5 common reasons women experience hair loss
Internal and external factors
Approximately 49 per cent of women in Australia experience hair loss. Internal and external factors play a role in female hair loss including hormonal changes, stress, skin conditions and stress. Not all hair loss and/or shedding is permanent as there are several ways to combat it.
A surge in stress
The condition of our hair often plays an active role in our levels of self-esteem however, in survival terms, the body deprioritises the preservation of hair when encountering stress or experiencing trauma. Hair loss that’s caused by physical or emotional stress is known as telogen effluvium. Emotional life events such as moving house, a relationship breakdown or even having a baby can result in telogen effluvium. The condition can lead to the scalp shedding an additional 300 hairs a day, 200 above average, as well as a tender and itchy scalp.
Commonly, telogen effluvium heals itself over time however, in the meantime do not style hair in a way that may provide additional stress, such as intricate plaits or tight ponytails. Prevent itching the scalp or excessively brushing the hair. Of course, partaking in activities that work to reduce stress such as meditation or exercise can also work to reduce the symptoms of telogen effluvium.
Recovering from Covid
One in five Covid survivors report that they have suffered hair loss throughout recovery. Temporary hair loss commonly occurs after experiencing flu and fever. Hair shedding after suffering with any kind of flu can happen from up to three months post recovery and proceed for a further six. This kind of shedding is usually caused by the stress that the body has experienced and will remedy itself.
Taking time to reduce levels of stress will work to ease the hair shedding over time. In the meantime, reduce the amount of times you brush the hair and the products that you use that may cause dryness.
A change in hormones
Hormonal changes can contribute to thinning of the hair and even hair loss. Hair loss throughout menopause can occur along with common symptoms such as low mood, hot flushes and changes in the skin. Throughout menopause, the body produces reduced amounts of oestrogen and progesterone, both of which aid in healthy hair growth and its retention. A reduction in oestrogen and progesterone triggers a surge in the production of androgen, which in turn shrinks the follicles of the hair resulting in hair loss.
Adopting a low fat, balanced diet can work to reduce the risk of hair loss throughout menopause. Sources of fatty acids such as tuna and flaxseed oil work to keep hair healthy and keeping levels of stress low can protect hair loss.
A deficiency in vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to thinning of the hair or even loss. Vitamin D in the skin is metabolised by keratinocytes, a protein that aids in keeping hair thick and reducing shedding. When the body lacks vitamin D, keratinocytes find it harder to facilitate hair growth.
If you suspect that you are experiencing hair loss as the result of vitamin D deficiency, then it is important to gain a formal diagnosis to benefit from treatment. From here, treatment can be prescribed as its often not as simple as introducing vitamin D tablets into your diet.
Shifts in weather
Extreme weather doesn’t directly result in hair loss, however it may spark symptoms that will. For instance, cold weather is a common factor that contributes to the cause of psoriasis. Dry air due to weather conditions and heating as well as minimal sunlight result in the condition that is commonly found on the scalp. Its symptoms can lead the sufferer to frequently scratch their scalp, increasing the risk of the hair shedding and therefore thinning.
There are several psoriasis treatments shampoos that can work to decrease its symptoms and therefore curb the risk of hair shredding. Keeping the scalp hydrated is vital however, if symptoms persist then many antidotes can be found on prescription.
This article first appeared in Reader’s Digest. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, here’s our best subscription offer.
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