Hair that falls out in excess is a broad topic. When it happens in the fall or late winter months, it’s a natural phenomenon called seasonal hair loss. When it falls out in handfuls no matter the season of the year, you should definitely detect the cause. I share some tips to handle the problem.
Causes of thinning hair
1. Medications, diseases
Many medications cause hair to fall out in excess, including strong antibiotics, some anti-infective treatments, antidepressants, beta blockers, and strong painkillers. Did you know that even fever may weaken the condition of hair?! It affects hair follicles and makes them weaker.
If you’ve been taking some medications for a long time and your immunity needs a boost, you should visit a trichologist who will recommend the most suitable treatment, for example low-level laser therapy. Of course you can enhance the hair at home too. Use products rich in emollient substances (oils) and polymers.
2. Hormonal imbalance
I’m aware that it’s still a long way to go for some of you but maybe you know a woman who struggles with menopause. If so, you can reassure her that this is a natural course of events and advise to see a doctor who can prescribe hormonal treatment. It often helps. Hair loss may also be caused by thyroid disorders. In this case you need to run some tests (TSH, T3, T4) and see your physician. As far as home remedies go, you can use products rich in stem cells and peptides (trichologists will recommend the proper ones).
3. Deficiency of iron and ferritin
This is another common cause of hair loss. Iron is essential for biochemical processes occuring in hair while ferritin is a key ingredient participating in the hair growth process. Its deficiency may lead to telogen effluvium.
If your hormones are okay and you don’t take any medications but your hair is thinning, you can do blood tests for iron and ferritin levels. You need to replenish them if the results show deficiencies. Taking vitamin C is also advisable because it increases the absorption of iron.
4. Chronic stress and sleep deprivation
Stress destroys our bodies. The increased level of cortisol disturbs the growth and life cycle of hair. Stress weakens the hair follicles and causes hair to fall out. Insomnia has a bad effect on hair as well, inhibiting the repair of hair and renewal of follicles. Supplements are often enough to revive the hair. B12 vitamin is very beneficial. In extreme cases, you need to ask a trichologist for consultation.
5. Seasonal hair loss
I’ve already mentioned that. This condition bothers people in the fall and winter: hair gets weaker because of hats, central heating and extreme temperatures. It’s no wonder, then, that hair is wrecked after winter. Thankfully, it takes hair a few weeks to get back to normal. You can enhance it using suitable treatments and oils.
Do you struggle with seasonal hair loss? Have you got any remedies? Any scalp treatments or hair oils to recommend? Let me know!
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