Hair is a defining part of our appearance, but 80 million men and women in America suffer from hair loss (also called “alopecia”). We know how to wash and style our hair, but are we giving our hair the nutrients it needs to be healthy? In this article, we are going to uncover some key reasons your hair might not be as strong and healthy as you would like.
Hormones
The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary baldness. If you have a family history of baldness, this may begin as early as puberty.
Hormonal changes frequently cause hair loss. Examples include pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. Hair loss during menopause is the result of a hormonal imbalance caused by lower levels of estrogen and progesterone. Patients often blame their hair loss on aging, but it is more often related to hormone imbalance which occurs as we age. Replacing hormones can dramatically improve hair loss.
Thyroid
An overactive or underactive thyroid can wreak havoc on your entire body. Did you know it can also cause hair loss? Normally, hair is shed every day to make room for new hair growth. However, when your thyroid is not preforming at its best, it can lead to those lost hairs not being replaced. Thyroid issues can cause hair to be weak, dry, and brittle, which can lead to a lot of split ends and hair loss.
Nutrient Deficiencies
There are multiple nutrient deficiencies that have been linked to hair loss. It’s important to have nutritional levels checked such as Iron, Vitamin D, Zinc, Biotin, and other levels which can be contributing factors. If you’re noticing that your hair seems to take forever to grow, this may be a warning sign that you have a vitamin deficiency. These nutrient levels can be checked with a simple blood test.
Stress
Experiencing excessive stress can trigger hair loss. This may be caused by an automobile accident, surgery, death in the family, acute illness or any other physical or emotional trauma to the body.
Drug Side Effects
Hair loss can be a side effect of prescription medications such as beta-blockers for high blood pressure, chemotherapy drugs, amphetamines, and other medications.
Treatment
While home hair loss remedies can work, it is important to know why you are losing your hair before beginning any home treatments. Don’t delay medical care, since doing so may cause more hair loss and make it more difficult to find an effective treatment. If you are suffering from hair loss, know that there is hope. A functional medicine practitioner can determine the cause of your hair loss and treat it quickly and effectively. Not only will you see an improvement in your hair, but by treating the root cause problem, you will see improvements in your everyday life!
Heather Slusher, APRN, FNP-BC, is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with more than 30 years of experience in Family Practice, Women’s Health, and Anti-Aging Medicine. She is the founder and C0-owner of SunCoast Optimal Wellness in the MiraBay Shopping Plaza. Her passion is providing customized healthcare to help each person live their best life!
Information contained herein is based on medical research and data and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any concerns you have regarding your medical conditions.
