HORMONAL SUPPORT
As you already know, the thyroid is the master gland when it comes to reversing
any type of hair loss. Prolonged stress lowers the metabolic rate, which is why
hair follicles get deprived of nutrients, shrink, shift to the catagen phase, and fall
out.
Thyroid disorders are connected to all kinds of hair loss, and even graying of
the hair. Thyroid hormone directly alters the function of the hair follicle.
It prolongs the anagen phase of the hair follicle cycle, stimulates the hair to
grow, and promotes pigmentation.
By simply improving the amount of thyroid hormones it becomes possible to
regrow the hair.
Use the pdf le “Thyroid Testing” that is attached to this course, in order to
interpret your thyroid levels after doing a blood test.
Not doing blood work is like shooting in the dark. It is important to
know where you stand hormonally, hence the importance of blood
work.
Start with a blood test including a full thyroid panel, cortisol, progesterone,
estrogen, prolactin, DHEA-S, testosterone, and free testosterone. Consult the le
“Thyroid Testing” for more details regarding what to test for.
The main goal is to lower the chronically elevated stress hormones and
in ammatory markers while improving the protective hormones progesterone,
thyroid, and in men testosterone.
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STRESS
Stress is at the root of stress. This program does not focus on stress reduction
from a purely physiological perspective, it prioritizes the other forms of stress.
Physiological stress
• Overtraining (resistance & endurance)
• Nutrient de ciencies
• EMFs & blue light
• Lack of grounding
• Low blood sugar levels
Emotional stress
• Lack of enjoyment in life
• Lack of connection (social stress)
• Financial stress
• Relationship stress
• Psychological stress
This program simply cannot give solutions to every type of stressor. Hence it is
your responsibility to objectively look at and analyze your life to pinpoint the
main sources of stress.
A great tool to bring more awareness is daily journaling. Writing down your
thoughts, how you feel, and your experience is as effective as therapy. By
becoming more aware, you can also nd solutions to your problems.
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PROGESTERONE
Under acute or chronic stress, the body prioritizes cortisol production over
progesterone, resulting in a progesterone de ciency.
Progesterone is a protective hormone in both males and females and is lowered
under stress.
Progesterone blocks the conversion of testosterone into DHT, a hormone that is
elevated in the scalp under stress. DHT is not the main root cause, merely a
symptom of elevated stress levels.
Supplementing topical progesterone can alleviate the feeling of being stressed;
it produces a sense of calmness and promotes sleep.
If your progesterone is low focus on getting adequate amounts of cholesterol
and vitamin A or retinol before using a topical progesterone supplement.
Progesterone cream or wild yam extract containing diosgenin are examples of
progesterone supplements. This can be used both for men and women.
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THYROID
As you already know, the thyroid is the master gland when it comes to reversing
any type of hair loss. Natural desiccated thyroid or NDT is an excellent
supplement for thyroid support when hypothyroid.
Although it is a powerful tool, focus rst on naturally increasing your thyroid
hormone production & conversion by following the protocol in this program.
Here is a link for natural desiccated thyroid, in case you decide to order some.
Thyroid hormone production heavily relies on nutrients such as vitamin A, zinc,
selenium, iodine, iron, and copper.
Vitamin A has been shown to regulate thyroid hormone metabolism and
inhibit thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion. Vitamin A lowers TSH by
improving, is anti-estrogenic, pro thyroid, pro testosterone, and pro
progesterone.
The trace minerals listed above contribute to the production and/or
conversion of thyroid hormone. They can be found in oysters, liver, kidneys,
and red meat.
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CORTISOL
Also known as the ‘death’ hormone. Cortisol is bene cial when acute, but not in
the long term. Cortisol is a catabolic hormone, that degrades collagen in the
skin, thus also hair follicles that reside in the skin. Stress also depletes certain
minerals which in turn will make you even more stressed. A consequence of
mineral depletion is that the hairs turn grey as there isn’t enough thyroid
hormone and copper supplied to the follicles. Here is what you can do to
control cortisol:
• Blood sugar balance is the rst thing that comes to mind. Sugar is able to
lower metabolic stress. My advice is to eat frequently (every 2-3h), and include
easy-to-digest carbs such as honey and fruits, with adequate protein.
• Magnesium status is highly associated with stress levels. Stress depletes
magnesium, and low levels of magnesium make you less resilient to stress.
Supplement with a quality magnesium glycinate supplement.
• Glycine can lower cortisol by 20%. Gelatin and collagen provide complete
protein that builds up the skin and makes the hair thicker.
• L Theanine, found in tea, is another anti-stress amino acid. Best
supplemented in a larger dose of 1000mg to reduce stress hormones such as
cortisol. L theanine has antioxidant bene ts for the brain and liver. L theanine
is a great supplement to control cortisol when taken with glycine.
• Salt: Lower salt intake is associated with higher adrenal stress hormones.
Good quality sea salt is a powerful anti-stress tool. Salt is also great as it
donates chloride to make stomach acid. Stress lowers stomach acid, and
depletes salt from the body. The more stress someone experiences, the more
salt is needed. Dissolve salt in sparkling water, add salt to your broth, and salt
your fruits.
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ESTROGEN & AROMATASE
Aromatase is the enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogens and can be
elevated under stress/cortisol. Estrogen is able to bind on the estrogen receptor
site of the hair follicle and will slow its metabolism causing the follicle to
‘suffocate’ which translates into hair loss.
Signs of high estrogen:
• Lack of strong erections
• Water retention or edema
• Night sweats & problems sleeping
• Excessive fat tissue (around the breast)
• Depression & Mood swings
• Migraines
• Hair loss
More studies come to the conclusion that estrogen has a role in hair loss
physiology: “These results indicated that estrogen causes reversible hair cycle retardation by
inducing premature catagen and maintaining telogen.”
Here is what you can do to balance estrogen:
• Fat Loss: excess fat is extremely estrogenic. Fat tissue is a hormonal tissue on
its own, as it can produce estrogens. A slow approach while supporting your
metabolism is the way to go.
• Xenoestrogens are the main problem when it comes to estrogen
dominance. This program includes the Xenoestrogen Awareness &
Detoxi cation Guide which is available for you to consult.
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• Green tea or nettle root tea are powerful aromatase inhibitors. Green tea
is best applied topically to the scalp instead of drinking it. Most teas do
contain uoride, and therefore chronic tea consumption can lower thyroid
hormones.
• Fat-soluble vitamins A, E, D, and K are all anti-aromatase therefore
anti-estrogenic and help support healthy hair and metabolism. Eat raw egg
yolks, raw liver, butterfat, cod liver oil, and grass-fed dairy, and get rid of ALL
vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds, as these contain unsaturated fats which trigger
estrogen.
The most common reasons why estrogen is elevated is due to excessive stress,
excessive fat tissue, xenoestrogens, endotoxins, and a poor diet that includes
alcohol and processed foods.
In general, when you address thyroid and lower stress, estrogen should fall in
normal healthy ranges.
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PROLACTIN
Prolactin means “Pro Lactation” and is a hormone found in pregnant women
that induces breast milk production. However, men can have elevated levels of
prolactin too and it doesn’t do you any good.
Elevated prolactin levels in men have been shown to decrease testosterone
production and sex drive, while high prolactin levels were also related to man
boobs (aka gynecomastia) and hair loss.
Signs of high prolactin?
• Sexual dysfunction
• Gynecomastia
• Hypogonadism
• Low dopamine
• Increase in parathyroid hormone
Lower Elevated Prolactin Naturally:
• Adequate calcium from raw dairy, eggshell powder, or well-cooked leafy
greens to give you a few options when dairy is not available. Parathyroid
hormone can increase prolactin, and parathyroid is opposed by calcium and
thyroid.
• Supplemental vitamin E, mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols, in a healthy
fat base (like MCT), or wheat germ-based supplement. Vitamin E can
signi cantly lower prolactin, and also estrogen due to its anti-aromatase
nature. Take one or two capsules when prolactin is elevated!
• Creatine is a dopamine agonist, and dopamine is a prolactin antagonist.
Creatine is also a helpful anti-stress supplement, as it helps your biology with
ATP production. Take 1-3g of creatine daily, and don’t worry as there is no
proof of creatine increasing hair loss.
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• Zinc from oysters, red meat, and beef liver. Zinc was found to reduce
prolactin levels by a staggering 50%.
• Daily sunlight as the light of the sun is the main regulator of most
hormones in the body. Sunlight improves thyroid, metabolism, dopamine, and
testosterone while reducing stress hormones cortisol, and prolactin.
Apply these tools when prolactin levels are elevated.
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