Losing hair is a normal function of the body that happens everyday. There is a natural cycle the hair follicles go through: hair grows, then rests, falls out and grows back again. The cycle can last up to five or six years, and even longer for some people. About 100 strands of hair can fall per day and that’s perfectly normal.
Age always being a predetermined factor is a myth associated with hair loss, according to Dr. Omar Milhem, hair loss expert and medical director at Pharma Medico. External factors such as stress and preexisting health conditions such as diabetes and heart problem are more likely to cause hair fall. Underlying conditions should be addressed by a doctor. It is because when overall health improves, hair growth will be restored.
‘‘One in three women will experience at some point in their lives,’’ explained Trichologist Sara G. Allison, who also owns Hair Today More Tomorrow, a hair growth company based in U.K. Hair fall in women affects their self-esteem and confidence. Some of the reasons behind hair fall are easily preventable. They are as follows:
Consistent Hairstyles
Hairstyling is an art by itself and today considered a profession. But it comes with consequences if you are too consistent. Traction alopecia is caused by styling your hair in certain ways, either into a bun or straightening it completely, braids or extensions. It causes bald spots and thinning, due to permanent denting.
Side Effects of Meds
In some cases, switching between contraceptives imbalances the hormones, inevitably leading to hair loss. Statins and antidepressants cause the same effect.
‘‘Pretty much all of the anti-depressants in my experience can cause hair loss as a side effect. So even just switching to another one might not necessarily be any better,’’ Allison explained.
Several Deficiencies
Going on diets such as the vegan or vegetarian diets causes severe nutritional deficiencies, particularly protein, zinc and iron. Taking supplements with zinc and biotin can take up to three months to work, hence patience is required to experience regrowth of hair.
Stress
Telogen effluvium is when the hair do not grow beyond the telogen phase of the hair follicles’ natural cycle, during which hair is shed. This can be caused by stress, either long-term or short-term. However, there are other reasons behind the condition, such as thyroid and other medical issues. Yoga, meditation, therapy and exercise are the different ways to alleviate stress.
Menopause and Pregnancy
Androgenetic alopecia can be a result of hormonal imbalance that comes during menopause. Minoxidil is recommended to people who want to push their hair growth after menopause.
After pregnancy, women experience a downfall in estrogen levels, causing the hair to fall for some women. However, this hair loss can be recovered sooner rather than later.
[“source=medicaldaily”]
