🌿 Finding the Root Cause of Hair Loss: Testing & Natural Solutions

Hair loss can be distressing, but it’s often more than just a cosmetic issue—it’s a signal from your body that something deeper is going on. Instead of masking the symptom with temporary fixes, the best long-term strategy is to uncover and correct the root causes.

Functional lab testing offers a powerful roadmap to understanding why your hair may be thinning or falling out. Let’s explore the most insightful lab panels and what they can reveal, along with natural strategies to restore healthy hair growth from the inside out.

🧪 Functional Lab Tests for Hair Loss

1. Thyroid & Autoimmune Testing

Tests: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPO Antibodies, Thyroglobulin Antibodies
Why it matters: Low thyroid function or autoimmune thyroid disease (like Hashimoto’s) is a common but overlooked cause of diffuse hair thinning, especially in women.

Natural Support:

Selenium, zinc, ashwagandha (with medical supervision), and gluten-free diet (for autoimmune triggers)
Talk to Dr. Paul about all the following supplements to discuss tailoring based on the lab testing.

2. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel + CBC

Tests: Glucose, BUN, Creatinine, Electrolytes, Liver Enzymes, CBC with Platelet Count
Why it matters: These tests evaluate liver and kidney function, blood sugar control, and anemia—all of which can contribute to poor hair health.

Natural Support:

Milk thistle for liver support, iron-rich foods (if anemic), and B-complex vitamins

3. Lipid Panel

Tests: Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides
Why it matters: Cholesterol is essential for hormone production, and imbalances may reflect poor fat absorption or inflammation.

Natural Support:

Omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed, and reducing processed carbs

4. Vitamin D, Iron, and Minerals

Tests: Vitamin D, Serum Iron, Ferritin, Phosphorus, Magnesium (Serum + RBC)
Why it matters: Deficiencies in iron and vitamin D are among the top nutritional causes of hair shedding. Magnesium is key for cellular health and stress resilience.

Natural Support:

Fermented cod liver oil, leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, Epsom salt baths

5. Inflammation and Stress Markers

Tests: ESR, CRP, Creatine Kinase, LDH, Uric Acid
Why it matters: Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress damage hair follicles and slow regrowth.

Natural Support:

Curcumin, resveratrol, green tea extract, and an anti-inflammatory diet (Mediterranean-style)

6. Hormone-Related Markers

Tests: Hemoglobin A1C (for blood sugar), ABO/Rh Factor
Why it matters: Blood sugar imbalance (prediabetes) and genetic blood traits can affect circulation and nutrient delivery to the scalp.

Natural Support:

Chromium, berberine, cinnamon, and intermittent fasting

7. Heavy Metals & Nutrient Testing

Tests: Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)
Why it matters: Heavy metals like mercury, lead, and aluminum can disrupt thyroid and adrenal function, while mineral imbalances (zinc, copper, selenium) directly affect hair texture and growth.

Natural Support:

Cilantro, chlorella, bentonite clay, and remineralizing with trace mineral drops or fulvic acid. To do Dr. Paul about DMSA as a natural chelator stronger than the above and may be necessary in addition to the hair test

8. Organic Acids Test (OAT)

Why it matters: This functional urine test identifies gut dysbiosis, mold exposure, mitochondrial dysfunction, and nutrient deficiencies—key hidden triggers for hair loss.

Natural Support:

Mitochondrial support with CoQ10, alpha-lipoic acid, B-vitamins, and probiotics

🌱 Putting It All Together: A Holistic Action Plan

Once you've gathered your lab results, you can work with a functional medicine provider to create a tailored natural approach. Here are key foundations:

Nourish: Eat a nutrient-dense diet with sufficient protein, healthy fats, and minerals.
Detox: Support liver and gut function to eliminate toxins and heavy metals.
Balance: Address hormone and thyroid imbalances naturally, without suppressing symptoms.
Calm: Manage stress through adaptogens, breathwork, and proper sleep hygiene.

✨ Final Thoughts

Hair loss isn’t just about what’s happening on your head—it’s a reflection of what’s happening inside your body. By using functional testing to identify imbalances and natural tools to correct them, you can revive your hair’s vitality and support overall wellness.