Hair loss can feel deeply personal—especially when it begins gradually and you’re not sure why it’s happening. As a hair loss doctor in Encinitas, my goal is to help patients understand what’s driving their hair changes and create a path toward healthier, fuller hair. Hair thinning is often influenced by several overlapping factors: hormones, nutrient status, stress, genetics, scalp health, and sometimes overall wellness. When we take the time to evaluate the whole person, we can develop a treatment plan rooted in science, compassion, and naturopathic regenerative care.

Whether your hair loss began suddenly or progressed over time, there are several early signs worth noticing and many causes worth exploring before symptoms progress. With a thoughtful and thorough approach, many patients experiencing hair changes find that hair restoration is possible and sustainable.

Understanding Hair Loss: Causes, Patterns, and When to Seek Help

Hair loss is not just about the hair—it’s a reflection of what may be happening internally. When patients first come into my Encinitas clinic, they often feel discouraged or overwhelmed by the amount of information available online. This is where a careful clinical evaluation makes all the difference. Understanding the “why” behind the thinning helps guide the most effective treatment options, including regenerative therapies, lifestyle support, and whole-person care.

Common Types of Hair Loss Seen in Adults

Androgenic Alopecia (Male-Pattern & Female-Pattern Thinning)

This is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. In men, it often presents as a receding hairline or crown thinning. In women, it typically shows up as diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp and a widening part. Hormonal sensitivity at the follicle level plays a central role.

Telogen Effluvium (Post-Stress or Post-Illness Shedding)

High stress, major illness, surgery, or rapid weight changes can push large numbers of follicles into a resting phase. Two to three months later, noticeable shedding begins. This type is often temporary but still alarming without guidance.

Postpartum Hair Shedding

Following childbirth, many women experience a delayed wave of hair shedding due to a shift out of the pregnancy-related hair growth phase. Though common, the severity varies widely, and some women benefit from targeted support to restore balance.

Autoimmune Causes, Including Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss. Some individuals also see brow or lash thinning. It can fluctuate, making ongoing monitoring important.

Thyroid-Related Hair Changes (Hypothyroid/Hyperthyroid)

Thyroid health has a direct influence on hair growth rate, hair strength, and the fullness of the scalp. Both underactive and overactive thyroid patterns may contribute to diffuse thinning or coarse, brittle strands.

Hormonal Shifts: Perimenopause, Menopause, Testosterone Imbalance

Transitions in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can disrupt the normal growth cycle. Women often notice thinning around perimenopause or menopause, while men may experience accelerated loss with shifts in androgen balance.

Nutrient-Related Hair Loss (Iron, Vitamin D, Protein Deficiencies)

Hair requires steady nutritional support. Low ferritin, inadequate vitamin D, and insufficient protein intake can disrupt follicular function, causing diffuse thinning and lackluster regrowth.

Medication-Related Shedding

Certain antidepressants, blood pressure medications, acne treatments, and other pharmaceuticals may trigger shedding as a side effect. Identifying this connection often leads to safer, more sustainable solutions.

Early Signs That Deserve Attention

Recognizing changes early can make a meaningful difference in your treatment plan. If you are noticing any of the following trends, connecting with a hair loss doctor in Encinitas can help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface:

• Widening part
• Excessive hair in the shower or brush
• Thinning at the crown
• Receding hairline
• Slower hair growth than usual
• Hair that feels finer, weaker, or more brittle than before

These signs often indicate changes in scalp circulation, follicle activity, hormone balance, or nutrient availability.

Dr. Wafaa Matti’s Integrative Approach to Hair Loss Evaluation

Seeking care from a holistic hair loss doctor involves more than a quick glance at the scalp. Dr. Wafaa Matti provides a naturopathic, whole-person approach rooted in careful assessment, evidence-based testing, and personalized recommendations. As an Encinitas NMD, her goal is to understand why hair loss is happening, not just how to treat the symptoms.

A Whole-Person Assessment

During your consultation, Dr. Matti evaluates the many factors that influence hair growth, including:

• Full personal and family medical history
• Hormonal indicators such as thyroid function, cortisol patterns, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA
• Nutritional status along with digestive health, since absorption affects hair quality
• Scalp health, including circulation, inflammation, and follicle activity
• Lifestyle influences such as sleep quality, stress levels, and daily habits
• Medications and environmental exposures that may interfere with hair growth

By understanding these elements together, she identifies patterns that conventional evaluations may overlook.

Evidence-Based Testing When Appropriate

To create a clear and clinically informed picture, Dr. Matti may recommend targeted testing, including:

• Comprehensive blood work (thyroid panel, ferritin, metabolic markers, inflammation indicators)
• Hormone panels for men and women
• Vitamin and mineral level assessment
• Investigation into root-cause contributors like chronic stress, extended illness, or gut dysfunction

These tests help determine which therapeutic approach—nutritional, hormonal, regenerative, or lifestyle-focused—will be most effective for you.

Hair Restoration Options at the Encinitas Clinic

Every patient’s hair loss journey is unique, which means the most effective treatment plans are the ones that honor that individuality. At my Encinitas clinic, I combine regenerative therapies with naturopathic medicine to support the body’s natural ability to repair, strengthen, and restore hair follicles. This approach allows us to target multiple contributing factors at once—circulation, inflammation, hormones, nutrient status, and scalp health—giving your hair the best opportunity to thrive.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy for Hair Growth

PRP hair restoration begins with something simple and powerful—your own blood. A small sample is drawn and placed into a centrifuge, which separates and concentrates the platelet-rich layer. These platelets hold natural growth factors your body uses to regenerate tissue, improve healing, and stimulate cellular repair. When delivered into the scalp, they help support healthier and more active hair follicles.

Mechanism of Action: Stimulating Dormant Follicles, Improving Circulation, Strengthening the Hair Shaft

PRP targets several aspects of hair health at once:

• Encourages dormant follicles to re-enter active growth phases
• Enhances microcirculation and oxygen delivery
• Helps strengthen the hair shaft
• Supports a healthier scalp environment

Together, these mechanisms help restore density, increase thickness, and promote healthier regrowth.

What to Expect During the Procedure

The treatment is performed in the clinic and typically takes about 45–60 minutes. After numbing the scalp, the prepared PRP is gently injected into targeted areas of thinning. Most patients describe the experience as manageable, with mild pressure or sensitivity but no significant downtime.

Typical Timeline for Results

Hair growth is gradual. Many patients begin seeing early changes—such as less shedding or stronger strands—within six to twelve weeks. Fuller density and visible regrowth generally appear after several months, with continued improvement over time.

Ideal Candidates

PRP hair restoration is well-suited for:

• Men and women noticing early or moderate thinning
• Patients with androgenic alopecia
• Individuals with postpartum or stress-related shedding
• Those seeking natural hair loss treatment in Encinitas without medications

Safety, Recovery, and Treatment Frequency

PRP is safe for most adults because it uses your own blood components. Recovery is minimal; you can return to normal activities the same day. Most patients complete a series of treatments spaced one month apart, followed by maintenance sessions depending on individual needs.

Supportive Naturopathic Therapies for Hair Health

Hair restoration is never just about what we do on the outside—it’s deeply connected to what happens internally. When needed, I integrate supportive naturopathic therapies that address root causes and strengthen the foundation for healthy regrowth.

Addressing Hormonal Imbalances That Contribute to Hair Loss

Hormonal shifts—whether related to thyroid function, stress hormones, perimenopause, menopause, or testosterone—play a major role in hair patterns. Evaluating and supporting hormonal balance creates a stable environment for long-term improvement.

Improving Nutrient Status Naturally

Iron, zinc, B-vitamins, vitamin D, protein, and essential fatty acids all influence hair strength and growth rate. If deficiencies are found, we work together to restore optimal levels through diet and targeted support.

Supporting Scalp Microcirculation

Improving blood flow to the scalp enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, helping follicles remain active and resilient.

Lifestyle and Stress-Modifying Recommendations

Chronic stress shifts the body into protective modes that can suppress hair growth. Mind-body strategies, sleep-quality support, and personalized lifestyle modifications can nurture hormonal balance and overall vitality.

Collaborative Care When Needed

If specialized care or co-management could benefit your results, I collaborate with dermatologists or other medical professionals to ensure you receive well-rounded, patient-centered support.

Restoring Confidence, One Strand at a Time

Hair loss can feel discouraging, but meaningful improvement is often possible when the correct underlying causes are identified early. With an integrative approach that blends regenerative therapies like PRP, whole-person naturopathic evaluation, and individualized care, many patients experience fuller, stronger hair and renewed confidence. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, science-supported, and compassionate approach to hair restoration in Encinitas, I would be honored to guide your healing journey.

Schedule Your Hair Loss Consultation in Encinitas

If you’re noticing thinning, increased shedding, or changes in your hair’s strength, you deserve clear answers and a personalized plan designed with your whole health in mind. I welcome you to begin your hair restoration journey with supportive, evidence-based care.

Contact Dr. Wafaa Matti’s Encinitas office to get started.

📍 Address:
Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine
324 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024

📞 Phone: 760-274-2377
🌐 Website: drwafaamatti.com
📧 Email: clinic@drwafamattind.com

Follow Dr. Wafaa Matti for education, updates, and wellness insights:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X | YouTube

‍