Hair loss has become such a common issue that we all deal with. If we hear that there is a solution, we race to find out if it really works for us, but what really are the main causes of hair loss?
WHAT CAUSES HAIR LOSS?
Nutrient Deficiency – especially iron, zinc, vitamin D and B vitamins
Whenever we think of health, we always think and know that diet is the building block to positive change. However, some of us can think we are being healthy, yet we are missing essential nutrients that may be the reason our hair was so shiny. Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen to your cells. This makes it an important mineral for many bodily functions, including hair growth. Zinc is important for hair tissue growth and repair. It helps keep the oil glands around the follicles working properly. Various vitamins have antioxidants that help with growth.
Hormonal Imbalances
There are multiple hormones that can cause you to lose your beautiful locks. When progesterone levels are too low, it can lead to the condition of hyper-estrogen or estrogen dominance which can trigger excessive hair shedding and ultimately hair loss. At the same time, the hair is thinning, there could be an increase in unwanted facial or body hair.
Dihydrotestosterone or DHT is a potent form of testosterone that normally leads to hair loss. Getting a blood test to check your hormone levels can be the best way to understand why you might be suffering from hair loss.
Thyroid Issues
An overactive thyroid and lack of sufficient parathyroid hormone can also result to thinning of hair. Getting a blood test to check thyroid levels is a great starting point to identify any issues.
Genetic/Inherited Hair Loss
According to Harvard Medical, up to 40% of men and women will experience a more obvious form of hair loss. It typically begins in the 20s and 30s, although in women the changes are most noticeable after menopause. The condition is also called androgenetic alopecia and, in men, male-pattern baldness. Contrary to the folk wisdom that baldness is inherited from one’s mother’s family, the condition seems to depend on genes contributed by both parents.
Mental and Emotional Pressures
When exposed to an excessive stressful condition, adrenal glands in the body become non-active as a result of the increased need for the stress hormone, cortisol. This makes the body secrete more adrenaline leading to increased levels of testosterone and DHT.
Many studies have shown that hair loss is directly linked to prolonged depression and can even lead to permanent damage in hair follicles. Maintaining regular hair care can make it a little more bearable.
As menopause is a very tough condition to all women, it can cause a lot of distress. During menopause, a woman’s estrogen levels fall and are no longer in balance with DHT levels. This low estrogen level and high DHT lead to hair loss.
Skin Conditions like Lupus, Psoriasis or Fungus
Many people forget that our scalp has sensitive skin as well. Many dermatologists deal with skin conditions affecting the scalp. Lupus, psoriasis, fungus, and eczema can cause irritation to the scalp’s skin. Keeping your scalp moisturized is very essential.
Certain Medications
Certain medications can lead to hair loss because they disrupt hormonal levels. A medication that is commonly linked to hair loss in women is birth control pill. American Hair Loss Association (AHLA) advises that women should consider making use of a low-androgen birth control pill to avert the effects of DHT, particularly women who are inclined to hair loss.
Pregnancy and Childbirth
Pregnancy and childbirth alter a woman’s hormonal balance and can result in hair loss. Therefore, it is normal for postpartum mothers to experience thinning of the hair and even bald patches. Such hair loss is temporary and typically heals itself within several months. The hair is expected to start re-growing naturally after about 90 days of giving birth and if the hair doesn’t grow after about a year, there could be another underlying cause.
Excessive Use of Chemicals on the Hair, like Harsh Shampoos and Dyes
Obviously straightening and curling your hair can cause permanent damage to the hair. The same goes for men who use lots of gels and sprays. Harsh chemicals cause this damage. The trend of hair dyes has also become very popular and people don’t understand that that is also damaging to the hair follicles. Consider more natural ways to style your hair!
Hair Loss Prevention
Hair loss prevention can be the best defense against hair loss. Adapting a stress-free lifestyle, getting the proper vitamins, and taking care of the hair are all good ways to start. Keep in mind that the body is a system, improper nutrition, and environmental causes are very common causes of hair loss. Through returning the body back to its natural state, hair loss can be prevented and restored. It is through these measures that you can best combat hair loss that is not genetic.