It doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman – if you start losing your hair or it starts to thin – this can cause you much distress and loss of self esteem. Hair loss is a common problem and, unfortunately, it is happening to people much earlier in their lives than ever before.
There was a time when it was primarily the domain of older men to have completely bald heads yet many younger men are suffering from thinning hair in their 20s and 30s and, so, choose to remove all their hair rather than live with the male pattern baldness look.
Women, too, are dealing with excessive hair loss and, although wigs are cheaper and more in fashion than ever before, many women don’t feel confident wearing them. Women also tend not to feel as confident as men do to shave all their hair off and rock a bald head.
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?
- Hormonal changes and/or imbalances
- Stress, emotional and/or physical
- Hereditary factors
- Ageing
- Surgery/illness
- Immune dysfunction
- Auto immune diseases such as Lupus or alopecia areata
- Thyroid gland dysfunction
- Fungal infections of the scalp
- Trauma to the scalp
- Side effect from medication and/or chemo
- Poor diet
- Rapid weight loss
- Hair loss and menopause
- Varying changes in hormone levels during peri and/or menopause mean nearly half of all women experience some hair loss, hair thinning or bald spots.
Androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) is the most common type of hair loss seen in women and can affect approximately one third 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. Bio-identical hormones are a great way to stabilise hormones levels and can help get back that healthy head of hair.
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
Healthy hair starts with good nutrition
The part of your hair which is actually living is the hair follicle and this is located beneath your scalp – indeed, this is where your hair starts growing from. Healthy, strong hair starts with a good blood supply which carries oxygen and nutrients to the follicle, stimulating growth. The most important part of developing beautiful hair is not the hair products you put on the outer part of your hair – it is good nutrition!
Raw Juices
Raw juices are able to stimulate the function of the bowels, liver and kidneys, which increases the breakdown and elimination of toxic chemicals and waste products from the body. See page 91 of Dr Cabot’s book, “Raw Juices Can Save Your Life” for 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“
“Raw Juices Can Save Your Life”
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