Hair Loss
Losing your hair isn’t normally a cause for concern, but it can be distressing. Hair loss is a common occurrence. We can lose between 50 and 100 hairs every day, frequently without notice, but you should be aware of significant hair loss when it occurs suddenly or gradually. With over 100,000 hairs on your head, even a minor hair loss is barely noticeable. New hair usually grows to replace the hair that has fallen out, but this does not always happen. Hair loss can happen gradually over time or suddenly. It could be irregular or permanent, depending on the root cause. Hair loss is normally not alarming, but it can occasionally be a sign of a medical condition. Male and female pattern baldness are examples of permanent hair loss. Men are more likely than women to lose hair on their heads.
Reasons for hair loss
- Postpartum hair loss: A few months after having a baby, many new mothers notice considerable hair loss. This is not actual hair loss, but it is common. Excessive hair shedding is the term dermatologists use to describe this condition. Falling estrogen levels cause increased shedding. The good news is that excessive shedding is only temporary, and you may not need to take any action to stop it. After pregnancy, a lot of new mothers experience a lot of hair shedding. Approximately four months after giving birth, hair loss normally peaks. Most mothers restore their natural hair growth by their child’s first birthday. If your hair has not returned to its original fullness after a year, you should consult a dermatologist.
- Stress: Is stress linked to hair loss? Yes, stress causes hair loss, but the best part is that it is generally just temporary. Stress causes a large number of hair follicles to enter a resting phase. Affected hairs may fall out abruptly when brushing or washing your hair after a few months. Hair loss can be influenced by how you deal with stress. If you don’t seek help after a stressful life event, you may experience more hair loss.
- Hormonal changes: Hair loss and thinning can occur in both men and women due to hormonal imbalances. Hair regrows more frequently when the imbalance is treated. Although most people associate hormone imbalances with estrogen or testosterone, thyroid problems can also result in hair loss. When estrogen and progesterone levels drop during menopause, women may experience unexpected hair thinning and loss. It, too, has everything to do with hormones, much like postpartum hair loss. Hair loss in menopause, unlike postpartum hair loss, is permanent unless hormone replacement treatment is used.
- Vitamin deficiency: Hair thinning and loss can occur if certain vitamins and minerals are deficient. In the case of hair, Vitamin D helps to initiate the growing phase, which aids in the formation of new hair follicles. It accomplishes this by controlling the expression of genes involved in the hair follicle cycle. When the body lacks adequate vitamin D, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including hair loss. Vitamin D helps to stimulate both new and old hair follicles. New hair development might be inhibited if you don’t have enough vitamin D in your system.
Healthy blood flow is required to keep hair follicles active, as oxygen-rich red blood cells nourish the hair follicles. Vitamin B12, commonly known as cobalamin, aids in the synthesis of these red blood cells, which helps to support healthy hair development. The deficiency of vitamin B12 has also been seen to initiate and aggravate hair loss and thinning.
Treating hair loss
- If you’re concerned about your hair loss and want to seek treatment, see your physician. If you’re a woman with a receding hairline, talk to your doctor about getting treatment as soon as possible to avoid irreversible baldness. Also, if you observe abrupt or uneven hair loss, or more than typical hair loss after combing or washing your hair, consult your doctor. Sudden hair loss might be an indication of a medical problem that needs to be addressed.
- Regularly learn and practice relaxation techniques including deep breathing, meditation, and yoga. Exercise on a regular basis to help manage stress and its effects. Spend time with individuals who are optimistic and positive – isolating oneself can exacerbate stress leading to hair loss.
- Eat a healthy and nutritious diet and take multivitamins according to your doctor’s recommendation. The majority of people may absorb their vitamin D from either sunlight or their diet. Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), mushrooms, and foods fortified with vitamin D are all naturally high in vitamin D (certain cereals and milk). Vitamin B12 can be found in animal-based foods including meat and dairy, as well as fermented vegetables. You can subscribe to Fantastic Life’s Nutritional Plan for a customized diet plan to prevent or treat your hair loss
Stress Management Techniques That Can Work For You
You can use the following stress management techniques at home:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Breathing deeply
- Journaling
- Spending time in nature
- Therapy or counselling