Hair thinning and shedding are among the most common concerns patients bring up, and they are rarely just cosmetic. Hair grows in cycles, and the health of each follicle reflects what is happening inside the body, from hormones and nutrients to stress and inflammation. Understanding why hair thins is the key to addressing it, because the right approach depends entirely on the cause.

Hair concerns are evaluated by Dr. James Petros, MD, founder of NexGen Health and a physician board certified in Regenerative Medicine, Anti-Aging Medicine, Functional Medicine, Physical Medicine, and Interventional Pain Management. A Tulane University School of Medicine graduate with training at Stanford, Dr. Petros founded the practice in 2021 to deliver bespoke, science-driven care, treating hair as a reflection of whole-body health rather than a surface problem.

Common Patterns of Hair Loss

Hair loss looks different depending on its cause, and recognizing the pattern helps point to the reason behind it.

• Gradual Thinning: slow loss of density across the scalp over months or years.
• Receding or Crown Loss: patterned loss often linked to hormones and genetics.
• Increased Shedding: more hair than usual on the pillow, brush, or in the shower.
• Widening Part: a part line that appears broader as density decreases.
• Brittle, Weak Hair: strands that break easily or grow slowly.
• Patchy Loss: distinct areas of loss that may signal an immune or scalp issue.

What Causes Hair to Thin

Follicles are sensitive to change. Hormonal shifts, including changes in testosterone and thyroid function, are among the most common drivers, along with low iron and vitamin levels, chronic stress, scalp inflammation, illness, and genetics. Because more than one factor is often at work, identifying the specific causes through testing is what makes treatment effective rather than generic.

How NexGen Health Can Help

NexGen Health looks for the reasons behind thinning, then supports regrowth at the follicle. Explore non-surgical hair restoration, learn how peptides compare to traditional hair loss treatments, and consider microneedling and peptide therapy as part of a personalized plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Restoration

Why is my hair thinning?

Hormones, nutrient deficiencies, stress, inflammation, and genetics are the most common causes, and testing helps identify which apply to you.

Is hair loss reversible?

Early intervention offers the best chance to reactivate follicles, while longer-standing loss may still improve in density and quality.

Does hair loss affect women too?

Yes, women commonly experience thinning and shedding, often tied to hormones, thyroid, or nutrient levels.

When should I act on thinning?

The sooner thinning is addressed, the better the response tends to be, so early evaluation is worthwhile.

Can stress cause hair loss?

Significant stress or illness can push hair into a shedding phase, which is often reversible once the trigger is resolved.

What kind of testing helps?

Hormone, thyroid, and nutrient panels can reveal the internal drivers behind thinning.

Why Choose NexGen Health

NexGen Health treats hair loss as a whole-body signal, combining functional insight with regenerative care. Under Dr. Petros, plans are personalized to the cause and stage of thinning. Located in San Jose and serving Los Gatos, Cupertino, Mountain View, and Silicon Valley, the practice offers a discreet, luxury setting for restoring both hair and confidence.

Get to the Root in San Jose

If thinning hair has you concerned, contact NexGen Health in San Jose to schedule a consultation, call the practice, or book online, and find out what is driving it.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Candidacy, therapies, and outcomes are determined during consultation, and individual results vary. Some therapies referenced may be provided on an off-label or investigational basis under physician supervision.