Show Notes
Dermatologist Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd joins SheMD for a comprehensive conversation about why women experience hair thinning, shedding and breakage throughout different stages of life. Dr. Woolery-Lloyd explains how postpartum hormone changes, perimenopause and menopause, stress, PMOS, thyroid disease, autoimmune conditions, nutritional deficiencies and cosmetic damage can all affect hair health. She also breaks down telogen effluvium, a common form of stress-related shedding that can appear 3 to 6 months after a major life event, including childbirth, surgery, illness, divorce or another period of significant stress. We also discuss hair loss in women taking GLP-1 medications and why rapid weight loss, inadequate protein intake and nutritional deficiencies may contribute to increased shedding. Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Dr. Woolery-Lloyd walk through the workup and treatment options they use with patients, including lab testing, minoxidil, spironolactone, PRP, light therapy, supplements and lifestyle changes. Plus, we answer common questions about tight hairstyles, extensions, washing, brushing, heat damage and what women should know before starting a hair supplement. If your hair has changed and you do not know why, this episode is a great place to start. Sponsors IT Cosmetics and Smile Set are featured in sponsored advertising segments during this episode. What You’ll Learn Why hair thinning and shedding can occur at different stages of a woman's life, including postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause. How estrogen fluctuations affect the hair growth cycle and why hormonal changes can contribute to shedding, thinning, and breakage. Why stress, surgery, childbirth, and other major life events can trigger hair shedding three to six months later. The difference between telogen effluvium, female pattern hair loss, and hair breakage, including the signs that may help distinguish them. How PCOS, insulin resistance, and androgen levels can contribute to hair thinning, acne, and unwanted facial or body hair. What current evidence suggests about hair shedding during GLP-1 treatment, including the potential roles of rapid weight loss, inadequate protein intake, and nutritional deficiencies. Why thyroid conditions, iron deficiency, low vitamin D, autoimmune disorders, and certain medications may contribute to hair loss. How tight ponytails, braids, extensions, heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental exposure can damage hair or contribute to thinning. How dermatologists evaluate hair loss through medical history, physical examination, hair-pull testing, blood work, and, when needed, a scalp biopsy. Which treatment options may be considered for different types of hair loss, including minoxidil, anti-inflammatory treatments, light therapy, and PRP. What to look for when choosing a hair supplement, including clinical testing of the finished product, ingredient quality, and independent safety certifications. How protein intake, a balanced diet, and attention to nutritional deficiencies can support hair health. Why hair treatments require patience, with reduced shedding potentially taking months to appear and significant regrowth often taking six months or longer. Practical ways to reduce breakage, including choosing gentler hairstyles, minimizing tugging and pulling, and adjusting hair care to your hair type. Five key takeaways for women experiencing hair changes: seek care early, consider recent stressors, prioritize nutrition, evaluate appropriate supplementation, and give yourself grace. Key Timestamps 00:00 Why your hair may be thinning months after a stressful event 01:20 How pregnancy, postpartum changes, and menopause affect hair health 03:51 Understanding the hair growth cycle 04:45 Why hair texture and breakage can change with age 05:50 How much daily hair shedding is normal? 07:47 Telogen effluvium and stress-related hair loss 10:10 Female pattern hair loss and a widening part 12:40 Understanding postpartum shedding an
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Dr. Mindy Pelz joins SheMD for a wide-ranging conversation about fasting, hormones and metabolic health throughout a woman’s life. Mindy explains how her approach to fasting changed after she began seeing women experience symptoms including hair loss, thyroid issues and stalled weight loss when they fasted continuously without taking their menstrual cycle into account. She breaks down how she approaches fasting during different phases of the cycle, why she recommends easing up on fasting before a period, and how those recommendations may change during perimenopause and after menopause. Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Mindy also discuss insulin resistance, PCOS, metabolic health, ketones, protein, carbohydrates and the relationship between blood sugar and hormonal symptoms. Mindy explains what she means by “metabolic switching,” how she structures an eating window, why she discourages constant snacking and what she likes women to eat when breaking a fast. Plus, she shares why she sees menopause not as a decline but as an opportunity for women to rethink their health, their brains and the next chapter of their lives. Sponsors Prolon: Featured in an advertisement discussing its five-day program, which is described as supporting fat-focused weight loss while protecting lean muscle. The episode includes an offer of 15% off sitewide, plus a $40 bonus gift with a five-day program subscription, at prolonlife.com/gmd. Huel: Featured in an advertisement for Huel Black Edition powder and ready-to-drink meals, highlighting protein, convenience, and nutritional content. The ad mentions 15% off online for new customers with code CMD at huel.com/gmd. Peloton: Featured in an advertisement for the Peloton Tread Flex treadmill, highlighting its foldable design and at-home running, walking, hiking, and training options. Sequencing.com: Featured in an advertisement for whole-genome testing, including information about genetic screening and medication-response insights. The ad mentions up to 10% off a full genome test, plus free shipping, with code GMD at sequencing.com. IT Cosmetics: Featured in an advertisement for the Do-It All Sheer Tint Face Balm, highlighting its skincare ingredients and tinted coverage. What You’ll Learn How Dr. Mindy Pelz's experience with chronic fatigue influenced her interest in nutrition, lifestyle changes, and women's health. Why she developed a cycle-based approach to fasting and what she observed when women adjusted their fasting routines around their menstrual cycles. How estrogen and progesterone differ in their metabolic roles, including why progesterone is associated with an increased need for glucose. Why the week before menstruation may call for changes to fasting and carbohydrate intake. How fasting strategies may differ for women who are menstruating, perimenopausal, or postmenopausal. What metabolic switching means, how the body uses glucose and ketones for energy, and how fasting relates to this process. How insulin resistance may contribute to metabolic changes associated with PCOS, including weight gain, acne, hair loss, and irregular periods. Why Dr. Mindy emphasizes metabolic health when discussing hormonal symptoms, brain fog, and changes in weight. What autophagy is and how Dr. Mindy describes its role in cellular maintenance and repair. Why food quality, adequate protein, healthy fats, fiber, and less frequent snacking are central to her approach to metabolic health. How to think about fasting duration and timing in relation to menstrual cycles and symptoms such as spotting, anxiety, and insomnia. Why Dr. Mindy describes menopause as an opportunity for reinvention, personal growth, and a new stage of leadership. How changes in estrogen may affect neurotransmitters involved in mood, motivation, memory, and emotional well-being. How novelty, storytelling, and exposure to natural daylight can support habits associated with cognitive health. What Dr. Mindy recommends considering when breaking a fast, including b
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