Episode 91: Understanding Hair Loss and Autoimmune Disease with VJ Hamilton

Hair loss is one of the most common symptoms people experience with autoimmune disease—but it's also one of the most misunderstood. While many people assume it's simply part of having an autoimmune condition, hair loss can actually have many different causes, from immune dysfunction and nutrient deficiencies to hormone changes, chronic stress, and scalp inflammation.

In this episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott is joined by registered nutritionist, AIP Certified Coach, and founder of the Autoimmunity Nutrition Clinic, VJ Hamilton, to explore the many factors that influence hair health in people with autoimmune disease. VJ brings both professional expertise and personal experience, having lived with alopecia areata, psoriasis, and post-viral chronic fatigue syndrome herself.

Together, they discuss the different types of hair loss commonly seen in autoimmune patients, how to distinguish between them, and why identifying the underlying cause is essential for supporting healthy regrowth. They also explore nutrient deficiencies, gut health, hormones, stress, topical therapies, and why patience is such an important part of the healing process.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The different types of hair loss associated with autoimmune disease
• How alopecia areata differs from stress-, hormone-, and nutrient-related hair loss
• Why iron deficiency and low ferritin are common contributors to hair shedding
• The role of protein, B vitamins, zinc, selenium, vitamin D, and omega-3s in healthy hair growth
• How gut health and nutrient absorption influence hair health
• Why stress-related hair shedding often occurs months after a stressful event
• The importance of investigating the root cause rather than treating hair loss as a diagnosis
• Which supplements may be helpful—and which are often overhyped
• Topical strategies that may support scalp and follicle health
• Why hair is often one of the last tissues to recover during healing
• How to set realistic expectations for hair regrowth while addressing underlying health concerns

Resources:

VJ Hamilton

• Website: https://autoimmunenutritionclinic.com
• Instagram: @theautoimmunitynutritionist
• Podcast: The Autoimmune Reset

Episode Timeline:

00:00 – Why hair loss is so common in autoimmune disease

01:52 – Introducing VJ Hamilton

03:13 – VJ's journey with alopecia, psoriasis, and chronic fatigue

06:40 – Different types of hair loss in autoimmune disease

13:30 – Nutrient deficiencies and hair health

23:46 – Common root causes and what to investigate first

27:26 – Why stress-related hair shedding is delayed

30:34 – Helpful supplements (and common misconceptions)

35:15 – Topical treatments and scalp care

41:23 – Setting realistic expectations for hair regrowth

47:14 – Wrap-up and where to learn more