Hair Loss in Women: What's Really Going On?
Finding more hair in your brush, shower drain, or on your pillow can be incredibly distressing. For many women, hair is closely linked to confidence and identity, so when it starts thinning or shedding, it can feel alarming and overwhelming.
The good news? Hair loss is often a symptom of an underlying imbalance rather than a problem in itself. While it may be tempting to reach for the latest hair supplement or expensive shampoo, true and lasting results come from understanding why the hair loss is occurring in the first place.
Common Causes of Hair Loss in Women
Hair growth is influenced by a complex interplay of hormones, nutrients, stress, genetics, and overall health. When one or more of these factors become disrupted, hair loss can occur.
Iron Deficiency
One of the most common causes of hair loss in women is low iron stores. Iron is essential for delivering oxygen to the hair follicles, and even when iron levels fall within the laboratory "normal" range, they may not be optimal for healthy hair growth.
Women with heavy periods, vegetarian or vegan diets, digestive issues, or a history of pregnancy are particularly at risk.
Thyroid Imbalances
Both an underactive and overactive thyroid can contribute to hair thinning. The thyroid gland plays a key role in regulating metabolism, energy production, and hair growth cycles.
Hair loss is often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, constipation, anxiety, or temperature sensitivity.
Hormonal Changes
Hormones have a significant impact on hair health throughout a woman's life.
Hair loss may occur during:
Postpartum recovery
Perimenopause and menopause
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Following discontinuation of hormonal contraception
Elevated androgens (male hormones), declining oestrogen levels, or hormonal fluctuations can all affect the hair growth cycle and lead to thinning.
Chronic Stress
The body does not differentiate between physical and emotional stress. Work pressures, relationship difficulties, illness, poor sleep, over-exercising, restrictive dieting, and emotional trauma can all trigger a condition known as telogen effluvium.
This occurs when a larger-than-normal percentage of hair follicles enter the resting phase, resulting in increased shedding several months after the stressful event.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Healthy hair requires adequate levels of many nutrients, including:
Iron
Zinc
Protein
Vitamin D
B vitamins
Selenium
Essential fatty acids
Without these building blocks, hair follicles simply cannot function optimally.
Gut Health and Absorption Issues
Even the healthiest diet won't help if nutrients aren't being absorbed effectively.
Conditions such as coeliac disease, SIBO, IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic diarrhoea, or low stomach acid can reduce nutrient absorption and contribute to hair loss over time.
Why Functional Testing Matters
One of the biggest frustrations women face is being told that their blood tests are "normal" despite experiencing significant hair loss.
Standard pathology ranges are designed to identify disease, not necessarily optimal health.
Functional testing allows us to dig deeper and identify potential contributing factors before they become major health issues.
Depending on the individual, testing may include:
Comprehensive blood testing
Iron studies and ferritin
Thyroid function testing
Vitamin D levels
Hormone assessments
Gut health testing
Nutritional status markers
Rather than guessing which supplement may help, testing provides valuable information that allows treatment to be personalised and targeted.
A Holistic Approach to Hair Loss
Hair loss rarely occurs in isolation.
As naturopaths, we look at the entire picture rather than focusing solely on the hair itself.
A holistic treatment plan may include:
Optimising Nutrition
Hair is made primarily from protein, making adequate protein intake essential.
A nutrient-dense diet rich in:
Quality protein
Colourful vegetables
Healthy fats
Seafood
Nuts and seeds
Iron-rich foods
provides the raw materials needed for healthy hair growth.
Supporting Stress and the Nervous System
Many women underestimate the impact chronic stress has on their hair.
Supporting the nervous system through:
Regular movement
Quality sleep
Breathwork
Mindfulness
Time in nature
Appropriate herbal support
can help reduce stress-related hair shedding and improve overall wellbeing.
Addressing Hormonal Imbalances
Where hormonal changes are contributing to hair loss, supporting hormone balance naturally can often improve both hair growth and other symptoms such as fatigue, acne, irregular periods, mood changes, or weight gain.
Improving Gut Health
Addressing digestive dysfunction, improving nutrient absorption, and restoring a healthy gut microbiome can have a profound effect on hair health.
Targeted Supplementation
While supplements can be helpful, they are most effective when tailored to the individual's needs.
The right supplement at the right time can be incredibly valuable. The wrong supplement may simply create expensive urine.
The Takeaway
Hair loss is often your body's way of signalling that something deeper requires attention.
Rather than accepting hair thinning as something you simply have to live with, it's important to investigate the underlying causes and address them appropriately.
By combining functional testing, comprehensive assessment, nutrition, lifestyle support, and targeted supplementation, it is often possible to significantly improve hair health while also enhancing energy, mood, hormones, digestion, and overall wellbeing.
Because when it comes to hair loss, the goal isn't simply to grow more hair—it's to create a healthier body that naturally supports healthy hair growth from the inside out.
How Long Does Post-Pill Acne Last?
Skin and acne support with a qualified Perth naturopath
Many women come off the pill expecting to feel more like themselves again… only to suddenly develop acne they never had before.
Or acne they thought they left behind years ago.
Post-pill acne can feel incredibly frustrating - especially when you’re doing “all the right things” and your skin still feels inflamed, painful or unpredictable.
The good news? In most cases, post-pill acne improves with time and appropriate support. But it’s important to understand that the pill often suppresses symptoms rather than resolving the underlying drivers.
Why Does Post-Pill Acne Happen?
The oral contraceptive pill suppresses ovulation and alters hormone activity.
For some women, this can temporarily improve acne while taking it. But once the pill is stopped, underlying imbalances may become more noticeable again.
Common contributing factors include:
Increased androgens
Blood sugar dysregulation
Stress
Gut dysfunction
Inflammation
Nutrient depletion
Poor detoxification pathways
How Long Does It Usually Last?
This varies significantly from person to person.
Some women experience mild breakouts for:
2–3 months
Others may notice ongoing symptoms for:
6–12 months or longer
particularly if there are deeper contributing factors such as:
PCOS
Gut dysbiosis
Chronic stress
Insulin resistance
Poor sleep
Restrictive dieting
Skin healing takes time. Hormones don’t rebalance overnight.
Why “Quick Fix” Acne Advice Often Fails
Many women try:
Cutting out multiple foods
Expensive skincare
Random supplements
Aggressive detoxes
without understanding why the acne is happening.
In clinic, I often find post-pill acne is less about one “bad food” and more about the overall terrain of the body:
stress load
inflammation
gut health
nervous system regulation
hormonal communication
A Holistic Approach to Post-Pill Acne
Support may include:
Blood sugar balancing
Gut health support
Nervous system regulation
Nutrient support
Herbal medicine
Reducing inflammation
Supporting bowel regularity
Reviewing skincare and environmental triggers
The goal is supporting the body to regulate naturally - not punishing it.
Why does acne worsen around ovulation?
Many women notice that acne flare-ups occur at specific points in the menstrual cycle. One of the most common times for breakouts is around ovulation.
Hormonal fluctuations during this phase of the cycle can increase oil production in the skin, which may contribute to clogged pores and inflammation.
Hormones during ovulation
Ovulation typically occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle. During this time, oestrogen levels peak before ovulation occurs.
Shortly afterwards, androgen activity may increase temporarily. Because androgens stimulate sebum production, this can create an environment where acne is more likely to develop.
For women who already experience hormonal acne, these fluctuations may make breakouts more noticeable.
The role of progesterone
After ovulation, progesterone levels should rise to support the second half of the cycle.
If ovulation does not occur consistently, progesterone may remain low, allowing androgen activity to become more dominant.
Over time this can contribute to recurring hormonal acne.
Hormonal shifts such as these may become more noticeable during life transitions such as perimenopause.
Supporting hormonal balance
Supporting healthy ovulation and hormone balance may help reduce cyclical acne.
Helpful strategies may include:
• stable blood sugar
• stress reduction
• supporting gut health
• adequate sleep
• nutrient-dense whole foods
Herbal medicine is often used in naturopathic practice to support hormone balance across the menstrual cycle.
Personalised support
Understanding how your symptoms change throughout the menstrual cycle can provide valuable clues about hormone balance.
If you are experiencing persistent hormonal acne, a personalised naturopathic consultation can help identify the underlying drivers.
Accutane vs Natural Acne Treatment: Understanding Your Options
Acne can be incredibly frustrating, particularly when it persists into adulthood. Many people are offered medications such as Accutane (isotretinoin) when other treatments fail. Others explore naturopathic approaches that aim to address underlying drivers of skin inflammation.
Understanding how these two approaches differ can help you decide which path may be most appropriate for you.
What is Accutane?
Accutane is a powerful prescription medication derived from vitamin A. It works by reducing oil production in the skin and shrinking sebaceous glands.
For some people with severe cystic acne, Accutane can significantly improve symptoms. However, it is also associated with a number of potential side effects including:
• Dry skin and lips
• Liver strain
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight
• Mood changes
• Teratogenic risks during pregnancy
Because of these risks, treatment is typically monitored closely by a doctor.
A Naturopathic Approach to Acne
Naturopathic treatment focuses on identifying and supporting the underlying systems contributing to acne. In many cases, skin symptoms reflect internal imbalances involving hormones, digestion, inflammation or stress.
Common areas explored in naturopathic care include:
• Hormone balance
• Gut microbiome health
• Blood sugar regulation
• Liver detoxification pathways
• Nutritional deficiencies
Rather than suppressing symptoms, the goal is to create an internal environment where skin can naturally stabilise.
Which Approach Is Right For You?
Both approaches have a place in healthcare. Some people benefit from medical treatment during severe flare-ups, while others prefer to explore natural strategies that support long-term skin health.
A personalised approach often produces the best results, as acne rarely has a single cause.
If you're struggling with persistent or hormonal acne, a naturopathic consultation can help identify the underlying drivers affecting your skin.
👉 Book a consultation to explore personalised treatment options.
How gut health affects acne
The connection between gut health and skin health is increasingly recognised in both research and clinical practice.
The gut microbiome plays an important role in regulating inflammation, immune function and hormone metabolism - all of which influence skin health.
When the gut becomes imbalanced, symptoms may appear not only in digestion but also in the skin.
The gut-skin connection
The digestive system contains trillions of bacteria that influence many processes in the body.
When the microbiome is balanced, it supports healthy digestion and helps regulate inflammation.
However, factors such as stress, antibiotics, processed foods and infections can disrupt this balance.
Gut imbalance may contribute to symptoms such as:
• bloating
• constipation
• reflux
• skin inflammation
• hormonal acne
If you frequently experience digestive discomfort, this article may be helpful:
→ Why am I bloated every day?
Inflammation and skin health
Gut imbalance may increase inflammatory pathways in the body. Inflammation can influence oil production, immune activity and the healing process within the skin.
For some individuals, improving gut health can significantly improve skin clarity.
Supporting the gut
Supporting gut health may include:
• increasing fibre intake
• consuming fermented foods
• reducing highly processed foods
• managing stress
• supporting digestion
Herbal medicine and probiotics may also play a role in restoring microbiome balance.
Personalised support
Because the gut and skin are closely connected, addressing digestive health can often improve skin symptoms as well.
If acne is persistent or accompanied by digestive symptoms, further investigation may be helpful.
Natural treatment for hormonal acne
Hormonal acne is one of the most common skin concerns seen in clinical practice. Unlike occasional breakouts, hormonal acne tends to occur repeatedly in specific areas of the face, particularly along the jawline, chin and lower cheeks.
While topical skincare can help manage symptoms, hormonal acne is often influenced by internal factors such as hormone balance, gut health, inflammation and blood sugar regulation.
Understanding these underlying drivers can help support clearer skin over time.
What causes hormonal acne?
Hormonal acne is commonly linked to the activity of androgens, hormones that stimulate oil production in the skin. When oil production increases, pores can become blocked and inflamed, leading to breakouts.
Hormonal fluctuations can occur during puberty, after stopping the contraceptive pill, during periods of high stress or during life stages such as perimenopause.
If you recently stopped hormonal contraception, you may find this article helpful:
→ Why do I get acne after stopping the pill?
Blood sugar and insulin
Blood sugar fluctuations can increase insulin levels, which may stimulate androgen production and increase inflammation in the skin.
Diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugar may therefore contribute to hormonal acne in some individuals.
Supporting stable blood sugar through balanced meals containing protein, healthy fats and fibre can be beneficial for hormone balance.
Gut health and inflammation
The gut microbiome plays an important role in regulating inflammation and hormone metabolism. If gut bacteria become imbalanced, inflammation may increase throughout the body, including the skin.
Digestive symptoms such as bloating or constipation may indicate underlying gut imbalance.
If you experience regular digestive discomfort, you may also want to read:
→ Why am I bloated every day?
A naturopathic approach
Naturopathic support for hormonal acne focuses on improving the internal environment that influences skin health.
This may include:
• balancing hormones
• supporting liver detoxification
• improving gut microbiome balance
• stabilising blood sugar
• reducing inflammation
Herbal medicine, nutrition and lifestyle medicine can all support clearer skin.
Personalised support
Hormonal acne can be frustrating, but understanding the underlying drivers often leads to long-term improvement.
If you are experiencing persistent breakouts, a personalised naturopathic consultation can help identify the factors influencing your skin health.
Why do I get acne after stopping the pill?
Many women notice the sudden appearance or worsening of acne after stopping the contraceptive pill. This can feel confusing and frustrating, especially if your skin was clear while taking hormonal contraception.
Post-pill acne is common and occurs because the pill suppresses certain hormonal pathways. When the pill is stopped, the body’s natural hormone signalling resumes, which can temporarily increase oil production, inflammation and breakouts.
Understanding why this happens can help guide a more supportive and long-term approach to skin health.
Why acne can appear after stopping the pill
The contraceptive pill works by suppressing ovulation and reducing the activity of androgens - hormones that stimulate oil production in the skin.
While this can improve acne while you are taking the pill, it does not necessarily address the underlying drivers of hormonal imbalance.
When the pill is stopped, the body begins producing its own hormones again. During this transition period, androgen activity can increase, leading to higher sebum production and clogged pores. For some women, this results in breakouts along the jawline, chin or lower face.
This hormonal adjustment period is often referred to as post-pill syndrome, and for many women it takes several months for the body to re-establish its natural rhythm.
Other factors that can contribute to post-pill acne
Hormones are only one part of the picture. Several underlying factors can influence how the skin responds after stopping hormonal contraception.
Hormone regulation
The menstrual cycle relies on a delicate balance between oestrogen, progesterone and androgens. If ovulation is irregular or progesterone levels are low, androgen activity may become more dominant, contributing to hormonal acne.
Gut health
Digestive health plays an important role in hormone metabolism. The gut microbiome helps regulate inflammation and assists in clearing excess hormones from the body. If gut health is compromised, hormonal imbalance and skin inflammation may worsen.
Liver detoxification
The liver is responsible for metabolising and clearing hormones from the body. Supporting liver detoxification pathways can help the body process and eliminate excess hormones more effectively.
Stress and cortisol
Chronic stress can increase cortisol levels, which in turn may stimulate androgen production and increase inflammation in the skin. Stress also influences gut health, sleep and immune function, all of which impact skin health.
Blood sugar regulation
Fluctuations in blood sugar and insulin resistance can increase androgen activity and inflammatory pathways linked to hormonal acne.
How long does post-pill acne last?
For many women, post-pill acne improves within three to six months as the body re-establishes its natural hormone rhythm.
However, if underlying hormonal imbalances are present - such as androgen dominance, insulin resistance or conditions like PCOS - acne may persist without targeted support.
Everyone’s hormonal landscape is different, which is why understanding the underlying drivers is important for effective long-term management.
A naturopathic approach to post-pill acne
Rather than simply suppressing symptoms, naturopathic care focuses on identifying and supporting the underlying factors influencing skin health.
Support may include:
• regulating hormones and supporting ovulation
• improving gut health and microbiome balance
• supporting liver detoxification pathways
• stabilising blood sugar levels
• reducing systemic inflammation
• supporting stress resilience and nervous system regulation
Nutrition, herbal medicine, lifestyle medicine and functional pathology testing can all play a role in supporting clearer skin over time.
Herbs that may support hormonal acne
In naturopathic practice, certain herbs are commonly used to support hormone balance, reduce inflammation and assist detoxification pathways involved in skin health.
Depending on the individual case, herbs such as vitex, burdock root, dandelion root, nettle and licorice may be used to support hormone regulation, liver function and inflammatory balance.
Herbal prescriptions are typically personalised, as different factors may be contributing to acne for each individual.
When to seek support
If acne persists for several months after stopping the pill, or is significantly affecting your confidence and wellbeing, it may be helpful to explore the underlying hormonal and metabolic drivers.
Addressing these factors can often improve not only skin health but also overall hormonal balance, digestion, energy and mood.
Personalised support
Hormones, gut health, stress and skin are deeply interconnected.
If you're experiencing persistent hormonal acne after stopping the pill, a personalised naturopathic consultation can help identify the underlying drivers and create a treatment plan tailored to your body.