Can hair loss be a sign of something serious? Yes! Hair loss can be a sign of a serious underlying health condition such as alopecia, lupus, thyroid problems, and other common diseases.
The adult scalp has approximately 100,000 hair follicles. Every day, the scalp sheds about 100 hairs, which grow back in 5-6 weeks.
Beginning around the age of 40, men’s prolactin levels rise, stimulating the production of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydro-testosterones DHT, causing our hair to grow back thinner or not at all.
DHT shrinks the follicles, causing hair thins and recede at the forehead, crown,
and temple for men and thins over the entire scalp for women, resulting in
androgenic alopecia hair loss.
What Are The Causes of Hair Loss?
There are numerous causes of hair loss, and many factors may contribute to excessive
hair loss. Let us look at a few of them in this article.
Read: How to Get Bigger Breasts Naturally
Heredity
Hair loss can be caused by a variety of genetic factors. Androgenetic alopecia, or
the predisposition to baldness, is the most common type of hair loss problem.
The role of heredity in hair loss, on the other hand, is complicated.
The genetic proclivity, as well as the prevalence of androgen hormones and aging, all
play a significant role in the development of baldness.
Aging
Human aging is a biological process that is unavoidable but controllable through a
healthy diet rich in complex carbohydrates, green foods, garlic, onion, water,
and juices, all of which can help to slow the aging process.
It also helps to reduce the amount of DHT produced in our bodies, which delays
hair loss to the scalp.
Major Illness
Typhoid and malaria are two major illnesses that can cause excessive hair loss.
Chemotherapy causes significant hair loss, which is usually irreversible.
Read: Can I Wash My Face With Tap Water
Aside from that, surgical intervention is one of the most common causes of hair loss.
Stressors experienced during illness may cause a temporary condition for hair
loss.
Hormonal Dysfunction
Hormone dysfunctions may play a significant role in premature hair loss. Many important
hormones are secreted by the thyroid gland. Individuals with hyperactive or
underactive thyroid glands may experience hair loss.
Thyroid treatment can help with this type of hair loss problem. One of the primary
causes of hair loss is an imbalance in sex hormones, androgens, and estrogens.
Many women experience hair loss issues during pregnancy, as well as prior to and
after delivery. Everything happens as a result of a hormonal imbalance within
the body system.
Oxygen deficiency
A lack of oxygen in your blood weakens the hair follicles, resulting in scalp
dryness and hair loss. A high-fat, uncontrolled diet causes cholesterol to
build up in your arteries, resulting in less oxygen in your bloodstream.
Read: Top Nail Trends of Spring 2023
Cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke also reduce blood flow and increase the blood
clotting activity of cells, clogging the blood flow and damaging arteries,
causing oxygen deficiency and weakening hair follicles.
Medication
Certain medications have been linked to hair loss. However, in most cases, this is only
temporary. The problem goes away when you stop taking certain medications that
cause hair loss.
Medications that cause hair loss include blood thinners or anticoagulants, gout medications,
chemotherapy, steroids, interferon, an excess of vitamin A, birth control
pills, and antidepressants.
Psychological Factors
Stress is a significant contributor to hair loss. According to studies, if a person is
not experiencing any obvious factors that may contribute to hair loss, but is
experiencing stress, he or she may experience hair loss problems.
Read: Bye Bye Blackheads Some By Mi
Stress is linked to two types of hair loss issues: Telogen effluvium and Alopecia
areata. Aside from that, psychological disorders such as trichotillomania may
contribute to hair loss.
Infection
Hair loss can be caused by a variety of fungal infections. Hair loss problems caused
by a fungal infection on the scalp are quite common, especially in children.
However, antifungal medications can be used to treat this type of fungal infection.
Internal Health Risks
Hair loss can be caused by diseases such as lupus or diabetes. In these cases, hair
loss is regarded as one of the disease’s early warning signs. So, if you are
losing your hair for no apparent reason, it is always recommended that you do
not ignore the situation and seek immediate advice from expert health
practitioners.
Improper Hair Care
Last but not least, poor hair care can contribute to significant hair loss, making
it one of the leading causes of hair loss.
If you tie your wet hair or use tight hair rollers, you may develop traction
alopecia, a type of hair loss.
If you stop pulling your hair before it’s too late and before you develop any
scars on your scalp, your hair may grow back naturally.
Read: Hydrafacial Blackheads
However, if you develop a scar, there is a good chance that you will lose your hair on
the scarred area for the rest of your life.
Chemical treatments associated with permanents, also known as “perms,” can
cause severe hair loss in some people, resulting in scarring and inflammation
in the affected areas.
Foods To Eat For Hair Loss Prevention
Foods that can cause hair loss and diminish hair growth.
Saturated and trans fatty acids
Saturated fat is abundant in foods such as meat, poultry, and fried foods. Trans fat is
abundant in foods such as margarine, cheese, and butter.
These foods cause cholesterol to accumulate in your arteries and small veins in your
scalp, resulting in less oxygen being delivered to your cells, including the
cells on your follicles.
Foods that contain Aspartame and Monosodium Glutamate
Monosodium Glutamate contains chemicals that cause weight gain, increased appetite, and
other health issues such as hair loss.
Aspartame contains toxic chemicals that cause weight gain, increased hunger, and medical
problems such as migraines and poor blood circulation.
Read: Say Goodbye To Large Pores And Blackheads
Smoking
As we mentioned in the previous article, smoking can reduce blood flow to the
scalp, causing artery hardening, limiting blood flow, and exacerbating hair
loss.
Artificial Color
Chemical compounds in artificial color have a negative impact on the body’s natural
balance.
Colored drinks, color-coated candies, gummy and chewy candies, and many-colored bowls
of cereal are all foods to avoid.
Preservatives
As we mentioned in the article “Hair loss part IV—regrow hair with Chinese
herbs,” these are potentially toxic to the liver and kidneys, causing hair
loss and preventing hair growth.
Food Packaging
Polyvinyl chloride is a carcinogen that is commonly used as a plastic food wrap. It is
toxic in large amounts, causing kidney and liver damage and hair loss.
Salt
Eating too much salt can cause fluid retention and high blood pressure, resulting in
less oxygen being delivered to the body’s cells, including cells in your scalp
as a result of hair loss.
Hair Loss Prevention and Hair Loss Treatment
The following minerals may help to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth:
Read: How can you prevent breakouts?
Iron
Iron aids in the oxygenation of red blood cells in your body. It is required for
normal hair growth and the maintenance of healthy hair. Iron deficiency causes
hair loss due to oxygen deficiency if the amount of iron consumed cannot be
replaced.
Zinc
It aids in the secretion of much-needed oil to the scalp and the prevention of
dandruff, which can lead to hair loss.
Copper
Research indicates that these tripeptide complexes may be able to regrow hair, even in
patients with complete hair loss due to alopecia. Copper concentrations in
healthy tissues range between 1. 7 and 3. 5 milligrams. Anything else will
result in hair loss.
Vitamins-B
A lack of B vitamins (particularly B6, B3, B5, and folic acid) in your diet may
result in hair loss.
Biotin
Biotin acts as an anti-aging agent and aids in the production of keratin, which helps
to prevent gray hair and hair loss.
Whole grains, egg yolks, liver, rice, and milk are all good sources of biotin.
Vitamin-A
Vitamin A is essential for overall health. It’s also good for hair follicles because it
keeps the hair root lubricated. Too much vitamin A may cause hair loss.
Read: Advantages Of Washing Your Face With Cold Water
Vitamin E
Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant that promotes effective circulation in the scalp
by increasing oxygen uptake in the blood; thus, it is important in promoting
hair growth and preventing hair loss.
CQ-10
Coenzyme Q10 (CQ-10) is a necessary vitamin that provides our bodies with the nutrients
required for healthy hair growth. They also contribute to beautiful skin and
strong nails, as well as overall vitality.
Here are some foods that can help prevent hair loss and promote hair growth on a daily basis.
Soy and yogurt
Yogurt and soy are high in protein, which is required for hair growth. According to
research, soy protein strengthens and stimulates hair growth.
Dark green vegetable
High iron levels in dark green vegetables are required to restore oxygen levels in
the bloodstream while also nurturing the body’s cells.
Whole grain products
Whole grain contains zinc, which is required for healthy hair. A lack of zinc can
result in dry hair and oily skin.
Essential fatty acid
Cold-water fish are high in essential fatty acids. It aids in the maintenance of healthy
cholesterol and the reduction of triglycerides by increasing blood flow in our
bodies.
Read: Is Using Hand Soap As Body Wash Problematic?
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are fatty foods that are high in vitamin E, an immune-boosting
antioxidant and nerve protector. A lack of vitamin E can cause skin problems,
dry hair, and hair loss.
Carrots
Carrots have a high vitamin A content. It is an antioxidant that aids in the production
of healthy sebum on the scalp. Too much vitamin A can cause hair loss.
Other foods that promote hair growth and prevent hair loss include fruits, eggs,
spinach, and broccoli.
Before consuming large amounts of the foods listed above, consult your doctor. There
may be side effects, such as hair loss if you consume too much vitamin A from
carrots.
Herbs For Hair Loss And Growth
Herbs have been around for thousands of years and have been used successfully to
prevent or cure diseases long before the discovery of western medicine. Here
are some herbs that have been shown to help with hair loss and growth.
Shikakai
Acacia Concinna is a shrub-like tree native to India. The pod-like fruit is harvested,
dried, and ground into a fine powder.
It is used to clean hair and has been shown to promote hair growth and eliminate dandruff. Due to these benefits, this powder was named shikakai which means “fruit for the hair”.
Read: Best Way To Dry Your Face After Washing
Grape seed extract
The grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant that some people use as a
supplement or treatment for a variety of ailments. It is high in vitamin E and
essential fatty acids, which are necessary for maintaining hair growth and
preventing hair loss.
A new Kirin Brewery discovery
Shiseido, a Japanese cosmetics company, and Kirin Brewery have discovered a unique
property of a hop extract that can help activate the melanocyte cells that generate hair pigment.
Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto is the number one choice for men, as we mentioned in another article.
Saw palmetto inhibits the formation of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that
converts testosterone to DHT, which causes hair loss.
Basil extract
Basil extract derived from the natural flowers of the basil plant works quickly to
soothe and calm scalp skin.
Pumpkin Seed
DHT, which causes genetic hair loss, is inhibited by pumpkin seeds. This common seed
contains zinc and magnesium, which have the ability to inhibit enzymes that
produce DHT, causing follicle damage and hair loss.
Read: Is It Possible To Turn White Hair To Black
Buddleja Davidii Extract
Buddleja Davidii extract contains active ingredients that protect the skin from free
radicals. It can also help to reduce skin aging and protect the skin from the
effects of stress and toxins.
Green Tea
Green tea contains the chemical globulin, which aids in the reduction of free
testosterone levels, preventing it from being converted to dihydrotestosterone
(DHT) in the hair follicle.
Before taking any herbal supplement, consult with your doctor or dermatologist.
Chinese Herbs For Treating Hair Loss
Historically Chinese herbs have been used to prevent and cure diseases for over 4000 years, long before the discovery of Western medicine.
In Chinese traditional medicine, hair loss is directly linked to kidney deficiency syndrome.
People who experience hair loss, particularly in their childhood, may have a weak Kidney.
Here are some Chinese herbs that have been shown to help with hair loss and
growth.
Dong Quai
Dong Quai was traditionally used by Chinese women after menstruation to restore
blood cells and increase the circulation of oxygen in the bloodstream to cells.
Dong Quai contains phytoestrogen, which helps to block the androgen receptor
site, preventing the conversion of testosterone to DHT and thus lowering the
risk of hair loss due to aging.
Read: Is 5mg Of Folic Acid Too Much?
Ginseng
Ginseng is said to have rejuvenating and energizing properties. It also aids in the
circulation of oxygen in our bloodstream to our body’s cells as well as the
cells in our scalp.
Shou wu (polygonum)
Shou Wu is a plant of the genus Polygonum multiflorum. It is now used in conjunction
with other herbals, as an active ingredient in shampoos, and orally to prevent
hair loss while also assisting in the restoration of roots and the production
of new hair.
Psoralea seeds
According to one study, psoralea extract and exposure to UV light can help restore hair
loss and promote hair regrowth with a 33% success rate.
Mulberry
Mulberry, according to Chinese herbalists, is an excellent tonic for the kidney, liver,
and blood, providing more oxygen in the bloodstream as well as small blood vessels
in the scalp.
Chinese Yam
Numerous successful studies on the benefits of Chinese yam have been conducted. Chinese
yam can nourish the liver, kidneys, and blood, thereby preventing hair loss and
promoting hair growth.
Read: Ways To Boost Your Metabolism After Age 40
Green tea
Green tea catechins inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone
into hair-damaging DHT. Drinking great tea on a daily basis is thus an
effective treatment for male pattern baldness.
Chinese foxglove root
Chinese foxblove root contains Cornus, a chemical that promotes hair growth by
nurturing the kidney, liver, and blood.
Wolfberry
Traditional Chinese cooking has used one of the natural superfoods. Wolfberry aids in the
elimination of toxins in the body as a result of improved kidney, liver, and
blood function, which promotes hair growth.
According to Chinese medicine, the benefit of nourishing the kidney and blood tonic aids
in healthy hair growth and prevention of hair loss.
Here are some prescription and
over-the-counter medications that may aid in the prevention of further hair
loss and the promotion of hair growth.
Benzoyl peroxide
Read: Non Surgical Gum Disease Treatment
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter medication that comes in the form of a spray or lotion
that you apply to your scalp twice a day.
It can be obtained without a prescription. It is thought to work by interfering
with potassium-regulating mechanisms in the hair follicle.
According to research, it can help to slow and stop hair loss as well as regrow new hair
with a success rate of more than 60%.
Before using minoxidil, consult your doctor or dermatologist. Some patients may
develop a rash as a result of it.
Finasteride
Finasteride is a prescription medication that is taken orally. Finasteride is a man-made
hormone that prevents hair loss and promotes new hair growth.
It is a drug that selectively inhibits the activity of an enzyme that converts the
“male hormone” testosterone into an active form in hair follicles.
Rogaine
Rogaine is a clear alcohol-based solution that should be applied to the thinning area
twice a day with the supplied dropper or spray.
It assists approximately 25% of men and 20% of women in gradually regrowing
moderate amounts of hair, primarily on the very top of the head.
To keep their new hair, they must continue to use Rogaine indefinitely.
Retin-A
In the United States, Retin-A is only available by prescription. It can be a hair
growth stimulator in the right doses and when combined with Minoxidil.
According to research, Retin-A can cause moderate hair growth in some patients.
Read: ALS And Constipation
Proscar
Finasteride is the active ingredient in Proscar. Proscar works by lowering the hormone DHT,
which interacts with balding hair follicles and causes hair loss.
By lowering DHT levels in the patient’s body, the finasteride in Proscar has been
shown to slow, stop, or reverse hair loss in many men.
Please consult your doctor or dermatologist before using any over-the-counter hair
loss medication.
A Word From GetMe Treated
I hope the question “Can hair loss be a sign of something serious” has been
treated the way you like. If you need more information on the above subject,
please contact us via our contact us form or use the comment section under this
post.