Hair loss is an issue that can effect both women and men, resulting in low self esteem and mood.
Thinning hair is an indicator of general health, and is an outward sign of an imbalance under the surface.
Most products on the market are there for topical use, and if anything will only offer marginal improvement. It is really important to understand the underlying cause.
People with hair loss have a tendency towards low thyroid function, hormonal imbalance and elevated stress hormones.
As always the best way forward is to look at possible root causes.
5 Reasons Your Hair is Falling Out
1. STRESS
Stress is one of the biggest causes of hair loss. This is not only the severe emotional type stress (the loss of a loved one, divorce, house moving, job issues etc) but also those less considered like over-exercise, a low calorie diet, menopause and childbirth.
2. HORMONAL IMBALANCE
Too much oestrogen in relation to progesterone happens if oestrogen isn’t metabolised quickly enough. The liver is the main site for oestrogen metabolism, and so liver health should be considered. If there is an imbalance of bacteria in the gut this can also cause oestrogen dominance, as can constipation, leading to the re-circulation of oestrogen.
3. LOW THYROID FUNCTION
Hypothyroidism is a condition commonly linked to hair loss. This happens when the body does not produce enough thyroid hormones. See study here, how thyroid hormones directly alter human hair follicle functions.
Read here about other signs and symptoms of thyroid disease.
4. LOW IRON
It is not advised to supplement with iron unless a test clearly shows a deficiency. It is often the assumed cause of tiredness, but this is not always the culprit.
Iron deficiency is more common in women who are menstruating but could also be caused by a vegetarian/vegan diet or low stomach acid causing absorption issues.
5. MEDICATIONS
Many drugs like immune-suppressants, chemotherapy drugs and anti-fungals can have the side-effect of hair loss.
Some medications are known as ‘drug muggers’, those that deplete the body of essential nutrients. One in particular is the contraceptive pill which has been shown to to deplete magnesium, B6, B12, folate and, zinc.
For help and advice on nutrition supplements to support normal hair growth please contact us.
