Functional Fixes for Rosacea and Thinning Hair
Explore how functional medicine and custom-compounded treatments can make all the difference for rosacea and hair loss
Functional Fixes for Rosacea and Thinning Hair
Explore how functional medicine and custom-compounded treatments can make all the difference for rosacea and hair loss
Many women in midlife struggle with rosacea, thinning hair, and other skin changes triggered by shifting hormones. In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson sits down with nurse practitioner Kate Willis to explore how functional medicine and custom-compounded treatments can restore balance and confidence. Together, they uncover how inflammation, stress, and hormone fluctuations can disrupt both the skin barrier and hair growth cycles — and why off-the-shelf products often don’t go far enough.
“We can use compounding to personalize skincare and hair loss treatments for each woman’s needs.“
The conversation dives deep into the science of personalized skincare for rosacea. Kate explains how combining ingredients like ivermectin, metronidazole, azelaic acid, and niacinamide in customized formulations can reduce redness, calm inflammation, and strengthen the skin barrier. These compounded options allow practitioners to tailor texture, potency, and tolerance — creating truly individualized care for each woman’s unique skin.
Watch The Conversation!
Key Takeaways:
- Rosacea often worsens in midlife due to inflammation, hormone shifts, and gut health imbalances.
- Protecting the skin barrier with ceramides and gentle glycerin-based cleansers prevents irritation and promotes healing.
- Consistency is key; visible hair growth can take at least six months of regular treatment.
Many women in midlife struggle with rosacea, thinning hair, and other skin changes triggered by shifting hormones. In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson sits down with nurse practitioner Kate Willis to explore how functional medicine and custom-compounded treatments can restore balance and confidence. Together, they uncover how inflammation, stress, and hormone fluctuations can disrupt both the skin barrier and hair growth cycles — and why off-the-shelf products often don’t go far enough.
“We can use compounding to personalize skincare and hair loss treatments for each woman’s needs.”
The conversation dives deep into the science of personalized skincare for rosacea. Kate explains how combining ingredients like ivermectin, metronidazole, azelaic acid, and niacinamide in customized formulations can reduce redness, calm inflammation, and strengthen the skin barrier. These compounded options allow practitioners to tailor texture, potency, and tolerance — creating truly individualized care for each woman’s unique skin.
For women facing hair loss during menopause, Dr. Watson and Kate discuss compounded blends of minoxidil, finasteride, spironolactone, and tretinoin that promote regrowth and block hormonal hair loss without unwanted side effects. They also highlight the role of gut health, nutrition, and anti-inflammatory diets in supporting healthy skin and hair from within.
Quotes:
- “Rosacea is frustrating, and we see it emerge or worsen during midlife — it’s a chronic inflammatory condition that demands a personalized approach.” – Kate Willis
- “I love that we can now use compounding to personalize skincare and hair loss treatments for each woman’s needs.” – Dr. Polly Watson
- “The skin barrier is everything — it keeps moisture in and irritation out. Protecting it is the foundation of healthy skin at any age.” – Kate Willis
Resources:
Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources
Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast#Disclaimer
Meet the host!
Dr. Polly Watson is a board certified OBGYN who has additional training in menopausal medicine, sexual medicine and functional medicine.
She looks forward to sharing her knowledge with you to help find a solution to address the imbalance in your system and restore your health.
In 2019 I left my job as an employed physician with a large organization and started Hormone Wellness MD. I started with no staff working out of a single room. Since then, my staff has grown to a team of 5 and we’ve helped over 1,100 people on their health journey.
Meet the Guest Speaker!
Kate Willis, NP-C, IFMCP is a virtual nurse practitioner for Hormone Wellness MD. She’s been working in women’s health for 15 years in the field of gynecologic oncology and sexual wellness.
In 2021, Kate received her certification through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), and is thankful for such solid and evidence-based training. She uses it daily in her care for patients as she works to address the root cause of disease and dysfunction in the body. As of 2024, she is also a Menopause Society Certified nurse practitioner who is ready to help with your perimenopause and menopause questions. Click here to become a patient!
I love working with women because I think women change the world.
Meet the host!
Dr. Polly Watson is a board certified OBGYN who has additional training in menopausal medicine, sexual medicine and functional medicine.
She looks forward to sharing her knowledge with you to help find a solution to address the imbalance in your system and restore your health.
In 2019 I left my job as an employed physician with a large organization and started Hormone Wellness MD. I started with no staff working out of a single room. Since then, my staff has grown to a team of 5 and we’ve helped over 1,100 people on their health journey.
Meet the Guest!
Kate Willis, NP-C, IFMCP is a virtual nurse practitioner for Hormone Wellness MD. She’s been working in women’s health for 15 years in the field of gynecologic oncology and sexual wellness.
In 2021, Kate received her certification through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), and is thankful for such solid and evidence-based training. She uses it daily in her care for patients as she works to address the root cause of disease and dysfunction in the body. As of 2024, she is also a Menopause Society Certified nurse practitioner who is ready to help with your perimenopause and menopause questions. Click here to become a patient!
I love working with women because I think women change the world.
