Solving Hair Loss in Women – The importance of getting to the cause.
Hair loss can be very distressing for women. In fact, it has been found that just over 55% of women with hair loss will meet the criteria for depression, which has resolved on resolution of hair loss.
Treating hair loss can take months due to the nature of hair growth cycles. Getting the treatment right in the first instance can prevent neglect or delay of the appropriate treatment. A careful case history and examination with respect to risk factors and current symptoms should be performed.
So, what can contribute to hair loss?
- Hormonal imbalances, especially those associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) can cause hair loss due to high levels of male hormones. Menopausal hair loss can also occur due to low levels of oestrogen and progesterone and resulting unopposed levels of male hormones. Higher male hormone levels cause less hair on the head, and unfortunately, more on the face – with women often experiencing rouge chin hairs and a ‘peach’ fuzz on the cheeks and chin.
- Thyroid imbalance can also contribute to thinning for the hair as well as coarse and dry hair. Many women can have subclinical thyroid function, which basically means the thyroid function is borderline low, but not enough to be prescribed medication. This is where specific nutrients and herbs can help correct thyroid function and help healthy hair and skin.
- Unfortunately, many people in Australia have nutritional deficiencies. When considering nutrients, it’s important to look at both diet and digestion – are nutrients being absorbed, is there disease of the digestive tract, is there poor appetite, disordered eating or poor intake of nutrients?
- Hair is not a priority when there are health issues and can be the first thing to suffer. Stress and illness can cause an increased need for certain nutrients as the body attempts to correct any imbalance and repair cells and tissues. Stress increases the need for certain nutrients, especially the B vitamins and magnesium. Stress can also affect the absorption of nutrients by shutting down the digestion.
- Certain Medications can directly affect specific nutrients resulting in hair loss. Supporting nutritional intake of specific nutrients, under guidance of a health professional, while on medication can help prevent hair loss.
Getting on top of hair loss with the correct treatment can make sure hair loss doesn’t continue to go on unnecessarily, and reduce the distress associated with thinning hair.
