Hair Loss Explained: Common Causes and What to Look For

Q&A with Dabney Poorter, FNP-C, Certified Functional Medicine Provider

Hair thinning can feel discouraging and terrifying, especially when it seems to come out of nowhere. We sat down with Restore + Revive’s Founder and Certified Functional Medicine Provider, Dabney Poorter, FNP-C, to talk through the most common causes of hair loss and what you can do to support healthy hair growth from the inside out.

Question 1: If a client comes to you and is suddenly experiencing hair loss, what first comes to mind for you?

Dabney: Hair loss is usually a symptom of something deeper, so my first step is always to look for the “why.” Ideally we start with comprehensive testing, not just a surface-level check. The 4 main things I typically run labs to evaluate for are:

• Thyroid health: A full thyroid panel (not just TSH) helps identify if the thyroid is under- or over-functioning, which can directly affect hair growth. 

• Hormones: We look at sex hormones and patterns that may indicate PCOS, perimenopause, postmenopause, or autoimmune conditions like lupus.

• Chronic stress: Ongoing stress can lead to inflammation and lower hormone levels. I look at cortisol and DHT levels since both can influence hair loss.

• Nutrient levels: Deficiencies in iron, protein, and other key nutrients can disrupt the body’s ability to grow strong, healthy hair.

Q2: If blood panels look good, what are some other sneaky reasons somebody might still be experiencing hair loss?

Dabney: Sometimes, the answer lies in our genetics. If parents or close family members have experienced thinning or pattern hair loss, there can be a hereditary component. In those cases, I may recommend genetic testing to help determine whether certain gene patterns are at play, allowing us to build a comprehensive and customized plan to tackle accordingly. 

Q3: Are there any over-the-counter products you like to help maintain strong hair growth?

Dabney: Like I previously mentioned, I always like to look at the root cause of hair loss, which is typically something happening inside the body. However, external factors and products can be helpful in creating a healthy environment for strong hair growth.

I always remind clients to pay attention to water quality, especially if you live in an area with hard water, which can be harsh on the scalp and hair. Simple water filtration devices or shower heads can be extremely helpful.

I also love hair growth sprays that stimulate follicles without causing irritation. One of my favorites is from Rowe Casa, their hair spritz. It is gentle, natural, safe for most hair types, and it smells amazing!

Finally, using a clean, gentle shampoo can make a big difference. Some people use the same shampoo for years, and over time it may no longer agree with their scalp or hair. Innersense is my personal favorite. 

Q4: What are some “free” things people can do to support hair growth and discourage hair loss if testing isn’t something they want to do or can’t afford right now?

Dabney: There’s a lot you can do at home to support your hair and overall wellness:

• Lower stress and inflammation: Movement, mindfulness, and adequate sleep all make a huge difference. I know saying “lower your stress” is easier said than done (trust me!). But I have learned that striving to slow down, take time for a walk outside, getting in bed a few minutes earlier, praying/meditating, and saying “no” to activities that drain you can be hugely instrumental in lessening your daily stress. 

• Eat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet: Getting enough protein, healthy fats, and minerals is key. These foods and nutrients help your body naturally produce stronger hair that is less likely to break easily. 

• Stay hydrated and care for your scalp: Gentle scalp massage, clean water, hair spritz, and consistent washing with non-toxic products all help maintain a healthy foundation for hair growth.

Q5: I’ve heard people can lose hair after being sick, especially after COVID. Why does that happen? Can other illnesses cause it too?

Dabney: Yes, post-illness hair loss is actually very common, and we’ve seen it a lot in recent years. Essentially, when the body experiences something stressful, like a viral infection or high fever, it often shifts its resources toward healing vital organs and away from “non-essential” functions like hair growth.

This can lead to a condition called telogen effluvium, which causes more hair follicles to enter a resting phase. You’ll typically notice increased shedding about 2–3 months after the illness, once the body starts to reset.

However, it’s not just COVID, other viral infections, severe flu, or even surgery can trigger the same response. The good news is that this type of hair loss is usually temporary. Supporting recovery with good nutrition, stress management, and gentle scalp care can help encourage regrowth as the body rebalances.

Q6: When you say inflammation can cause hair loss, what exactly do you mean?

Dabney: Think of inflammation like your body being on “high alert.” It’s a natural response to injury or infection. For example, when you get a cut, the redness and swelling you see is inflammation helping you heal. But when inflammation sticks around all the time, it can start affecting other parts of your body, including your hair. Chronic inflammation can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, causing follicles to stop producing hair or to shed prematurely.  Some common inflammation triggers include:

• Autoimmune conditions, like lupus or alopecia areata, where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles.

• Diet and nutrient issues, not getting enough protein, iron, or other vitamins, which can increase internal stress.

• Chronic stress, which raises hormones like cortisol that promote inflammation and can affect hormone balance.

Q7: Do men and women experience hair loss differently?

Dabney: Yes. Hair loss often looks and develops differently in men versus women because of hormones and genetics.

• Men: The most common type is androgenic hair loss (also called male pattern baldness). It usually starts with a receding hairline or thinning at the crown. It’s driven largely by DHT, a hormone derived from testosterone, which shrinks hair follicles over time.

• Women: Hair thinning is usually more diffuse and spread across the scalp, rather than forming a distinct bald spot. This is often called female pattern hair thinning. Hormonal changes, like perimenopause, menopause, PCOS, or thyroid imbalances, play a big role. Stress, nutrient deficiencies, and chronic inflammation can also contribute.

While the patterns may look different, the underlying principle is the same: hair follicles are sensitive to hormones, inflammation, and nutrient availability.

At Restore + Revive we know how frustrating hair loss can feel, but it’s often a signal that your body needs support. By identifying root causes, whether hormonal, nutritional, stress-related, or genetic, we can take a functional approach to restore healthy hair growth. Even small changes can have a meaningful difference.

To schedule an appointment with Dabney Poorter or one of our Functional Medicine providers, you can call us at 817-720-6220 Ext. 2 or email integrative@restoreandrevivefw.com.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new service, product, or treatment. Please note that prices, offerings, and other details mentioned in this post reflect information available at the time of publication and may have changed since.