Have you ever run your fingers through your hair and discovered it wasn’t as attached as you thought? Hair loss is one of those things that quietly chips away at your confidence — and yet most women never get a real explanation for why it’s happening or what they can do about it.

In this episode, I’m giving you the conversation I wish I’d had with my own patients.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why losing up to 100–150 hairs a day is completely normal
• The 4 stages of the hair growth cycle — and what happens when things go sideways
• What triggers sudden hair loss (telogen effluvium) versus gradual thinning
• How hormones — postpartum, birth control, PCOS, and menopause — affect your hair
• The role of nutrition and which nutrient deficiencies are actually linked to hair loss
• The truth about biotin, collagen supplements, and whether they’re worth it
• Which medications can trigger shedding (including an important warning about biotin and your lab results)
• Alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, traction alopecia — what they are and what to do
• What actually works: minoxidil, Nutrafol, and when to see a dermatologist

Show Notes & Resources

• Losing 50–150 hairs per day is within the normal range — new growth should keep pace with shedding
• Telogen effluvium (sudden shedding from stress, illness, surgery, or rapid weight loss) is temporary and usually resolves within 6 months
• Postpartum hair loss is caused by a drop in estrogen after delivery — it’s normal and it grows back
• Hormonal changes from stopping or switching birth control, PCOS, and menopause can all trigger hair loss
• Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition — see a dermatologist, as newer prescription treatments (including JAK inhibitors) have shown real promise
• Key nutrients for hair health: iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B3, biotin, and protein
• Important: biotin supplements can interfere with certain lab tests, including thyroid panels — always tell your doctor if you’re taking it
• Excess vitamin A and selenium supplementation can actually cause hair loss — more is not better
• Topical minoxidil (Rogaine) is available over the counter; low-dose oral minoxidil requires a prescription
• Nutrafol is a commonly recommended OTC supplement — results vary
• When in doubt, see a dermatologist — scalp health is their specialty

Healthy Looks Great on You is hosted by Dr. Vickie, a retired OB-GYN and lifestyle medicine physician helping midlife women close the gap between knowing what’s healthy and actually living it.

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