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The reason: Hormonal balance plays a central role in the hair growth cycle. In particular, the androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a breakdown product of testosterone, is known to shrink hair follicles – a process called miniaturization. This leads to a shortening of the growth phase (anagen phase) and promotes the transition to the resting and shedding phases.
Hormonal fluctuations in women occur particularly during phases such as puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, or after discontinuing hormonal contraceptives. In men, androgenetic alopecia (hereditary hair loss) is often associated with hypersensitivity to DHT. Thyroid disorders, PCOS, or hormonal imbalances can also be triggers.

The reason is that hair is a rapidly growing tissue and therefore requires a continuous supply of micronutrients. Deficiencies in iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin D, B vitamins, proteins, and essential amino acids are particularly critical.

A deficiency causes the body to concentrate its resources on vital organs – neglecting the hair follicles. The matrix cells responsible for hair growth receive less energy and building blocks. This can lead to a deterioration of hair structure, slowed growth, or even a complete cessation of growth. Deficiencies are particularly common in people with restrictive diets, intestinal diseases, chronic inflammation, or heavy menstrual bleeding.

Reason: Chronic metabolic disorders – such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, or liver diseases – affect the entire cellular metabolism and thus also hair formation. Thyroid hormones are directly involved in regulating the hair growth cycle.

An underactive thyroid can lead to diffuse hair loss because cell metabolism is slowed, while an overactive thyroid is more likely to be associated with brittle, fine hair. Furthermore, autoimmune processes (e.g., Hashimoto's thyroiditis) can also cause inflammatory reactions in the scalp that impair hair growth. Liver problems prevent the proper breakdown of toxins, which also has a negative impact on skin and hair.

The reason: Psychological stress, depression, anxiety, and inner tension directly affect the autonomic nervous system and the hormonal balance. Increased cortisol release leads to reduced blood flow to the periphery – including the scalp – and to a disruption of hormonal balance.

Furthermore, cortisol inhibits the activity of growth factors (e.g., IGF-1) in the hair follicles and accelerates the transition from the growth phase to the resting phase (telogen effluvium). Sudden traumatic events can also lead to massive hair loss months later – known as "telogen shock".

The reason: A lifestyle with little sleep, high nicotine or alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, poor diet, or chronic sleep deprivation leads to oxidative stress. This process generates free radicals that damage cell structures – including hair follicles.

At the same time, repair processes in the body slow down, scalp microcirculation decreases, and important nutrients are no longer available to the hair. A disrupted gut flora resulting from fast food, excess sugar, or medication can also impair nutrient absorption and thus disrupt hair growth in the long term.

The reason: With increasing age, cell division processes slow down throughout the body – including in the hair follicles. The anagen phase of the hair cycle becomes shorter, the hairs grow finer, slower, and fall out more quickly.

Furthermore, the production of collagen, keratin, and elastic fibers decreases – affecting not only the skin but also the hair structure. The scalp loses elasticity and moisture, further hindering hair anchorage. Hormonal changes with age, such as the decline in estrogen or testosterone, exacerbate this process.