August 8 – Reasons Why You’re Losing Your Hair
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Hair loss and hair thinning is not just a problem for men. It does occur in women, and is most devastating as culturally we are not used to see bold women.
What could be that reason causing this problem?
Reasons could range from temporary to the more complex. If you, for example, is deficient in some vitamins, you could start supplementing and add foods with that vitamin(s). Still, it is a more complex picture happening on the inside, as the body is not a simple add-subtract machine. It works in synergy with a million factors happening every moment on the outside and inside of our bodies.
With the help of Amanda Gardner, let’s point out common and not-so-common reasons for hair thinning and hair loss.
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Have you experience hair thinning or hair loss yourself of had someone you know who’s gone through this devastation?
Good morning 🙂 I had a friend who’s mother had thinning hair and she never seemed to know how to treat it
Good morning all. As we get older are hair thins out. I started at around 40 I think. I don’t have any grey yet though at 45. 🙂
Hiya all. My daughter has thinning hair, and it really bothers her a lot. Hers is due to her neurological disorder.
Hello…..my hair has always been thin but after giving birth it seems to have thinned a bit more. Doesn’t really bother me that much since I wear it up most of the time.
I’m disabled n have to get ALOT of different surgical procedures done n my Dr said it’s from ALL the anesthesia I’ve had in the past 33 yrs
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Physical stress
Any kind of physical trauma—surgery, a car accident, or a severe illness, even the flu—can cause temporary hair loss. This can trigger a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium.
Hair has a programmed life cycle: a growth phase, rest phase and shedding phase. “When you have a really stressful event, it can shock the hair cycle, (pushing) more hair into the shedding phase,” explains Marc Glashofer, MD, a dermatologist in New York City.
Hair loss often becomes noticeable three-to-six months after the trauma.
What to do: The good news is that hair will start growing back as your body recovers.
Emotional stress
Emotional stress is less likely to cause hair loss than physical stress, but it can happen, for instance, in the case of divorce, after the death of a loved one, or while caring for an aging parent. More often, though, emotional stress won’t actually precipitate the hair loss. It will exacerbate a problem that’s already there, says Dr. Glashofer.
What to do: As with hair loss due to physical stress, this shedding will eventually abate. While it’s not known if reducing stress can help your hair, it can’t hurt either. Take steps to combat stress and anxiety, like getting more exercise, trying talk therapy, or getting more support if you need it.
Stress and anxiety are tough to avoid. For me, I like to listen to music or read a book.. sometimes meditate. I also try to find out what is stressing me out and work to resolve it or avoid it or just learn to let it go.
I didn’t really think about this but I have know about it. I had a childhood friend that was bald but she had a disease that caused her to loose her hair.
My bestie went through a long period of prolonged stress, that caused her to lose her hair in patches. We constantly worked with her hair to hide the spots, and it did eventually grow back, but the ironic and worst part is that losing the hair is so stressful that it just seems to perpetuate the problem.
My hair has always “shed” alot and I’ve always been prone to stress/anxiety so that makes sense. I wear it up a lot also so it seems like I loose a lot in the shower but that’s just because it cannot naturally shed.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one example of the type of physical stress that can cause hair loss (that and hormones). Pregnancy-related hair loss is seen more commonly after your baby has been delivered rather than actually during pregnancy. “Giving birth is pretty traumatic,” says Dr. Glashofer.
What to do: If you do experience hair loss, rest assured that your hair will grow back in a couple of months. “It’s a normal thing and it will work its way out,” Dr. Glashofer says.
Female hormones
Just as pregnancy hormone changes can cause hair loss, so can switching or going off birth-control pills. This can also cause telogen effluvium, and it may be more likely if you have a family history of hair loss. The change in the hormonal balance that occurs at menopause may also have the same result. “The androgen (male hormone) receptors on the scalp becoming activated,” explains Mark Hammonds, MD, a dermatologist with Scott & White Clinic in Round Rock, Texas. “The hair follicles will miniaturize and then you start to lose more hair.”
What to do: If a new Rx is a problem, switch back or talk to your doctor about other birth control types. Stopping oral contraceptives can also sometimes cause hair loss, but this is temporary, says Dr. Hammonds. Don’t make your problem worse with hair-damaging beauty regimens.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is another imbalance in male and female sex hormones. An excess of androgens can lead to ovarian cysts, weight gain, a higher risk of diabetes, changes in your menstrual period, infertility, as well as hair thinning. Because male hormones are overrepresented in PCOS, women may also experience more hair on the face and body.
What to do: Treating PCOS can correct the hormone imbalance and help reverse some of these changes. Treatments include diet, exercise, and potentially birth control pills, as well as specific treatment to address infertility or diabetes risk.
Phew, well thankfully this doesn’t affect me. I went in for a test and learned I have excessive estrogen in my system which causes me to have awesome skin and really thick and luscious hair.. LOL … However, I DO know of many women who have experienced hair loss or thinning during and after pregnancies!
This really makes sense. I didn’t have hair loss after my kids were born. Interesting though.
I never lost hair after giving birth, but as soon as I got pregnant, my hair would start shedding in large amounts. Luckily, it never really showed much, since I have extremely thick hair, but it was worrisome.
I noticed an increase of hair loss after I gave birth.
Too much vitamin A
Overdoing vitamin A-containing supplements or medications can trigger hair loss, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The Daily Value for vitamin A is 5,000 International Units (IU) per day for adults and kids over age 4; supplements can contain 2,500 to 10,000 IU.
What to do: This is a reversible cause of hair loss and once the excess vitamin A is halted, hair should grow normally.
Vitamin B deficiency
Although relatively uncommon in the U.S., low levels of vitamin B are another correctible cause of hair loss.
What to do: Like anemia, simple supplementation should help the problem. So can dietary changes. Find natural vitamin B in fish, meat, starchy vegetables, and non-citrus fruits. As always, eating a balanced diet plentiful in fruits and vegetables as well as lean protein and “good” fats such as avocado and nuts will be good for your hair and your overall health.
Lack of protein
If you don’t get enough protein in your diet, your body may ration protein by shutting down hair growth, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. This can happen about two to three months after a drop in protein intake, they say.
What to do: There are many great sources of protein, including fish, meat, and eggs.
I think natural is definitely the way to go.. a good balanced diet will help you maintain not only your hair but a healthy body, skin, mood, etc.
Now this I didn’t know this is really interesting.
It’s fairly common for elderly people to be low in B vitamins.
It’s amazing the things our bodies do to revolt when we aren’t eating a healthful diet.
I never knew if you took too much Vit A it can cause hair loss. Interesting.
Male pattern baldness
About two out of three men experience hair loss by age 60, and most of the time it’s due to male pattern baldness. This type of hair loss, caused by a combo of genes and male sex hormones, usually follows a classic pattern in which the hair recedes at the temples, leaving an M-shaped hairline.
What to do: There are topical creams like minoxidil (Rogaine) and oral medications such as finasteride (Propecia) that can halt hair loss or even cause some to grow; surgery to transplant or graft hair is also an option.
Heredity
Female-pattern hair loss, called androgenic or androgenetic alopecia, is basically the female version of male pattern baldness. “If you come from a family where women started to have hair loss at a certain age, then you might be more prone to it,” says Dr. Glashofer. Unlike men, women don’t tend to have a receding hairline, instead their part may widen and they may have noticeable thinning of hair.
What to do: Like men, women may benefit from minoxidil (Rogaine) to help grow hair, or at least, maintain the hair you have, Dr. Glashofer says. Rogaine is available over-the-counter and is approved for women with this type of hair loss.
My father has a receding hairline but no thinning or balding at age 84… My mother still has her beautiful hair at age 70+ … My husband worries he will lose his hair because his mother had thinning hair and his father has male pattern baldness.
This runs on my moms side of the family. My grandfather had this.
I guess I’m lucky, the women in my family have lived long lives and all had thick luxurious hair through their lives.
Like my grandmother and mother, I am sure my hair will keep thinning. I can deal with that.
Anemia
Almost one in 10 women aged 20 through 49 suffers from anemia due to an iron deficiency (the most common type of anemia), which is an easily fixable cause of hair loss. You doctor will have to do a blood test to determine for sure if you have this type of anemia.
What to do: A simple iron supplement should correct the problem. In addition to hair loss, other symptoms of anemia include fatigue, headache, dizziness, pale skin, and cold hands and feet.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the medical term for having an underactive thyroid gland. This little gland located in your neck produces hormones that are critical to metabolism as well as growth and development and, when it’s not pumping out enough hormones, can contribute to hair loss. Your doctor can do tests to determine the real cause
What to do: Synthetic thyroid medication will take care of the problem. Once your thyroid levels return to normal, so should your hair.
Autoimmune-related hair loss
This is also called alopecia areata and basically is a result of an overactive immune system. “The body gets confused,” says Dr. Glashofer. “The immune system sees the hair as foreign and targets it by mistake.”
What to do: Steroid injections are the first line of treatment for alopecia areata, which appears as hair loss in round patches on the head. Other drugs, including Rogaine, may also be used. The course of the condition can be unpredictable, with hair growing back then falling out again.
Lupus
Other autoimmune diseases such as lupus can also cause hair loss. Again it’s a case of mistaken identity: overzealous immune cells attack the hair. Unfortunately, hair loss of this type is “scarring,” meaning the hair will not grow back, says Dr. Hammonds.
What to do: If the hair loss is mild, you might want to try a new hairstyle to camouflage the damage. Short hair, for instance, is stronger than long hair and may hide bald patches better.
I think if I ever end up experiencing any of this and my hair thins or falls out… I’m going to go funky wig shopping and have fun with crazy colors and styles!
That sounds like a fun way to deal with a problem! I like it!
My grandma had this. This is really interesting.
I am anemic and most likely have a thyroid issue. My mom and grandma deal with these issues also.
Dramatic weight loss
Sudden weight loss is a form of physical trauma that can result in thinning hair. This could happen even if the weight loss is ultimately good for you. It’s possible that the weight loss itself is stressing your body or that not eating right can result in vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Loss of hair along with noticeable weight loss may also be a sign of an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.
What to do: “Sudden weight loss seems to shock the system and you’ll have a six-month period of hair loss and then it corrects itself,” says Dr. Hammonds.
I know someone who is anorexic and trying to get help… Her hair HAS been changing since she started starving herself… 🙁
I have heard of this one before. This is all great information.
I wouldn’t know about this first hand…lol.
I’d think this one would have to be a trade off. If someone loses a large amount of weight, it could be the best thing for their bodies, but pretty traumatic to lose your hair when you’re trying to get healthier. I do think it is better to lose slowly, I guess our bodies think so too.
Antidepressants, blood thinners, and more
Certain other classes of medication may also promote hair loss. More common among them are certain blood thinners and the blood-pressure drugs known as beta-blockers. Other drugs that might cause hair loss include methotrexate (used to treat rheumatic conditions and some skin conditions), lithium (for bipolar disorder), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen, and possibly antidepressants.
What to do: If your doctor determines that one or more of your medications is causing hair loss, talk with him or her about either lowering the dose or switching to another medicine.
Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania, classified as an “impulse control disorder,” causes people to compulsively pull their hair out. “It’s sort of like a tic, the person is constantly playing and pulling their hair,” says Dr. Glashofer says. Unfortunately, this constant playing and pulling can actually strip your head of its natural protection: hair. Trichotillomania often begins before the age of 17 and is four times as common in women as in men.
What to do: Some antidepressants may be effective, but behavioral modification therapy is another option.
Anabolic steroids
If you take anabolic steroids—the type abused by some athletes to bulk up muscle—you could lose your hair, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Anabolic steroids can have the same impact on the body as polycystic ovary disease (PCOS), as the mechanism is the same, says Dr. Hammonds.
What to do: This should improve after going off the drug.
My old childhood friend suffered from Trichotillomania.. she would pull her hair out from her head but she also pulled out her eyelashes and eyebrows completely..
My son had Trichotillomania for a little while do to his anxiety. He has OCD which that and anxiety go hand and hand.
I try my hardest to not take unnecessary things if I don’t have to.
Learned some new info here!
Overstyling
Vigorous styling and hair treatments over the years can cause your hair to fall out. Examples of extreme styling include tight braids, hair weaves or corn rows as well as chemical relaxers to straighten your hair, hot-oil treatments or any kind of harsh chemical or high heat. Because these practices can actually affect the hair root, your hair might not grow back.
What to do: In addition to avoiding these styles and treatments, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using conditioner after every shampoo, letting your hair air dry, limiting the amount of time the curling iron comes in contact with your hair and using heat-driven products no more than once a week.
So many young girls are into using hair straighteners and curling irons now.. I worry about my own step-daughter because after every shower she has, it’s either one or the other… she rarely ever lets her hair be natural.
I know about this one. I never really go into curling my hair a lot except when I was a teem.
There are people who totally abuse their hair. There are so many great heat protecting products out there to use. Also stick with a ceramic ion infused iron.
I color my hair, and have had a lot of people mention that they’re amazed it’s never looked dried out or damaged. I swear by a hot oil treatment at least every other week.
Aging
It’s not uncommon to see hair loss or thinning of the hair in women as they enter their 50s and 60s, says Dr. Glashofer. Experts aren’t sure why this happens.
What to do: Experts don’t recommend that this condition be treated, says Dr. Hammonds. That leaves women with cosmetic approaches such as scarves, wigs and hair styled so as to cover up thin spots. That said, there are also plenty of tricks to prevent hair breakage and ways to keep your hair looking shiny and healthy in your 50s and above.
Ohhhh I hope this won’t be me! I’d like to keep mine! 🙂
I have this one. It may make sense if you think about docs telling my I had a 60 yr old body at the age of mid 30’s or early 30’s. Thanks for sharing the information it can be helpful.
Things to look forward to…lol
Time to buy some fun and funky hats!