Hair Thinning in Men: What is Causing Your Hair Loss?

Hair thinning or hair loss can be frustrating—and often emotional—for men. While male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) is the most common cause and has a strong genetic component, it’s not the only factor. In functional medicine, we look deeper to identify what might be disrupting the hair growth cycle. So, what can cause hair loss?

Common Contributors of Hair Loss:

• Nutrient deficiencies (B12, folate, iron, zinc, vitamin D)
• Chronic stress and systemic inflammation
• Hormonal imbalances (low testosterone, elevated DHT, thyroid dysfunction)
• Poor scalp health or circulation

Hormonal Factors and DHT Conversion

One key pathway involves the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) via 5-alpha reductase. Elevated DHT can shrink hair follicles and accelerate loss—particularly in genetically susceptible men. Low testosterone and thyroid dysfunction may also play a role in thinning and shedding.

The Role of Micronutrients and Metabolic Health

Micronutrient status is equally foundational. Even borderline deficiencies in iron, B vitamins, or zinc can disrupt follicle activity and push hair prematurely into the shedding phase. Inflammation and poor circulation—often linked to underlying metabolic dysfunction like insulin resistance, cardiovascular issues, or sleep apnea—may impair oxygen and nutrient delivery to follicles over time.

Scalp Health and Microbiome Balance

Local scalp health also matters. Dry, flaky skin and increased shedding may suggest seborrheic dermatitis or fungal imbalance in the scalp’s microbiome. These can further inflame hair follicles and impair growth.

Stress and Hair Shedding

Stress—whether physical, emotional, or infectious—can trigger telogen effluvium, a condition where a large percentage of hairs prematurely enter a resting phase and fall out several weeks later. Many patients, for instance, have reported noticeable hair loss following COVID-19 infection.

What Are the Best Treatments for Hair Loss?

The best treatment for hair loss will depend on what the root cause is, which can vary significantly from person to person. Once we have gotten to the root of the problem, red light therapy can be a great addition to your routine to encourage regrowth.

Red Light Therapy for Hair Regrowth

Red light therapy is an innovative solution gaining attention in hair regrowth treatments is the red-light therapy helmet, which utilizes red light therapy to stimulate hair follicles and improve scalp circulation.

Red light therapy enhances mitochondrial function and energy production within hair follicle cells, promoting stronger, healthier hair growth. Regular use of this FDA-cleared, non-invasive device has shown promising results in clinical studies, making it a valuable adjunctive tool within comprehensive hair restoration plans. One of our favorites is the MitoGROW™ Pro Laser Helmet. This helmet has 162 class II lasers.

PRP for Hair Restoration

Regrow your confidence naturally. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy uses your body’s own growth factors to awaken dormant hair follicles, improve scalp circulation, and encourage natural hair regrowth — without surgery, harsh chemicals, or extended downtime.

We use the CarePRP® system, a medical-grade, closed-loop centrifuge designed for high platelet concentration and purity — maximizing your results.

Why Choose PRP for Hair?

• Stimulates Natural Growth – Encourages thicker, fuller hair
• Boosts Follicle Health – Improves blood flow and nutrient delivery to the scalp
• Safe & Autologous – Uses your own platelets, minimizing risk
• No Downtime – Resume normal activities the same day

What to Expect for Your PRP Treatment

1. Consultation & Evaluation – We assess your hair loss pattern and determine if PRP is right for you.
2. Blood Draw & Processing – A small sample is drawn and spun in our CarePRP® centrifuge to concentrate growth factors.
3. Scalp Preparation – We apply a topical numbing agent for comfort.
4. Precision Injections – PRP is injected into thinning areas at the follicle level.
5. Aftercare Guidance – Clear instructions to optimize results and scalp health.

Recommended Treatment Plan

• Initial Series: 4–6 treatments, spaced 4–6 weeks apart
• Maintenance: 1 treatment every 6–12 months

Results vary by individual, but most patients notice improved hair density and texture within a few months of their first treatment.

Our Expertise

Vida Integrated Health has been performing PRP procedures since 2019, with expertise across:

• Hair Restoration
• Facial & Body Rejuvenation
• Joint Function & Injury Recovery
• Sexual Health & Wellness

At Vida Integrated Health, we take a root-cause approach to hair loss. After evaluating labs and lifestyle factors, we create personalized treatment plans that may include targeted supplements (e.g., saw palmetto for DHT regulation, adaptogens for stress, B vitamin, or zinc repletion), lifestyle coaching, and scalp-supportive therapies.

Hair loss may be the symptom—but our goal is deeper: to restore internal balance and support long-term vitality from the inside out.

Citations:

Fields JR, Vonu PM, Monir RL, Schoch JJ. Topical ketoconazole for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review. Dermatol Ther. 2020;33(1):e13202. doi:10.1111/dth.13202 

Gokce N, Basgoz N, Kenanoglu S, et al. An overview of the genetic aspects of hair loss and its connection with nutrition. J Prev Med Hyg. 2022;63(2 Suppl 3):E228-E238. Published 2022 Oct 17. doi:10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2022.63.2S3.2765

Sharquie KE, Jabbar RI. COVID-19 infection is a major cause of acute telogen effluvium. Ir J Med Sci. 2022;191(4):1677-1681. doi:10.1007/s11845-021-02754-5

Wang R, Lin J, Liu Q, Wu W, Wu J, Liu X. Micronutrients and Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2024;68(22):e2400652. doi:10.1002/mnfr.202400652

Wang S, Xu S, Wang S, Fang W, Shi W. Risk factors and lipid metabolism characteristics of early-onset male androgenetic alopecia: A pilot study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024;23(9):3038-3044. doi:10.1111/jocd.16371