Hair Loss Can be Reversed
Find Out the Main Causes of Thinning Hair and How to Stop It
Thinning scalp hair may be linked to hormonal imbalance, medication or simply harsh treatment. Fish oils and herbs could help to regain your crowning glory.
Alopecia , or hair loss from the head or other parts of the body, affects both men and women. When the scalp is affected, unlike men who may experience a receding hairline or balding, women are more likely to have a general thinning of hair.
Some hair loss is normal, with the average woman shedding up to 100 hairs each day. Hair growth begins in follicles just under the skin. For approximately 4 years, each strand of hair grows about half an inch a month. Then there is a resting phase for a few months before the hair naturally falls out. The follicle produces a new hair to replace the one that is shed but there may be a delay, depending on the health of the follicle, or due to other causes.
Common Causes of Alopecia in Women
- An important consideration in female hair loss is genetic predisposition.
- Imbalance of hormones in the hair follicles can lead to hair loss and also changes in growth. For example, overactive or underactive thyroid can affect hair. A simple test in the doctor’s office can identify thyroid problems and by correcting the hormone imbalance you may stop the hair loss.
- During pregnancy, some women find that their hair is thick and glossy, with high levels of certain hormones causing the scalp to keep hair that would normally fall out. However, when the hormones return to normal, about 3 months after the birth of the baby, hair falls out and the normal cycle of shedding and growth starts again.
- Hair loss may be connected to stress experienced during illness or surgery. This is usually temporary and in most cases the hair returns to normal as the stress and anxiety decrease.
- Some medication can cause hair loss, with the most obvious being chemotherapy used to treat cancer. Other medicines that may cause hair loss include anticoagulants, antidepressants and birth control pills.
- An underlying illness such as lupus, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or diabetes may be the cause of hair loss.
- Perms, hair straighteners, bleaching, dyeing and heated styling tools can all cause the hair to become brittle and to break off near the scalp. Regularly pulling the hair back into a tight pony tail can also cause the hairs to break.
How to Prevent Hair Loss
- Avoid shampoos with harsh detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium laureth sulfate. These dry the hair and cause it to become fragile. Choose products made from olive oil and decyl polyglucose which is derived from corn.
- A lack of the essential fatty acids (EFAs), needed for healthy cell membranes, can contribute to hair loss. Fish oils are the most common dietary sources of EFAs and can help to keep the hair in good condition.
- If hair loss begins around the onset of menopause, hormonal balance can be maintained with herbs containing plant-based estrogens. These include dong quai, black cohosh, sage and damiana.
Approximately 1 in 7 people in USA are concerned about this distressing and embarrassing condition. Read about surgical and non surgical solutions for alopecia, or look for a hair loss support group. If hair loss is excessive or accompanied by other symptoms, consult your doctor.
Reference: Linda Page (Healthy Healing. Healthy Healing Publications 1997)
