Health Topics > Women's health > hairlossmenandwomen
HAIR LOSS – men and women
Hair loss is a common problem and often causes great psychological distress. It can occur in a small area of the scalp, front temporal areas of the scalp or all over the scalp. Thinning hair or baldness is a complaint suffered by both men and women.
It is normal to lose some hair each day however excessive hair loss can be devastating so it is essential to know what causes it, so you can get the right treatment.
Hair loss and women - What causes it?
- Surgery and/or illness
- Hormonal changes and/or imbalances
- Stress, emotional and/or physical
- Hereditary factors
- Ageing
- Fungal infections of the scalp
- Trauma to the scalp
- Side effect from medication and/or chemo
- Immune dysfunction
- Auto immune diseases such as Lupus
- Androgenetic alopecia
- Poor diet
- Thyroid gland dysfunction
Hair loss and menopause
Varying changes in hormone levels during peri and/or menopause show nearly half of all women experiencing some hair loss, hair thinning or bald spots
Androgenetic alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia (female pattern alopecia) is the most common type of hair loss seen in women and can affect approximately 1/3 of all women. There may be a family history and can start anytime, although usually after the age of 20. The hair starts to thin and bald spots may appear. The cause is thought to be a sensitivity to the male hormone, testosterone.
If hormonal imbalances are suspected, then a hormone blood test check with your doctor will be necessary.
Hair loss and men – What causes it?
- Male pattern baldness - most men are genetically predisposed.
- Hereditary factors
- Thyroid gland dysfunction
- Ageing
- Stress, emotional and/or physical
- Trauma to the scalp
- Fungal infections of the scalp
Raw Juicing
"Raw Juices Can Save Your Life" book found on page 96 includes a juicing recipe to help thicken the hair. Be sure to juice daily and dilute with water if desired.
General recommendations
Hair health requires good nutrition so you should increase your essential fatty acids from raw nuts, seeds, flaxseed oil and oily fish. Eat fresh fruit, salad and vegetables daily with healthy proteins such as eggs, cheese, meat, seafood etc.
If skin disorders are suspected, then see a dermatologist or specialist in treating diseases of the hair and scalp.
Recommended books
"Hormones – Don’t Let Them Ruin Your Life" for information on hormone treatment.
Recommended supplements
MSM with Vit c powder
- Take 1/2 teaspoon twice daily - MSM is an organic sulphur known as Methyl Sulfonyl Methane and includes Vitamin C. Sulfur is essential for the formation of connective tissue, including collagen and elastin in hair fibres. Sulfur can improve the health and strength of your hair, nails and skin. The sulfur from MSM is derived from an all natural vegetable source and is well tolerated by those with sulfur drug allergies. Vitamin C is especially important for the formation of collagen. Deficiency of vitamin C can lead to weak hair. Smokers have an increased requirement for vitamin C, as do people who don’t eat enough raw salad vegetables and fruit each day.
Flaxseed capsules
- Taken 2 capules twice daily - The omega 3 fatty acid alpha linolenic acid (ALA) can counteract dry and lackluster hair; it is found in high quantities in flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil is also anti-inflammatory and promotes clear, healthy skin.
Phyto-estrogen formula to help balance hormones naturally
- Take 2 capsules twice daily - This formula contains phyto-estrogens and female herbs to support low oestrogen levels.