Any female suffering from hair loss, know just how frightening and out of control it can feel. Female hair loss is a very common concern, with up to 40% of women by age forty noticing a thinning of their hair. The emotional toll of female hair loss is huge. Whilst men are just as emotionally vulnerable to the effects of hair loss, it is socially accepted that men will lose their hair.

The crucial element in the treatment of female hair loss is to preserve the health of the follicles. This is the difference between your hair growing back or being lost permanently. Maintaining the health of the follicles is just as important as addressing the underlying causes of female hair loss. For more information on the causes of female hair loss follow this link.

Studies show that a lack of vitamin D can lead to hair loss. One of the reasons that vitamin D impacts our hair, is that vitamin D plays an important role in stimulating new and old hair follicles. When we become deficient in vitamin D, new hair growth can be stunted. Regardless of the cause of your hair loss, your vitamin D status will impact your ability to grow new hair. 

The current estimated rate of Vitamin D, shows that one in four Australian adults are vitamin D deficient. This can come as a huge surprise considering we live in such a sunny climate. Even if you get daily sun exposure, there are other factors that can lead to low vitamin D levels. These include, sunscreen, low magnesium levels, obesity, poor kidney function, digestive conditions.

TOP TIP – if you are struggling to raise your vitamin D levels, increase your magnesium intake. Magnesium plays a role in the regulation and absorption of vitamin D. 

You can get your vitamin D levels tested through a simple blood test. If you are deficient and experiencing hair loss, it is recommended that you take a vitamin D supplement until your levels increase. Look for a supplement with the activated D3 form and take between 1000-3000IU per day. Whilst vitamin D is found in some foods such as oily fish, eggs and fortified dairy products, the sun is still our best source. Aim for around 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure each day.