HELP! My Hair Is Falling Out: Root Causes of Hair Loss in Women
- Gwen Krehbiel
- Jan 12
- 3 min read
Hair loss can feel alarming — especially when you’re doing everything “right” to support your health. If you’ve noticed increased shedding, thinning, or changes in hair texture, take a deep breath. Hair loss is often a signal, not a failure.
During structured wellness programs like SHAPE ReClaimed, most people see healthier hair over time, but a small percentage may experience temporary hair thinning — particularly during periods of metabolic change.
The key is understanding why it’s happening and addressing the root cause.
Why Hair Loss Can Happen During Health Changes
Hair is considered a non-essential tissue by the body. When your system perceives stress — whether from caloric restriction, hormone shifts, inflammation, or thyroid imbalance — resources are diverted to vital organs first (brain, heart, liver, kidneys).
What gets shorted?
Hair
Skin
Nails
This is why hair loss is often delayed and shows up weeks or months after the original stressor.
Common Root Causes of Hair Loss in Women
1. Metabolic Stress or Under-Fueling
Rapid changes in intake, dramatic fat loss, or insufficient protein can signal “starvation” to the brain — even when weight loss is intentional.
This is one reason regular urinalysis and practitioner oversight matter. Subtle metabolic stress can be corrected early before hair loss progresses.
2. Low-Functioning Thyroid
One of the most common contributors to hair loss in women is low thyroid function.
Other symptoms often include:
Cold hands and feet
Low body temperature
Fatigue
Poor sleep
Headaches
Difficulty swallowing
Low libido
Weight gain
At-Home Thyroid Screening (Not Diagnostic)
Upon waking (before getting out of bed), place a thermometer in your armpit
Wait for the beep (digital) or 10 minutes (mercury)
Record your temperature
Repeat for 5-10 mornings
If your average temperature is below 97.8°F, thyroid support may need to be explored further.
3. Perimenopause & Menopause Hormone Shifts
Many women also notice changes in body composition (including fat storage in the triceps), which can correlate with hormone shifts affecting hair growth cycles. Hair thinning is very common during perimenopause and menopause and is often related to:
Declining progesterone
Estrogen imbalance
Increased inflammatory load
The Good News About Hair Loss During Healing
In the vast majority of cases:
Hair loss is temporary
Hair growth resumes once balance is restored
Supporting the root cause matters more than topical fixes alone
When the body feels safe, nourished, and supported, hair regrowth follows.
Why Communication Matters
If hair loss was present before starting a wellness program — or if it begins during your journey — it’s important to say something early. Adjustments can be made — but only if the signal is seen and addressed.
Hair changes provide valuable insight into:
Metabolic stress
Hormone balance
Thyroid signaling
Nutrient sufficiency
Ready to Understand What Your Hair Is Telling You?
Hair loss in women is never “just cosmetic.” It’s information.
A Self-Sabotage Breakthrough Session helps uncover:
Whether metabolic, thyroid, or hormone stress may be contributing
What your body may be prioritizing (or deprioritizing) right now
Which foundational supports need attention first
From there, we build a clear, individualized plan — without panic or guesswork.
Book your Self-Sabotage Breakthrough Session to uncover what your hair (and body) are asking for.
Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment. Medical conditions require medical care.
What great information and such an easy test to perform. Thanks for sharing.