HAIR LOSS
YOUR HAIR LOSS SERVES AS A RELIABLE INDICATOR, REVEALING POTENTIAL UNDERLYING
DEFICIENCIES IN VITAMINS, MINERALS, AND
THE OVERALL FUNCTIONING OF YOUR BODY SYSTEM.
The most common cause of hair loss for both men and women is a hereditary condition called Androgenetic Alopecia. This is commonly known as Male-Pattern Baldness and/or Female-Pattern Baldness.
Androgenetic Alopecia is a genetic condition that can be inherited from either parent, and is linked to hormones called Androgens.
The prevalence of Androgenetic Alopecia varies with age, but it becomes more common as people get older.
For men, the early stages usually start in their 30's, but it could begin as early as their late teens or early 20s.
For women, it typically occurs in their 40s or later. The exact percentage of the population affected can vary, but it is estimated that by the age of 50, about half of men and a quarter of women will experience some degree of Androgenetic Alopecia.
It's important to note that there are other causes of hair loss such as medical conditions, hormonal changes, and certain medications. So the percentages mentioned above specifically refer to Androgenetic Alopecia.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS?
Autoimmune Diseases - Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the body's own tissues.
Normally, the immune system functions to identify and combat foreign substances like bacteria and viruses. However, in autoimmune diseases, the immune system cannot distinguish between these foreign invaders and the body's own cells, leading it to target and attack healthy tissues.
This can result in inflammation, damage to organs, and a variety of symptoms depending on the specific autoimmune condition. Examples of autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.
Chemotherapy or Radiation Exposure -
Chemotherapy is a medical treatment that involves the use of drugs to destroy or slow down the growth of cancer cells. It is a systemic treatment, meaning that the drugs circulate throughout the body to target cancer cells wherever they may be.
Radiation exposure refers to the exposure of living organisms to ionizing radiation, such as X-rays or gamma rays. In medical contexts, radiation exposure is often used in the treatment of cancer through radiation therapy. This treatment involves directing focused beams of radiation at specific areas of the body to kill or damage cancer cells. However, excessive or prolonged exposure to radiation can have harmful effects on living tissues and cells.
Iron Deficiency Anemia - Iron deficiency anemia is a medical condition characterized by a lack of sufficient iron in the body, leading to a decreased production of red blood cells and a subsequent reduction in the amount of oxygen that can be carried to tissues and organs.
Iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen and transports it throughout the body. Insufficient iron levels can result in a diminished ability of the blood to carry oxygen, causing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and an increased susceptibility to infections.
Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by inadequate dietary intake of iron, poor absorption of iron from the digestive tract, or increased iron requirements due to factors like pregnancy or blood loss.
Hormonal Changes - Hormonal changes refer to fluctuations or alterations in the levels of hormones in the body. Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system, and they play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including growth, metabolism, mood, and reproductive functions.
Hormonal changes can occur naturally during different stages of life, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, as well as in response to external factors, stress, or medical conditions. These changes can impact the body's balance and influence a wide range of bodily functions and behaviors.
Thyroid Disease - Thyroid disease refers to a medical condition that affects the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating various metabolic processes in the body by producing hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid disease can manifest in different forms, including:
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Hypothyroidism: This occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones. Common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and sluggishness.
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Hyperthyroidism: This condition results from an overactive thyroid gland, leading to an excess production of thyroid hormones. Symptoms may include weight loss, rapid heart rate, anxiety, and heat intolerance.
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Thyroid nodules: These are abnormal growths or lumps that can develop within the thyroid gland. While most nodules are benign, some may be cancerous.
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Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can be caused by autoimmune disorders, infections, or other factors.
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Goiter: Enlargement of the thyroid gland, often due to iodine deficiency or other underlying thyroid disorders.
Thyroid diseases are commonly diagnosed through blood tests measuring thyroid hormone levels, imaging studies, and, in some cases, biopsy of thyroid nodules.
Excessive or lack of vitamins - Excessive or lack of vitamins refers to conditions where the intake of vitamins exceeds recommended levels (excessive) or falls below the required amount (lack).
Vitamins are essential organic compounds that play crucial roles in various physiological functions in the body. Excessive vitamin intake, often termed vitamin toxicity, can lead to adverse effects and health problems.
On the other hand, a deficiency in vitamins can result in various nutritional disorders and health issues. Maintaining a balanced and adequate intake of vitamins is important for overall health and well-being.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON HAIR LOSS?
Causes of hair loss commonly include the following:
Alopecia Areata-This is a non-scaring condition, which presents as smooth patches of hair loss. The condition affects both men and women equally, with 60% of sufferers experiencing initial onset before the age of 20 . Alopecia Areata is caused by a malfunction of the immune system (auto-immune), where healthy tissue (in this case hair follicles) are mistakenly attacked by the cells of the immune system, causing inflammation and subsequent loss of hair. Inflammation only affects the base of the hair follicle and does not interfere with stem cell production, so the potential for hair growth remains.
Androgenetic Alopecia- More commonly known as Female/Male Patterned Hair Loss. Androgenetic alopecia is a genetically predisposed condition (from one or both parents) involving androgens (male hormones). The affected hair follicles become progressively thinner (miniaturized) and grow for a shorter length of time with each passing cycle. In women, the mechanisms involved are more complex than the male form, and the condition is often exacerbated by other underlying factors.
CCCA Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia- This group of hair loss conditions, unfortunately, involves the permanent loss of hair over a specific area of the scalp. Some of these conditions can also affect the eyebrows, eyelashes, and other hair-bearing areas of the body.
Telogen Effluvium- This is a condition of the hair cycle, associated with accelerated shedding of hair beyond what would otherwise be considered normal. Some factors can cause Anagen hairs to prematurely enter the Telogen phase, leading to an increase of hair leaving the scalp. These factors can include low iron/iron deficiency, low vitamin B12, poor/insufficient diets, crash dieting, medication, illness (particularly with high fever), significant emotional stressors, thyroid issues, hormonal imbalance (post pregnancy/menopause), and many other issues. Telogen effluvium can be resolved in the vast majority of cases. Identifying the cause is key to gaining the correct treatment, so an in-depth consultation and accurate diagnosis is essential.
Hormonal Hair loss
Traction/ Traumatic Alopecia
Lupus/Chemotherapy-induced
Cranial Surgery