth. A study comparing the effects of oral pumpkin on hair loss found an increase in hair count of 40% compared to 10% in the control group.

Capsaicin

In one study, 88% of people who used oral capsaicin observed hair regrowth. In another study, applying a topical serum similar in structure to capsaicin stimulated hair regrowth in 50% of users.

Caffeine

Caffeine boosts cellular proliferation, counteracts testosterone's inhibitory effects on hair growth, and extends the duration of the hair growth phase (anagen).

Peptides and Amino acids

Oral L-cysteine, in combination with retinol, was assessed for the treatment of diffuse alopecia, resulting in enhanced hair density and an increased anagen rate. Oral L-cysteine, combined with histidine, copper, and zinc, improved the mean change in total hair count after 50 weeks in 24 individuals with androgenetic hair loss.

Green tea

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) stimulates human hair growth via its proliferative effect on the hair follicle. It was also found to block the activity of 5α reductase activity that converts testosterone to DHT.

Rosemary leaf oil

Rosemary leaf oil is a natural plant extract that stimulates hair growth and promotes a healthy scalp, resulting in thicker hair. It helps improve blood circulation and vascularity to the scalp, allowing for the regeneration of follicles, a similar effect to that of minoxidil.

Pygeum Bark extract

Rich in phytosterols, pygeum bark blocks DHT's effect on hair follicles, enhancing hair growth in women and men with genetic androgenetic hair loss.

Broccoli whole plant powder

Broccoli is rich in antioxidants that reduce free radical damage to the scalp. B vitamins in broccoli extract can help reduce stress, a factor that can contribute to hair loss.

Tomato fruit powder

Tomato fruit powder contains lycopene, which significantly improves blood flow, helps restore cell structure in the scalp, and promotes hair health.

Maitake and Reishi mushrooms

Known as potent adaptogens, immunomodulators, and inhibitors of 5α-reductase, mushroom extracts support a healthy scalp and the regrowth of new hair.

Stinging Nettle

Also known as the stinging nettle plant, Urtica dioica, it was used for centuries by Native American and European cultures as a hair loss treatment. Stinging nettle leaves also contain quercetin, which is a potent anti-inflammatory. This effect can benefit most kinds of hair, improving scalp health and helping natural hair regrowth.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is an evergreen succulent plant, not a cactus, grown in many tropical and subtropical regions. One of its ingredients, aloenin, was found to stimulate hair growth.

What are the best vitamins for women's hair loss?

There are various vitamins and minerals that you should include in your diet to support scalp and hair follicle health, prevent further hair loss, and help regrow hair. If you are dealing with female pattern hair loss, these are some of the essential nutrients you should look for when taking hair loss supplements:

Vitamin A

Having the right amount of vitamin A in your scalp is essential for healthy hair regrowth. Vitamin A deficiency leads to severe skin dryness and can cause sudden hair loss (telogen effluvium) and increased hair fragility.

Vitamin B family

The vitamin B complex contains eight different vitamins. Deficiencies of Riboflavin (B2), biotin (B7), folate, and vitamin B12 have been associated with hair loss. One study has shown that sufficient biotin deficiency resulted in patchy alopecia and brittle nails and that hair loss was resolved with oral biotin supplementation. Folate and vitamin B12 have an essential role in hair follicle metabolism.

Vitamins B9 (Folic Acid) and B12

Folic Acid and B12 help promote red blood cell circulation, supporting hair follicle health and promoting the production of healthy hair. Deficiencies in these two vitamins have been linked to hair loss. Folic acid (or folate) also helps with the keratinization of hair, meaning it helps hair follicles produce keratin for strong hair. An important note for anyone following a vegan diet: It is essential to ensure you're getting enough vitamin B12 through dietary supplements since it is primarily found in animal sources (including eggs, dairy products, meat, and fish).

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Vitamin B5 and vitamin B6 are known for helping to reduce stress – a common trigger of hair loss. These vitamins also help strengthen and nourish hair follicles for optimal hair growth and health. Vitamin B6 may also inhibit the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a type of androgen. DHT can bind to hair follicle receptors, causing them to shrink and produce thinner hair before eventually ceasing to grow new hair.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for the proper absorption of iron in our intestines. Therefore, vitamin C oral supplements play a role in addressing hair loss related to iron deficiency. Vitamin C was also shown to cause the elongation of the hair shaft in cultured human hair follicles. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that promotes the production of collagen, which gives the body the essential amino acids needed to build keratin (a hair protein). It also helps the body absorb iron more efficiently.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy hair. Low levels of this vitamin have been linked to multiple forms of hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia. Early research has also shown that vitamin D may boost hair growth.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is essential for scalp health, as its potent antioxidant properties help reduce free radical damage to the scalp and hair follicles. Oxidative stress has been linked with hair loss. Vitamin E helps reduce oxidative stress in the scalp. A study of 21 volunteers who received vitamin E supplementation showed a significant increase in hair number compared to a placebo group.

Vitamin K2

Vitamin K2 promotes blood flow to the scalp, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients to the area and supporting healthy hair growth. It is also an antioxidant that helps protect the hair follicles from free radical damage.

What are the best minerals for women's hair loss?

Zinc

Zinc is the most important mineral for hair growth and strength. A study on human skin cells has found that zinc is a potent inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase activity. Reducing the effect of 5 alpha-reductase can block the effects of DHT on the hair follicle and help with androgenetic female pattern hair loss. Taking Vitamin B6 with zinc potentiated the inhibitory effect of zinc on 5-alpha-reductase.

Calcium

Calcium plays a vital role in hair health. This mineral helps reduce hair breakage and prevents the scalp from becoming too dry. As a bonus, it's great for nail health, helping to prevent nails from becoming brittle.

Iron

Iron deficiency is a common cause of telogen effluvium and can contribute to female pattern hair loss.

Selenium

Selenium plays a crucial role in preventing oxidative damage to hair follicle morphogenesis. It is also vital in protein synthesis in the body and helps promote hair elasticity to prevent breakage. A study on people who took selenium showed an increase in hair growth.

Magnesium, Manganese, and Chromium

Magnesium is essential for scalp health. It prevents the build-up of calcium, which can clog hair follicles and hinder healthy hair by improving calcium circulation. Manganese has antioxidant properties and aids in calcium absorption, while chromium facilitates protein metabolism.

What is the best kind of supplement for genetic and age-related hair loss?

The best supplements for women with genetic and age-related hair loss include DHT-blocking ingredients. These ingredients block the effects of the male hormone on the hair follicles, allowing for the normal regrowth of new, healthier, and stronger hair. For optimal results, these DHT blockers should be combined with vitamins, minerals, and peptides essential for the hair follicle's proper function, as well as adaptogens to enhance scalp health.

What is the best kind of supplement for thyroid-related hair loss?

Dysfunction of the thyroid gland is a common cause of increased hair shedding and thinning hair. If you have abnormal levels of thyroid hormones or thyroid-related diseases, consult your local physician for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Thyroid-specific vitamins and minerals can support thyroid function when blood levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) are within the normal range.

Selenium

Our thyroid gland contains high amounts of selenium, and a deficiency can lead to thyroid dysfunction. In addition to its role in producing thyroid hormones, selenium helps protect the thyroid from damage caused by oxidative stress.

Iron

Iron deficiency is associated with thyroid dysfunction. The thyroid gland depends on iron to convert T4 into T3, the active form of thyroid hormone.

Zinc

Proper amounts of zinc are needed for healthy levels of T3, T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Vitamins

Vitamins B and E are also required for thyroid function. Deficiency in these vitamins can negatively affect thyroid health and increase the risk of thyroid disease.

An excellent example of a supplement that can help support hair and your thyroid is the MDhair Restore supplement. These supplements contain the optimal amounts of iron, zinc, selenium, and vitamins B and E.

Which supplements do you need to avoid when experiencing hair loss?

Avoid the generic one-size-fits-all skin, hair, and nail supplements and multivitamins. Those low-cost vitamin supplements often sold at Walmart or Amazon usually contain low amounts of active ingredients and may not be as efficient as dedicated hair treatment supplements. Another type of "hair supplement" to avoid is gummies, which tend to be loaded with sugar and contain minimal active ingredients.

High-quality hair wellness supplements, specially formulated to help regrow hair, such as the MDhair customized hair care supplement, Nutrafol, or Viviscal, can include up to 20 ingredients. In comparison, low-cost hair gummies typically contain 2 to 3 ingredients (and a significant amount of sugar).

Biotin Supplements for Women with Hair Loss: Should You Use Them?

Biotin is an excellent ingredient to have in hair growth supplements. That said, it's only one minor element for optimal treatment. A better choice would be a Dermatologist-formulated hair growth supplement that targets all the possible factors and deficiencies that can cause hair loss.

What is the effect of collagen supplements on hair loss?

Collagen peptides are an excellent addition to treating hair loss in women. Check out this link for info.

How to use hair care dietary supplements

Commitment to treatment is an essential factor in the success of any hair loss treatment. Look for supplements that provide all the vitamins and minerals you need in a single capsule, which you can take once a day. Supplements requiring two or more capsules daily are less convenient and will lead to treatment dropout.

Shop:

MDhair Restore supplements
MDhair Regrowth supplements
MDhair Marine Collagen

References:

• Female pattern hair loss: A clinical, pathophysiologic, and therapeutic review
• Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use
• The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review
• Inhibition of 5a-reductase activity in human skin by zinc and azelaic acid

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