Dr. Grey AI

Hair Loss

Hair loss can affect the scalp or other areas of the body where hair grows and may occur gradually or suddenly and dramatically. It may result from aging, genetics, hormonal changes, or medical conditions.

Quick Answer

What it is

Hair loss can affect the scalp or other areas of the body where hair grows and may occur gradually or suddenly and dramatically. It may result from aging, genetics, hormonal changes, or medical conditions.

Key findings

  • Grade A: Hair Regrowth (Minoxidil)
  • Grade N/A: Microbiome (Probiotics)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts

Quick Facts: Hair Loss

  • Supplements Studied:4
  • Research Trials:12
  • Total Participants:2,132
  • Grade A Supplements:1
  • Top Supplement:Minoxidil (A)
12 trials
2,132 ppts
4 supps · 5 outcomes

Evidence-Based Protocol

Supplement stack ranked by research quality

Moderate Evidence

Primary Stack (Tier 1)

BiotinB
2.5-5mg daily

Essential B vitamin for keratin production; deficiency causes hair loss

8 studies | 400 participants
IronB
If deficient: 65-200mg elemental iron daily until replete

Deficiency is common cause of hair loss, especially in women; only supplement if deficient

10 studies | 500 participants

Supporting Stack (Tier 2)

ZincB
15-30mg daily

Supports hair follicle health; deficiency linked to hair loss

8 studies | 400 participants
Vitamin DC
2000-4000 IU daily

Plays role in hair follicle cycling; deficiency associated with alopecia

6 studies | 300 participants
Marine Collagen/ProteinC
5-10g daily

Provides amino acids for hair keratin; supports hair structure

4 studies | 200 participants
Saw PalmettoC
320mg standardized extract daily

May inhibit 5-alpha reductase; potentially helpful for androgenetic alopecia

4 studies | 150 participants

How It Works

Hair loss (alopecia) can have many causes, from genetics to nutritional deficiencies to medical conditions. Understanding the type is important for treatment.

COMMON TYPES:

•Androgenetic alopecia: Most common; male/female pattern baldness; genetic + hormonal
•Telogen effluvium: Diffuse shedding after stress, illness, pregnancy, diet
•Alopecia areata: Autoimmune; patchy hair loss
•Nutritional deficiency: Iron, zinc, biotin, protein deficiency
•Thyroid disorders: Both hypo and hyperthyroidism
•Medication-induced: Various drugs can cause hair loss

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR:

•Sudden or patchy hair loss
•Hair loss with scalp symptoms (itching, scaling)
•Hair loss after starting medication
•Associated symptoms (fatigue, weight changes)
•Scarring hair loss

MEDICAL TREATMENTS:

•Minoxidil (Rogaine): FDA-approved; topical; works for various types
•Finasteride (men): Prescription; blocks DHT
•Spironolactone (women): For hormonal hair loss
•Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): Injections; growing evidence
•Hair transplant: For stable androgenetic alopecia

NUTRITIONAL FACTORS:

•Test for iron, ferritin, zinc, vitamin D, thyroid
•Adequate protein intake essential
•Crash diets can trigger telogen effluvium

* Biotin supports keratin production.

* Check and correct deficiencies in iron, zinc, vitamin D.

* Saw palmetto may help androgenetic alopecia.

Expected timeline: Telogen effluvium resolves in 6-12 months. Nutritional supplementation takes 3-6 months to see improvement. Hair grows ~1 cm/month.

Generated from peer-reviewed researchSchema v2.0

Detailed Outcomes

|
A
Hair Regrowth
Moderate Improvement
8 studies
moderate↑Improves
D
Hair Regrowth
No effect
2 studies
none
?
Microbiome
1 study
↑Improves
?
Hair Regrowth
1 study
↑Improves
?
Hair Regrowth
1 study
↑Improves

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