Hair Loss – What is Causing My Hair Loss?
Hair loss may just be a fact of life. This is especially true for men who are more likely to experience a common condition known as male pattern baldness as they get older. However, there are a variety of medical and lifestyle conditions that can cause or contribute to hair loss, and it may be worth checking whether any of these apply to you before you resign yourself to going bald. If there is a medical reason for your hair loss, there is a good chance it is reversible. Here are four common conditions that contribute to hair loss:
1. Iron-deficiency anaemia
On average a man’s daily iron requirement is around 8.7mg, while a woman’s is 14.8mg, and this can generally be achieved with a healthy and well balanced diet. However, if you aren’t getting enough iron, this could lead to iron deficiency anaemia, one of the leading medical causes of hair loss. Other symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia include breathlessness, fatigue, dizziness, feeling cold all the time, a rapid pulse, palpitations, and headaches. If you suspect you may have iron deficiency anaemia, see your doctor who may prescribe iron tablets.
To prevent recurrence of iron deficiency anaemia, eat foods rich in iron such as liver, meat, beans, nuts, dried fruit, whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, and dark green leafy vegetables. Getting plenty of Vitamin C will aid iron absorption.
2. Under active thyroid
An under active thyroid, or Hypothyroidism, occurs when your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones. This slows down your metabolism leading to various symptoms including hair loss. Other symptoms of an under active thyroid include tiredness, putting on weight, dry and pale skin, sore muscles, weakness, a hoarse voice, memory and concentration issues and depression. You may also have a goitre, or swollen thyroid gland in your neck.
See your doctor if you think your hair loss could be a result of an under active thyroid; they can prescribe a thyroxine replacement in tablet form which will improve all of your symptoms including hair loss. You will start on a small dose and gradually build up until you find the best dose for you.
3. Fungal scalp infection
Fungal scalp infections are caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungi that lives off the keratin protein that makes up skin, hair and nails. Fungal scalp infections are very common, affecting around 10% of people at some point, and can lead to hairloss if untreated. Symptoms of fungal scalp infections include a red scaly, itchy rash, or a fine scale similar to dry skin. These types of infections can easily be confused with psoriasis and eczema. Consult your doctor if you think you may have a fungal scalp infection and they will be able to prescribe antifungal tablets or a special shampoo.
4. Stress
You may think that hair loss is causing your stress, but is it actually stress that is causing your hair loss? During periods of high stress, the body conserves energy by limiting the growth and rejuvenation of non essential parts of the body, such as hair. Although you will not actually be losing any more hair during a stressful time than you would usually, your hair will not be growing back at the same rate so you will appear to be balding. Relaxation techniques, stress counseling, and generally dealing with the causes of the stress should help your hair to start growing again.
What if my hair loss is not medical? If your hair loss isn’t related to the above conditions, you may just have to accept that it will be an ongoing process, and start to look for hair replacement solutions. Booking a consultation with a hair replacement specialist will help you to discover the extent of your hairloss and the possible treatments that are available to you.
Jackie Dawson is a Hair Loss Consultant with Mens Hair Replacement. If you want to know more about Hair Replacement UK for both men and women go to http://www.hairreplacementuk.net.
- Cloud Nine Herbal Regrowth – Herbal Supplements For Hair Loss
- Hair Loss Reasons
- Put a Stop To Your Hair Loss Problem
- Natural Hair loss Treatments– 4 Ways to Fight Hair Loss Without Chemicals
- Is Hair Loss Genetic? Info You Must Know Before Getting A Hair Loss Treatment Product
- Best Hair Loss Treatment – 3 ways to prevent hair loss and help regrowth
- Causes of Female Hair Loss and Natural Vitamin Remedies
- What Is The Best Hair Loss Product For Natural Hair Re-Growth?
- Hair Loss Cost – The real lost of hair loss
- What Are the Most Common Reasons For Hair Loss and Balding?
