The studies that helped me understand my own hair loss, explained simply, with what each one could mean for you and a link to the original.
What they found: Researchers tested 356 turmeric samples from markets in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. 14% had detectable lead, likely from a yellow pigment added to brighten the colour.
What it means for you: If you use turmeric or curcumin supplements, choose brands that publish third-party heavy-metal testing, and mention it if you're having a heavy-metal screen.
Read the study →What they found: A clinical guide suggests that in otherwise healthy people with hair loss, a ferritin of 40 micrograms per litre or lower can point to iron deficiency.
What it means for you: Many labs flag ferritin as low only at much lower numbers. Ask where yours sits, not just whether it's 'in range'.
Read the study →What they found: Hair loss was reported in about a third of people with an underactive thyroid and about half with an overactive thyroid. The review is small, so treat the numbers as a guide.
What it means for you: If you have diffuse shedding, a full thyroid panel is worth asking about, not only TSH.
Read the study →What they found: A major review describes endometriosis as a chronic systemic condition that drives inflammation and affects metabolism, not just the pelvis.
What it means for you: It helps explain why endometriosis can show up in places like your hair, even when pain is mild.
Read the study →What they found: In mice, long-term stress hormones kept hair follicle stem cells resting for longer, by switching off a growth signal in the cells beneath the follicle.
What it means for you: It's animal research, but it supports what many of us feel: calming chronic stress is part of regrowth.
Read the study →What they found: Gut bacteria produce an enzyme that reactivates oestrogen, so the balance of your microbiome affects how much oestrogen circulates.
What it means for you: Gut health and hormone health are linked. Fibre, diverse whole foods and a stool test may be worth discussing.
Read the study →What they found: A review found evidence for biotin only in people with an underlying deficiency or condition, not in healthy people.
What it means for you: Biotin probably won't fix hormonal shedding, and the FDA warns it can skew some blood tests, including thyroid tests.
Read the study →What they found: Over six months, rosemary oil performed similarly to 2% minoxidil for hair count, with less scalp itching. The trial had 100 participants, all men.
What it means for you: Promising for a gentle option, but it hasn't been properly tested in women with hormonal hair loss.
Read the study →Summaries are simplified and research changes. Please read the originals with your practitioner. Personal experience and general education only, not medical, nutritional or diagnostic advice. Results vary. Please talk to your own qualified practitioner before changing anything. "Apple" is a pen name.