Five years ago, I was sitting in a doctor’s office being told I would only be granted a third round of IVF if I used donor eggs. In that crushing moment, I believed I would never be a mum.
Today, I am sitting writing this blog as a 40-year-old mum to two young boys, who I managed to have completely naturally - and just in the nick of time, I might add!
Some days I can barely believe it, when I look back at the terrible lows of more than five years struggling with infertility and pregnancy losses. 
More shockingly, I genuinely believe I wouldn’t have those boys today had I not decided to take a closer look at what was going on with my hormone health.
Pre IVF tests had shown I had a low ovarian reserve. Because I’d managed to briefly conceive on my first round of IVF I fought for a third round using my own eggs. But when that failed I was convinced my eggs were useless and I was careering towards early menopause.
I’d recently read an amazing book called Period Power and learned about the DUTCH test, a home-based test that measures a very wide range of hormones.
It was pricey but it was lockdown and I had nothing else to spend my money on so I figured it would at least help me feel my best going forward after two years pumping myself full of artificial hormones.
But that test changed everything for me.
It flagged a few problems, with my Nutritional Therapist Beverley suspecting my overall issues had been related to periods of chronic stress, inflammation, blood sugar imbalance, sub optimal DHEA, sub optimal vitamin D and sub optimal melatonin, all of which are related to egg health! But my reproductive hormones were actually good. 
There was a new focus and something to feel proactive about.
As she deciphered my results and formulated my plan, Beverley gave me a bit of a pep talk and reminded me that I was still a very healthy young woman, not the woman I had come to believe I was after five years of struggle.
Within weeks of making the changes I was pregnant with Leo, now three.
This time it was different. I had a solid line on a test and when sickness kicked in I just knew it was going to be ok.
I told myself it must have been luck. It was finally just ‘my time’, which everyone had assured me would come.
When Leo was one we decided we would have one more year of trying as I was getting older, then we would draw a line - totally content that he was just meant to be for us.
After around eight months with no luck I asked Beverley for a reasessment and to resubscribe some of the things I’d previously needed, as a last ditch attempt.
I was stunned to conceive three cycles in a row. Unfortunately with very early losses on the first two cycles. But on the third cycle, I conceived my second son, Finlay, now one. 
I now have no doubt that it was the changes I made as a result of the DUTCH test that finally made me a mum.
I frequently shudder to think what my life would be like now if I hadn’t taken that step.
The hormone tests I was offered on the NHS didn’t even scratch the surface in highlighting the areas that I personally needed help with.
I don’t need to be specific here about what I believed helped me, because that won’t help the next woman and I know very well how infertility can make you want to try everything - helpful or not.
The reality is our individual hormone health is so complex and specific to us. Which is why I wrote to the Consultant Gynaecologist at the health board where I underwent my failed IVF to tell her my story.
I asked if, given my experience, there was scope for more advanced hormone profiling, which may just help spare more women the misery of years of infertility and potentially needless IVF.
I was assured my story would be passed on to the clinical lead. I really hope it was.
To anyone struggling with infertility just now, I know how all consuming and painful it can be. 
I know I was extremely lucky to have the outcome I did and sadly, for many women, this won’t be the case. But what I really wanted to share is that there is power and reassurance in better understating our bodies while we’re going down this difficult road.
I’ll forever be grateful to Beverley and the team for helping me understand mine.

Sally, Glasgow.

 Hair loss can be a distressing experience for both men and women, often affecting self-
esteem and overall quality of life. While genetics play a significant role, there are various
factors that contribute to hair thinning and loss from gut health, hormones like
dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 5-alpha reductase, nutrient deficiencies, thyroid function,
stress, and even shampoos.

DHT and 5-Alpha Reductase
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgen that is derived from testosterone through the
action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Elevated levels of DHT have been implicated in hair loss, particularly in androgenetic alopecia, which affects both genders.
DHT binds to androgen receptors in the hair follicles on the scalp, causing them to shrink
over time, a process called miniaturization. The high androgen levels shorten the hair anagen (growth) phase and lengthen the telogen (resting/shedding) phase.
This disruption results in hair strands becoming finer, shorter, and weaker, eventually
leading to noticeable thinning, particularly around the crown and the parting line. The hairline above the temples may also recede.
In Men DHT can shrink hair follicles, leading to a shorter hair growth cycle and thinner hair. This is often seen in male pattern baldness.
While women typically have lower levels of testosterone, hormonal fluctuations such as
those occurring in PCOS and even menopause can lead to increased DHT levels,
contributing to thinning hair. Understanding the balance of hormones in the body is crucial for addressing hair loss.

The Gut-Hair Connection
Emerging research highlights the importance of gut health in various aspects of health,
including hair growth. The gut microbiome plays a vital role in nutrient absorption, immune function, and even hormone regulation.
A healthy gut ensures that essential vitamins and minerals are adequately absorbed.
Deficiencies in nutrients such as zinc, iron, and biotin have been implicated in hair loss.
An imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to chronic inflammation, which may also affect
hormone levels and exacerbate hair loss.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Certain nutrients are particularly important for hair growth:
​
Zinc is essential for hair tissue growth and repair. Low zinc can cause hair loss because it
weakens hair follicles, compromises the structural integrity of hair, and disrupts the cell
division needed for hair growth. Zinc is essential for protein synthesis, DNA/RNA production, and cell division in hair follicles, so a deficiency leads to brittle hair that sheds more easily and can result in conditions like telogen effluvium.

Low iron levels can cause hair loss, especially in women. Low iron can cause hair loss
because iron is essential for producing haemoglobin, which carries oxygen to nourish hair
follicles. Insufficient iron leads to less oxygen delivery, which can disrupt the hair growth
cycle by causing more hairs to enter the resting (telogen) phase prematurely, resulting in
increased shedding and thinning. This can also impact the production of keratin, the protein that forms the hair shaft.

Biotin (Vitamin B7) is often touted for hair health, but other B vitamins also play a significant role in maintaining healthy hair follicles. Low B12, can cause hair loss by disrupting processes essential for hair growth, such as cell division and the production of healthy red blood cells needed to carry oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. This can lead to weaker, brittle hair, impaired follicle function, and hair thinning because the cells in the hair follicles don't receive the necessary resources to divide and grow properly

Low folate (B9) is also associated with hair loss. Low folate can cause hair loss primarily by disrupting the rapid cell division needed for hair growth and by potentially causing a type of anaemia that reduces oxygen supply to hair follicles. Without enough folate, hair follicles can't produce new cells efficiently, leading to weakened hair and increased shedding

Thyroid Health
The thyroid gland regulates metabolism and energy production, and its hormones are vital for hair growth. The thyroid causes hair loss by disrupting the normal hair growth cycle, a process that can be affected by both an underactive (hypothyroidism) and an overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid. In hypothyroidism, decreased thyroid hormones can slow cell division in hair follicles, leading to hair that is dry, brittle, and slow to grow, and may result in telogen effluvium where a large number of hairs prematurely enter the resting (telogen) phase, causing widespread shedding. In hyperthyroidism, excessive thyroid hormones can accelerate the hair cycle, leading to fine, thin, and brittle hair, and can also trigger an increase in reactive oxygen species which can damage follicles.

The Stress Factor
Stress is a well-known trigger for hair loss. It can lead to a condition called telogen effluvium, where hair follicles enter a resting phase prematurely. Chronic stress may also affect hormonal balance, further exacerbating hair loss.
Stress can indirectly increase Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by raising testosterone levels,
which can worsen conditions like male and female pattern baldness. Stress also directly
impacts hair follicles by increasing the stress hormone cortisol, which can damage them and slow hair growth. While stress-related hair loss is typically temporary and will improve with stress management, prolonged stress can accelerate hair loss in those with a genetic predisposition. Practicing stress management techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, and regular exercise can be beneficial for both mental health and hair growth.

Toxin Exposure: The Case of Shampoos
Many commercial shampoos contain harsh chemicals and toxins that can disrupt the scalps natural ecosystem. Ingredients such as sulphates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances can lead to scalp irritation and inflammation, which may contribute to hair loss over time.
Opting for natural or organic hair care products can help minimize exposure to these
chemicals and support scalp health.
Hair loss is a multifaceted issue that can be influenced by a variety of factors, including
hormonal imbalances, gut health, nutrient deficiencies, thyroid function, stress, and
environmental toxins. Understanding these connections can empower individuals to take
proactive steps in maintaining their hair health.

If you would like to explore a comprehensive approach to hair loss, we can run relevant testing to identify any underlying risk factors that may be contributing to your individual case. Book here for a free discovery call understand more.