What Hair Loss Says About Your Health: Understanding the Causes

Hair loss can often feel like a simple cosmetic issue, but it can signal deeper health concerns. Understanding the various causes of hair loss is crucial, as many are treatable. Let's explore the top causes of hair loss, examining how they relate to overall health and the potential treatments available.

Alopecia Areata: An Autoimmune Condition

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. This disorder is not rare; about 1 in 50 people will experience it during their lifetime. It can manifest at any age and typically presents as smooth patches of hair loss. A notable case is Jada Smith, who has openly discussed her experience with this condition. Treatment often includes corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response. Many patients see significant improvement; for example, one 33-year-old man regained a full head of hair after six months of high-dose prednisone treatment.

Discoid Lupus: A Serious Skin Condition

Discoid lupus is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the skin, causing inflammation and scarring that can lead to permanent hair loss. Unlike alopecia areata, which may leave the scalp looking normal, discoid lupus leads to visible damage to hair follicles. A famous individual affected by this condition is musician Seal, who has noticeable scars on his cheeks resulting from the disease. It's essential to distinguish discoid lupus from systemic lupus, which affects internal organs and can have more severe health implications.

Telogen Effluvium: The Aftermath of Stress

Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss that occurs after a significant shock to the system, such as illness, surgery, or extreme stress. For instance, a woman may notice thinning hair two months after recovering from a COVID-19 infection. This delay is due to the hair growth cycle, where hair follicles enter a resting phase before eventually shedding. Diagnosis can be made through a simple hair pull test, which checks how many hairs come out when gently tugged. Additionally, nails can show signs of stress through horizontal ridges known as Beau's lines.

Allergic Reactions: Hair Loss from Chemical Exposure

Sometimes, the cause of hair loss can be traced back to an allergic reaction. A 41-year-old woman experienced severe hair loss after dying her hair, which led to an allergic reaction to a chemical commonly found in hair dyes called PPD. After treatment with steroids, she fully recovered her hair.

Syphilis: The Great Pretender

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection, can also cause hair loss. A 38-year-old man experienced hair loss in a moth-eaten pattern alongside a mysterious rash, which led to his diagnosis of syphilis. Fortunately, this condition is curable, and after treatment with penicillin, his hair returned to normal within three months.

Biotin Deficiency: Rare but Impactful

Biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss, although it is relatively rare due to the body's ability to produce biotin through gut bacteria. A woman with low biotin levels showed improvement after supplementation. However, excessive consumption of raw egg whites can lead to deficiency because avidin in egg whites binds to biotin, preventing its absorption. In severe cases, such as a three-year-old boy with a genetic condition, high-dose biotin treatment resulted in complete recovery of hair and other health improvements.

Iron Deficiency Anemia: More Than Just Fatigue

Iron deficiency anemia is another common cause of hair loss. A woman suffering from heavy menstrual cycles became severely anemic, leading to hair thinning and extreme fatigue. After receiving a blood transfusion and intravenous iron, her hemoglobin levels improved significantly, resulting in hair regrowth and increased energy levels.

Trichotillomania: The Psychological Aspect

Trichotillomania is a psychological condition characterized by an irresistible urge to pull out one's hair, often linked to anxiety and depression. A 19-year-old woman diagnosed with this condition was able to overcome it with proper support, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health alongside physical symptoms.

Traction Alopecia: The Effects of Hairstyles

Traction alopecia is caused by hairstyles that pull on the hair too tightly over an extended period. If you notice hair loss in areas where your hair is often pulled back, it may be time to reconsider your styling choices. Loosening hairstyles can allow the hair to recover and prevent further damage.

Hypothyroidism and Zinc Deficiency: A Dual Diagnosis

Hypothyroidism can lead to hair loss, as seen in a 28-year-old woman with generalized hair loss and other symptoms like dry skin and weight gain. Upon diagnosis, she started treatment but did not see improvement until doctors discovered she also had low zinc levels, which exacerbated her hair loss. This case illustrates the interconnectedness of various health issues, as both conditions contributed to her overall symptoms. Foods rich in zinc, like oysters and meats, can help prevent deficiency.

Medications: A Hidden Cause of Hair Loss

Certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs and common prescriptions like Accutane and anti-seizure medications, can lead to hair loss. One woman experienced significant hair loss while taking valproic acid but saw her hair return to normal just three months after discontinuation.

Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Common Condition

Female pattern hair loss affects about 40% of women by age 50. Unlike male pattern hair loss, which often leads to a receding hairline, women typically experience thinning on the top of the head. Conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome can contribute to this type of hair loss, characterized by elevated testosterone levels and irregular periods.

Male Pattern Hair Loss: Genetics and Health Links

Male pattern hair loss, or androgenic alopecia, is influenced by genetics and hormones. Interestingly, research has shown a potential link between early-onset hair loss and heart disease, particularly if it begins before the age of 40. While genetics plays a significant role, lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise also contribute to overall health.

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Natural Remedies for Hair Growth?

Like the rest of your body, your hair needs several different nutrients to remain happy and healthy. All of the natural remedies for hair loss you’re going to read about are high in some form of nutrient or fatty acid that your hair needs! So, what elements are needed for healthy hair growth? To stimulate hair growth, you will need a healthy balance of the following elements:

Essential Oils & Fatty acids

Essential oils and Fatty Acids are absolutely critical to a healthy scalp. Any oil for hair is designed to penetrate the hair follicle and shaft, helping to produce healthy, shiny hair and encourage new hair growth. With the right amount of essential oils, your hair should be:

• Stronger
• Less like to be affected by dandruff
• Condition your roots
• Prevent, or ease, an itchy or flake scalp.

A Good Balance of Vitamins and Minerals

Having the right levels of vitamins and nutrients in your body are essential for maintaining and growing healthy hair! Don’t believe us? Here’s what Almohanna et. al (2018) have to say about it: Micronutrients are major elements in the normal hair follicle cycle, playing a role in cellular turnover, a frequent occurrence in the matrix cells in the follicle bulb that are rapidly dividing. Management of alopecia is an essential aspect of clinical dermatology given the prevalence of hair loss and its significant impact on patients’ quality of life. The role of nutrition and diet in treating hair loss represents a dynamic and growing area of inquiry. So, what nutrients do you need for a healthy head of hair? Well, here are some of the most important vitamins and nutrients:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Iron
• Selenium
• Zinc

If you think you may be going a little light on one of these nutrients, then either have a look at one of these natural remedies for hair loss, or invest in a high quality multi-vitamin. These seem like the best options.

Healthy Blood Circulation

The final element needed for healthy hair growth is a constant blood flow in your dermic layer (skin on your scalp). Healthy blood circulation is vital in maintaining your:

• hair follicles
• hair shaft
• scalp health (preventing scalp infections)

Without adequate blood circulation to your scalp, it doesn’t matter how much essential oil, nutrients, or vitamins you take. You’re simply not going to get them to your hair follicles. Think of blood flow as a motorway, or road system, to multiple destinations. If journeys are hindered, then less hair growth is going to be able to take place.

Coconut Oil

Think you’re suffering with Vitamin E related hair loss? Then, coconut oil would be a great remedy! If you’re suffering with symptoms such as an itchy scalp, split ends, or thinning hair, then using a tablespoon of this (massaged into your hair) as a nighttime topical treatment may do wonders for your hair loss! This natural remedy if full of vitamin E, fatty acids, and anti-oxidants. So, in order to promote hair growth coconut oil treatment will work as a natural hair mask. It should help to rehydrate your scalp and strengthen your hair follicles.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is quickly becoming a popular natural treatment for hair loss. If you’re considering this, purchase it as a distilled essential oil from any of your local healthcare shops on the high street. Once daily, use rosemary as a topical treatment. Apply 4-5 drops of this onto your scalp and massage into your hair. Let the oil soak into your hair and then rinse out after 10 minutes. You could also mix a few drops of rosemary oil into any mild shampoo. This can help to promote new hair growth. Rosemary oil has been known to sooth itchy and infected scalps, reducing further irritation through rubbing and itching. It may will be that with less irritation in the scalp, this helps to control hair fall and, thus, encourage new hair growth. A small amount of clinical research has also been conducted on rosemary oil, making it one of the more reputable natural remedies for hair loss. One clinical study found rosemary oil to even be effective in managing symptoms of Alopecia Areata (Harries et. al, 2010).

Olive Oil

Did you know that for almost 3,000 years, olive oil has been one of the most popular natural remedies for hair loss? Even today, olive oil is a prominent ingredient that you’ll find on many many mild shampoo and conditioners. As Olive oil is high in fatty acids and has high anti fungal properties, it has been vital in maintaining healthy hair since the Greek and Roman times! If you’re suffering with dry skin, split ends, or an itchy scalp, then olive oil may help to alleviate these symptoms and dramatically reduce your chances of hair loss. Whilst this natural remedy for hair loss certainly won’t help to regrow hair in bald areas (a key sign of pattern baldness), it’ll do a great job at maintaining hair density and the health of your hair follicles. To treat, pour a small amount (10ml or so) into a dish or ramekin. Then, massage this treatment into your hair, before washing it out after 15-20 minutes.

Pumpkin Seed Oil

If you have some pumpkin innards leftover at Halloween, you can use the seeds as a natural remedy for hair loss. Pumpkin seed oil, generally sold in most healthcare shops, has been reported to block the formation of DHT, the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness! As well as slowing signs of male pattern baldness, pumpkin seed oil also delivers vital nutrients to the scalp and stimulates your hair follicles. This helps to reduce hair thinning and hair shedding. There are two ways you can take pumpkin seed oil: through ingestion (generally, cheaper), or topical treatment (often vastly more expensive). If you’re wanting to promote natural hair growth, then this natural remedy for hair loss is definitely a great place to start!

Onion Juice

Believe it or not, onion juice has shown some promising signs of reducing signs of hair loss in some people. For decades, it has also been used as a home treatment for dandruff and anti-greying! As onions are naturally high in sulphur (a compound containing amino acids), this can help in increasing hair density, hair growth, and even regeneration. In one clinical study (Sharique et. al 2002), results showed those who used onion juice as a treatment had increased signs of hair growth when compared to those using water. If you’re wanting a clinically proven treatment, then onion juice may well be the way to go. This might be a bit of a smelly one though! If you’re thinking of trialing onion juice, definitely do it before bed, use an old (or cheap) pillowcase you won’t mind getting ruined, and be sure to have a shower in the morning before you go to work. Simply, rub the onion juice into your scalp and let it do its magic!

Sunflower Oil

Believe it or not, the sunflower oil we sometimes use to cook our chips can help to prevent signs of hair loss. Sunflower oil is packed with oleic acid, a powerful anti-inflammatory that can help to prevent hair breakage, reduce signs of thinning hair, and even curb the progress of male pattern baldness. With a little bit of extra help from some sunflower oil, you may be promoting new hair growth. Sometimes, all your hair follicles need is a healthy scalp that is not dry or infection prone! If you’re considering this to stimulate hair growth, you’ll want a high quality oil from a respectable health care shop on the high street. Generally, the more you pay for a sunflower oil, the more effective it’s likely to be. Then, simply follow the instructions on your bottle/label.

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Conclusion: The Importance of Monitoring Hair Loss

In summary, hair loss can be a window into your overall health. If you're experiencing hair loss, keep track of accompanying symptoms and consult with your doctor for a proper diagnosis. The health of your hair often reflects the health of your body, and early intervention can lead to positive outcomes. For those curious about what their nails say about their health, or if you're interested in learning more about other hair conditions, stay tuned for upcoming content on these topics!

Incorporate Acudetox

Acupuncture detoxification or Acudetox can have a significant effect on easing the symptoms of hair loss by reducing the effect of stress on the body and mind, as well as easing psychological symptoms by restoring a sense of calm. The kidneys play a vital role in hair health therefore improving kidney health is important to restoring healthy hair growth. See also : Vitamin Cheat Sheet