Hair loss can feel sudden, confusing, and even overwhelming. One day you’re going about your routine, and the next you’re noticing more hair in the shower drain, on your brush, or scattered across your pillow. While some hair shedding is completely normal—most people lose around 50 to 100 hairs per day—excessive or noticeable thinning is often a sign that something deeper is happening. Understanding what triggers hair loss is the first step toward managing it and promoting regrowth.
There isn’t one single cause of hair loss; rather, it’s often the result of several contributing factors. One of the most common triggers is stress. High levels of physical or emotional stress can push a large number of hair follicles into the resting (telogen) phase, leading to a type of shedding called telogen effluvium. This condition typically appears a few months after a stressful event, such as illness, surgery, a traumatic experience, or even a major life transition. Fortunately, telogen effluvium is usually temporary, but it can still be distressing and take several months to reverse.
Hormonal imbalances are another major factor. Conditions such as thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and menopause can all contribute to hair thinning. In women, fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels can affect the hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding. In men and women alike, elevated levels of androgens (such as dihydrotestosterone or DHT) are linked to androgenetic alopecia, or pattern baldness, which is more gradual and often progressive if not addressed.
Nutritional deficiencies also play a significant role in hair health. A lack of essential nutrients—such as iron, vitamin D, B vitamins, and zinc—can weaken hair structure, slow growth, and lead to breakage and loss. Even if someone is eating a well-balanced diet, poor absorption due to gut health issues or chronic inflammation can prevent the body from getting the nutrients it needs for optimal hair growth.
Other triggers include autoimmune disorders, such as alopecia areata, where the body mistakenly attacks its own hair follicles, leading to patchy bald spots. Certain medications, including some used for blood pressure, depression, and chemotherapy, are also known to cause hair loss as a side effect. Environmental factors, frequent chemical treatments, tight hairstyles, and scalp infections can further contribute to hair thinning over time.
At CARESPACE, our Kitchener Waterloo naturopathic doctors take a comprehensive and holistic approach to uncovering the root causes of hair loss. They look beyond the surface symptoms and dig into the factors that may be contributing to hair thinning—whether it’s hormonal imbalances, chronic stress, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, or digestive issues. Through personalized assessments, they create treatment plans tailored to each individual’s unique physiology and lifestyle. These plans often include herbal medicine, dietary guidance, targeted supplementation, and strategies to support stress management and gut health. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, CARESPACE naturopathic doctors focus on optimizing the internal environment to promote healthy hair growth from the inside out, when hair loss won’t stop on its own.
If you’re noticing signs of hair loss, identifying the trigger is essential—and waiting for it to resolve on its own can sometimes lead to further frustration. Working with a naturopathic doctor at CARESPACE can help you better understand your body, correct imbalances, and support not just your hair, but your overall well-being. Because healthy hair often starts with a healthy you.
Discover effective recovery strategies in our Hair Loss Overview.
