By Dr. Lori Jokinen, DC – Functional Medicine & Chiropractic Care in Woodbury, MN

One of the most common concerns I hear from patients—especially women—who visit my clinic in Woodbury, Minnesota is:

“My hair is thinning, dry, or falling out—and nothing seems to help.”

Many have already tried countless shampoos, supplements, and topical treatments without success. What most people don’t realize is this:

Hair loss is rarely the true problem—it is often a symptom of deeper imbalance in the body.

As a functional medicine practitioner serving the greater Minneapolis–Saint Paul area, my role is to identify and address the root causes behind hair loss rather than masking the symptom.

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Hair Loss Patterns and What They Can Indicate

Different patterns of hair loss often reveal important clues:

• Thinning hair – Often associated with thyroid dysfunction or hormone imbalance
• Dry, brittle, thinning hair – May suggest iron deficiency or hypothyroidism
• Patchy hair loss – Commonly linked to chronic stress, elevated cortisol, heavy metal exposure, or B-vitamin deficiency
• Receding hairline / crown thinning (male-pattern type) – Often related to elevated testosterone or DHT imbalance in both men and women
• Overall diffuse shedding – Can indicate poor circulation, protein deficiency, zinc deficiency, or low B-vitamins

If you’re noticing changes in your hair, your body may be asking for deeper attention.

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Why Lab Testing Matters for Hair Loss

The most effective way to uncover the cause of hair loss is through comprehensive functional lab testing—not just basic screening.

According to Cleveland Clinic, thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, and hormonal imbalance are common contributors to hair loss:
👉 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/causes-of-hair-loss/

Key Labs I Often Assess:

✔ Comprehensive Thyroid Panel

TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPO antibodies, Thyroglobulin antibodies

Many patients are told their labs are “normal,” yet still feel unwell. Functional medicine evaluates optimal ranges, not just “within range.”

Learn more about thyroid-related hair loss:
👉 https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/thyroid-disorders

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✔ Testosterone & DHT

Yes—women can have elevated androgens too.
This is common in PCOS and often results in hair thinning at the crown.

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✔ Estrogen, Progesterone, FSH, LH

Imbalances here often contribute to:

• Hair loss on the top of the head
• Irregular cycles
• PMS
• Perimenopausal symptoms

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✔ CBC + Iron Panel (Ferritin)

Ferritin below 50 ng/mL is strongly associated with hair shedding in women.

Harvard Health confirms low iron as a major contributor to hair loss:
👉 https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/what-to-do-about-hair-loss

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✔ Cortisol (Stress Hormone)

Chronic stress can shut down hormone production and accelerate aging—including hair thinning.

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✔ Heavy Metals

Exposure can occur through:

• Dental amalgams
• Pesticides
• Environmental toxins
• Certain foods

Toxicity can quietly disrupt hair, hormones, and immune health.

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✔ Blood Sugar Markers

Fasting glucose, Hemoglobin A1C, and fasting insulin reveal whether blood sugar imbalance is contributing to hormone disruption and poor circulation.

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Your Hair Is a Signal, Not a Failure

Hair loss is your body communicating imbalance—not betraying you.

If you live in Woodbury, Oakdale, Cottage Grove, Lake Elmo, Stillwater, or the Twin Cities, a personalized functional medicine approach can uncover what’s really happening and help restore healthy hair growth.

👉 Learn more about functional medicine care:
https://www.ifm.org/functional-medicine/what-is-functional-medicine/

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Ready to get answers?

I invite you to schedule a consultation and begin identifying the underlying causes of your symptoms.

Dr. Lori Jokinen, DC
Functional Medicine & Chiropractic Care
Woodbury, Minnesota