Korea (한국어)
USA (English)
Five Root Causes
Body Recording System — Leemoonwon Korean Medicine Clinic
Hair loss rarely has a single cause. BRS groups what suppresses follicle stem cells into five warning signals, analyzes the medical mechanisms behind each, and builds treatment from there.
1. Hormonal ImbalanceLow estrogen · Excess DHT · Thyroid dysfunction
What it is
When estrogen drops or DHT rises too high, the switch that wakes follicle stem cells (Wnt/β-catenin) turns off. In women, childbirth and menopause are common triggers; in men, genetic DHT sensitivity often plays the lead role. Thyroid hormone imbalance can also directly disrupt the hair growth cycle.
How it works
Excess DHT → overactive GSK-3β → β-catenin breakdown → Wnt pathway blocked → shorter growth phase
Low estrogen → ERα·ERβ inactive → loss of follicle protection
You may relate if...
BRS treatment
Menopause & anti-aging formula groups + Super Hair Shot (direct Wnt activation) + Astragalus (telomerase support)
2. Poor Circulation & NutritionReduced scalp blood flow · Iron, protein, or zinc deficiency
What it is
Hair is one of the fastest-growing tissues in the body — about 0.3–0.4 mm per day. It needs a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients. When scalp blood flow drops or iron and protein run low, follicles shift into energy-saving mode and stop growing.
How it works
Reduced scalp microcirculation → lower oxygen at the follicle → less mitochondrial ATP
→ dermal papilla cells starved for energy → growth phase shortens
Ferritin below 40 ng/mL → less oxygen delivery → follicle hypoxia
You may relate if...
BRS treatment
Weight-management & anti-aging formula groups (Si-Wu-Tang circulation support) + stimulating topical (gingerol vasodilation)
3. Chronic InflammationExcess IL-1β & TNF-α · Gut-skin axis disruption
What it is
Scalp inflammation does not always start on the scalp. When gut bacteria fall out of balance, the intestinal barrier weakens. Bacterial toxins (LPS) enter the bloodstream, fueling body-wide chronic inflammation that settles around follicles and suppresses growth.
How it works
Gut dysbiosis → increased intestinal permeability → LPS in blood
→ excess IL-1β & TNF-α → NF-κB activation
→ DKK1 (Wnt inhibitor) rises → Wnt pathway blocked
You may relate if...
BRS treatment
Scalp inflammation formula group (Scutellaria, Coptis, Pinellia to curb IL-1β & TNF-α) + anti-inflammatory topical (baicalin NF-κB inhibition)
4. Autonomic Nervous System DisruptionOveractive HPA axis · Chronically elevated cortisol
What it is
"Stress makes your hair fall out" is scientifically true. Chronic stress overactivates the HPA axis and keeps cortisol elevated. That pushes growing follicles into early regression and constricts scalp blood vessels.
How it works
Overactive HPA axis → chronically high cortisol → growth-phase follicles end early
Sympathetic overdrive → scalp vasoconstriction
Substance P → mast cell degranulation → neurogenic inflammation
You may relate if...
BRS treatment
Sleep-support formula group (Ziziphus, Polygala, Dragon Bone for HPA balance) + Phytomedical Head Spa (vagus nerve stimulation · cortisol reduction)
5. Weak DigestionGut microbiome imbalance · Poor nutrient absorption
What it is
Traditional Korean medicine taught that strong digestion supports healthy hair. Modern science calls this the gut-skin axis. When digestion weakens, nutrients needed for hair growth are not absorbed well enough to reach the follicle.
How it works
Lower absorption → shortage of keratin-building blocks (amino acids, zinc, biotin)
→ follicles run out of raw materials (links to Cause 3: chronic inflammation)
You may relate if...
BRS treatment
Weight-management & scalp inflammation formula groups (Si-Jun-Zi-Tang for absorption + Coptis for gut balance)
