We often associate hair loss with aging. However, hair loss can affect people of all ages and genders. While common, it can be complex and stressful, leaving sufferers perplexed and stressed, wondering what can be about it.
Hair loss can cause significant psychological distress, impacting one’s mental health and well-being. Because hair is often a key part of a person’s identity, losing it can lead to low self-esteem, social withdrawal, depression, and anxiety.
The naturopathic approach to hair loss provided by Naturally Sue Wellness in NYC starts with identifying the underlying of your condition. Once the root cause is established, treatment addresses the complex variables that have led to hair loss for you. We utilize our arsenal of evidence-based therapeutic tools to help treat the root of your condition. Working side-by-side with you, we establish your state of health and well-being so your hair can grow back again, for good.
At Naturally Sue Wellness in NYC, we have expertise in treating patients with hair loss. We offer naturopathic care for hair loss in-person (in NYC) and online nationwide!
Understanding Hair Loss
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is common. When the body’s cycle of hair growth is interrupted due to hormone imbalances or nutrient deficiencies, for example, it can cause loss of hair on the head and body. Loss can range from patchy spots to mild thinning, to total baldness.
The most common types of hair loss we see at Naturally Sue include:
Male and Female Patterned Baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia)
This type of hair loss is what we typically see with aging. It is the most common type of hair loss, which occurs in a predictable pattern on the scalp, such as a receding hairline and baldness on the top of the head in men. In women, it usually occurs as an overall thinning across the scalp or along the temples.
Diffuse Hair Loss
A condition that causes hair to thin evenly across the scalp, such as with female patterned baldness.
Alopecia areata
An autoimmune condition that causes hair loss, usually in coin-sized patches. It can occur on the scalp and the body, such as with eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair on the chest, arms, and legs.
Causes of Hair Loss
A variety of factors can contribute to hair loss, including blood sugar and hormone imbalance, inflammation, immune conditions, and nutrient deficiencies. At Naturally Sue, the most common causes of hair loss in the patients who come to us include:
Genetics: Genes inherited from family members can cause baldness. Androgenetic alopecia and diffuse hair loss have a genetic component.
Inflammation: Inflammation plays a significant role in hair loss. Studies show that inflammation is closely linked to several types of hair loss, including male and female patterned baldness. Inflammation causes hair loss by shrinking hair follicles, destroying hair follicles, or inhibiting hair growth altogether.
Environmental Toxicity: We live in a toxic environment and some folks have trouble with elimination, making this issue even worse. Some chemical toxins and mold mycotoxins can contribute to hair loss.
Blood Sugar Imbalance: High blood sugar and insulin resistance can contribute to hair loss. It is a concern for people with metabolic hormone conditions like type 2 diabetes, and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Possible causes of hair loss due to blood sugar issues include:
- Hormonal imbalances, especially in PCOS where there is an imbalance of male hormones (androgens), which can shrink hair follicles and shorten hair growth cycles
- Poor circulation due to high blood sugar
- Increases in insulin causing inflammation
Getting blood sugar under control can reverse some hair loss.
Hormone Imbalance: When hormones are out of balance, it can cause a variety of symptoms. Hair Loss is a common symptom of hormonal imbalances:
- Androgen Hormones: Male hormones, like dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and high free and total testosterone can lead to hair loss in both men and women.
- Estrogen: High estrogen levels can impact hair growth and lead to thinning hair or hair loss.
- Progesterone: When progesterone levels drop, such as with menopause, which can lead to an excess of estrogen. Progesterone helps protect hair follicles. When progesterone gets low, the risk of hair loss increases.
- Cortisol: Cortisol is a stress hormone. When it is either too high or too low, it can cause hair loss by preventing new hair from growing by keeping follicles in a resting state. Adrenal insufficiency caused by cortisol imbalance affects other hormonal balances, which also impact hair growth.
- Thyroid conditions: An imbalance of thyroid hormones (underactive and overactive) can cause hair follicles to go dormant, which leads to hair loss over time. Hair growth can be restored when the thyroid is treated properly.
Hair growth can usually be restored once the underlying hormonal condition is treated.
Nutrient Deficiencies – Iron, Zinc, Vitamin Bs: Hair loss can also be caused by a poor diet and nutrient deficiencies. diet-related factors, such as nutrient deficiencies and supplement use.
Nutritional deficiencies in the following vitamins and minerals can cause hair loss, excess shedding, brittle hair, and hair breakage, and prevent hair regrowth:
- B vitamins, like B12, biotin, folate, riboflavin
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Iron
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Protein
Other diet-related factors such as low-calorie or calorie-restrictive diets, Celiac disease, or rapid weight loss, like with bariatric surgeries can cause malnourishment and hair loss.
It is also possible that an overload of certain nutrients can also cause hair loss. Before taking supplements, be sure to work with a professional to determine if nutrient deficiencies are an issue for you.

Naturopathic Approach to Hair Loss
Naturopathic medicine blends modern, scientific medicine with traditional and natural forms of healing to treat disease. Our approach includes identifying and treating the underlying cause of your condition, rather than just your symptoms.
Since hair loss tends to be a symptom of a greater issue, natural medicine is a good choice for getting to the root of your condition and restoring your hair loss.
The body has an innate ability to heal when given the right circumstances. Depending on your specific needs, we use various therapeutic methods and substances to foster this inherent self-healing process.
The naturopathic doctors at Naturally Sue Wellness in NYC use a patient-centered and holistic approach. As naturopaths, we take into account the whole person, not just the symptoms.
Get started now with a personal and comprehensive plan for hair loss care in NYC.
Naturopathic Diagnostic Process for Hair Loss
During your initial visit to Naturally Sue Wellness, you can expect to be given a thorough health evaluation to help the doctors learn the following about your hair loss concerns:
- Details about your symptoms, such as severity, when they began, how they’re impacting your daily life, etc.
- Family history of baldness, hair loss, or hormonal health issues
- History of previous diagnosis of disease
- Evaluation of current diet and lifestyle
- Details about current or past treatments, including medications
- Your goals for treatment
We will also explore several areas for testing, including:
- Blood labs to determine if any nutrient deficiencies may be contributing to hair loss
- DUTCH testing, which looks at the levels of sex hormones, adrenal hormones (cortisol, cortisone, creatinine, and DHEA-S), melatonin, and more
- Thyroid function tests, including thyroid antibodies.
- Comprehensive GI stool testing. Poor gut health, like an imbalanced gut microbiome, SIBO, Leaky Gut, certain gut organisms, and other digestive issues can cause hormonal imbalance or nutrient deficiencies
- Food allergy testing and check for food intolerances that may be contributing to hair loss
- Tests for chronic infections or environmental toxins
Mental health is another area we will evaluate, as chronic stress, anxiety, or trauma (including childhood trauma) can contribute to hair loss by disrupting hormones. If necessary, we will refer them to trauma therapists or offer mind-body techniques for them to practice at home.
Test results in conjunction with our evaluation will dictate a personalized course of action for each stage of a patient’s journey. Treatment plans will include various homeopathic techniques, such as herbal therapy, nutritional supplementation, acupuncture, lifestyle medicine, and other therapies to address each patient’s root cause.
Get started now with a personal and comprehensive plan for hair loss care in NYC.
Natural Treatment Options for Hair Loss
Naturopathic treatment for hair loss is holistic and integrative, considering several areas, including the use of herbs, nutrition and lifestyle, and mental health.
Herbal Therapies
Several supportive herbs are effective in conditions that cause hair loss. Herbal treatments will center around the conditions that are causing hair loss, such as blood sugar stability, hormone balance, and stress reduction. Herbs we commonly use at Naturally Sue for hair loss include:
Herbs for High Androgens: Imbalanced androgen hormones, such as with PCOS, come with inflammation, and blood sugar imbalance:
- Saw palmetto – Saw Palmetto helps reduce the amount of the hormone DHT that is absorbed by hair follicles, allowing hair to grow normally. Its anti-inflammatory effects promote hair follicle and scalp health. Saw palmetto has been shown to improve hair quality and increase hair density and hair count.
- White peony – White peony has an anti-androgenic effect, which makes it a great choice for conditions like PCOS. It helps to prevent hair loss and can strengthen hair. Its hormone-balancing effects also reverse excess unwanted facial hair, another symptom of PCOS.
Herbs and Supplements for Blood Sugar Balance
- Inositol – Inositol can help with hormone balance, especially when related to blood sugar and insulin resistance, which is useful for hair loss related to blood sugar issues, like diabetes and PCOS. Inositol has been shown to improve the health of hair follicles and the hair shaft, resulting in thicker hair. It also helps improve the condition of the scalp.
- Nigella Seeds (Black Seed, Black Cumin)– nigella seed extracts are effective in regulating several imbalances, including insulin, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and thyroid hormone levels. For this reason, it is a useful herb for those with PCOS.
- Fenugreek – well known for naturally regulating blood sugar levels and promoting hair development.
Herbs and Supplements for Cortisol Imbalance
- Adaptogenic herbs, like ashwagandha and rhodiola, holy basil, and Eleutherococcus help the body cope with the up and down swings of stress. They help bring the body back into a state of balance. Adaptogens are useful whether cortisol is too high or too low.
- Theanine – an amino acid that can help the body respond to stress, which makes it useful for stress-related hair loss. It is commonly found in green and black teas, as well as mushrooms, and has a calming effect.
- Gaba – Gaba has been shown to prevent stress-related hair loss. It plays a role in regulating the central nervous system, and reducing anxiety and stress. Gaba also plays an important role in keeping inflammation down.
- Phosphatidylserine – supportive for hair loss due to chronic stress or anxiety. It reduces stress, regulates mood, and encourages the body to relax.
It’s important to work with a qualified professional before using any herbs, as some of them can have serious side effects and should be chosen wisely.
Nutritional Therapies
Stable blood sugar can be key for keeping other hormones in check, and therefore, your hair too. Hormonal and blood sugar balance is easy with a low-glycemic, nutrient-dense diet rich in protein, healthy fats, fiber, and greens.
- Eggs
- Berries
- Spinach and leafy greens
- Fatty fish, like salmon, sardines, and mackerel
- Oysters
- Protein, like beef and chicken
- Avocados
- White and Sweet potatoes
- Nuts & Seeds
- Beans/legumes
These foods are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, like zinc, iron, folate, B vitamins, and biotin, which are essential for hair growth.
Processed foods and refined sugar will cause inflammation and blood sugar swings, which will have a negative impact on health and well-being, including hair growth.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Healthy lifestyle practices, such as stress management, movement, and sleep are all excellent ways to keep the body from running excess stress hormones and keeping blood sugar stable. Combat hair loss with a few modifications to your lifestyle:
Stress
Chronic stress can cause a variety of health problems and is a known cause of hair loss. The stress hormone, cortisol, can interfere with adrenal function and dysregulates several hormones, including thyroid, insulin, testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. Managing stress is essential to normal hormone function and may be the key to restoring hair loss for many.
While professional help may be useful for some, there are many things you can do on your own to relax and help manage cortisol, including:
- Breathwork, meditation, and yoga
- Journaling, drawing, making lists
- Music, comedy
- Exercise
- Sleep
Exercise
Generally, exercise is a good way to regulate cortisol levels and other hormones. It also releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones, and is a natural mood booster. Exercise promotes circulation, which helps deliver nutrients to your hair follicles. Regular movement also helps promote sleep, which is also important for hormone regulation and stress reduction.
Sleep Hygiene
Getting the right amount of sleep is crucial for hormone and blood sugar balance. Sleep is the time our body recuperates and repairs itself from each day. When sleep is not a priority, your overall health and well-being are impacted. Most body systems, including hormone function, will become dysregulated and cause many symptoms, including hair loss.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can support hair from the outside while also working on the underlying cause of hair loss from the inside. Essential oils can promote growth, and many have anti-inflammatory effects. They are also calming and relaxing. They may also help when fungi grow on your scalp. Adding a few drops to shampoo may be helpful. Oils that are supportive of hair growth include:
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Peppermint
- Tea tree
- Cedarwood
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is used as a complementary therapy to help balance hormones, blood sugar, and inflammation by stimulating the body’s natural mechanisms to regulate hormone production. When hair loss is caused by issues, like PCOS, diabetes, or other hormonal or inflammatory conditions, acupuncture can be very supportive.
Mental Health Support
Our hair ends up being a big part of an individual’s identity. When we lose our hair, we can suffer significant emotional distress. Hair loss is often associated with mental health issues, such as low self-esteem, social withdrawal, depression, and anxiety.
Additionally, hormone imbalance and mental health are linked. If your hair loss is caused by out-of-balance hormones, those hormones may also cause psychological symptoms that contribute to your feelings about hair loss. It can end up being a negative cycle of one thing leading to another.
As part of our holistic approach to treatment, we will address psychological factors contributing to hormonal imbalance and if necessary, refer out to counseling or other therapy.
All treatment plans are personalized to your unique needs.
Get started now with a personal and comprehensive plan for hair loss care in NYC.

Case Studies/Testimonials
A teenage patient presented to my office with Alopecia Areata. She was very distressed because she was attending high school and she was not able to put her hair in a ponytail without seeing large sections of hair missing from her head. She had gone to a conventional dermatologist who offered her steroid injections, which did not help.
Her doctor told her to not use her flat iron as much because that was causing her hair loss, but she and her mom knew there was something systematically going on.
I worked on this patient’s immune system, gut, diet, and lifestyle, and her hair started to grow back. I made sure she was getting foundational nutrients to support hair growth.
She was ecstatic because as a teenage girl, she was not limited to certain hairstyles and regained her confidence.
View before and after here: