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Everything You Need to Know About Hair Loss, Alopecia and Health
It’s natural to experience some amount of hair loss every day, but if you’re seeing drastic changes or patches of hair loss, it may be time to have a closer look at your health and lifestyle. Understanding hair loss, alopecia and its association with other health-related issues can help give you and your doctor clarity on possible lifestyle changes and provide with options for treatment.
Types of Hair Loss
Excessive Shedding: This type of hair loss is usually referred to as telogen effluvium and is related to a disruption in the natural hair growth cycle. This can be caused by sudden hormonal shifts, metabolic changes and even emotional stress.
Pattern Baldness: Pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss. It affects both genders, although men are more likely to experience it. This type of hair loss can be genetic and is caused by hormones that make the hair follicles in certain areas of the scalp shrink over time until they can no longer produce hair.
Alopecia Areata: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that affects up to 6.8 million people in the United States. It causes patches of baldness to appear on the scalp, face and other areas of the body.
What is the Link Between Hair Loss and Health?
Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormones, diet, stress and certain medical conditions. It’s important to talk to your doctor to identify the root cause of your hair loss so the best course of action can be taken.
For example, those suffering from anemia or other vitamin deficiencies can find their hair begins to fall out. Hormonal changes such as pregnancy, menopause and medications can also cause hair loss.
Treating Hair Loss and Alopecia
If your hair loss is caused by an underlying medical condition, your doctor may prescribe medication to treat it. For certain types of hair loss, a topical solution or cream may also be recommended.In some cases, hair loss treatments such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy or laser therapy may help to stimulate hair growth.
Regardless of the type of hair loss you’re experiencing, it’s important to seek professional advice to get the best treatment for you.
Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Reduce Hair Loss
In addition to medications and treatments, there are certain lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce hair loss and promote hair growth. Here are a few tips:
- Eat a balanced diet: Make sure that you’re eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, healthy fats and vitamins. Eating a nutrient-rich diet will help to keep your hair healthy and reduce hair loss.
- Reduce stress: Emotional stress can trigger hair loss, so taking steps to reduce stress can help keep it at bay. Find activities that help you relax, such as yoga, mindfulness and meditation.
- Be gentle with your hair: Overstyling, excessive combing and brushing, heat styling and chemical treatments can all contribute to hair loss. Use gentle techniques and avoid tight hairstyles to reduce potential damage to your strands.
Hair loss and alopecia can be a difficult and emotional issue to deal with. By understanding the different types of hair loss, the associated health issues and treatment options, you can work with a medical professional to get the best results for you.
