Ep.169 The Truth About Female Hair Thinning: Hormones, Genetics & Hope

Is your shower drain trying to tell you something? Hair loss is one of the most common and emotionally devastating issues women face in midlife, yet it’s often met with silence—or endless product promises that rarely deliver.In this episode of Asking for a Friend, board-certified internist Dr. Mary Wendel—a physician who has dedicated over 20 years exclusively to women’s hair loss—joins Michele Folan to break the stigma and share the science. After witnessing her grandmother’s struggles and facing her own perimenopausal thinning, Dr. Wendel transformed her career to focus solely on helping women reclaim their confidence and their hair.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why 80–85% of female hair loss is caused by genetics and hormonesHow testosterone therapy and hormone pellets can speed up thinningThe role of stress, weight loss, menopause, and GLP-1 medications in sudden sheddingWhich diagnostic tests actually matter (and which don’t)The truth about PRP therapy, red light, and laser treatmentsWhy washing your hair less may be making it worseSimple, science-backed steps you can take now for healthier, thicker hairWhether you’ve noticed extra strands in your shower drain, are worried about thinning at your part, or simply want to understand what’s happening to your hair in midlife, this conversation is packed with evidence-based answers and hope.👉 Listen now to uncover the real causes of women’s hair loss, the treatments that actually work, and how you can take back control. Subscribe, share with a friend, and join us in removing the stigma around female hair loss.https://www.meditresse.com/https://www.instagram.com/medi_tresse/_________________________________________If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies.https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fqLike to connect? Email me at [email protected] Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.