Search:

Would you like to contribute to this site? Hair Loss Menu Submit an Article Submit a Tip Place your Ad Add URL Hair Loss Questions? Contact Us  About Hair Loss   Preventing Hair Loss   Male Hair Loss   Female Hair Loss   Pregnancy Menopause Hair Loss   Chemotherapy Hair Loss   Hair Loss In Children   Hair Loss In Animals   Severe Hair Loss   Types of Hair Loss   Alopecia   Types of Alopecia   Baldness   Thinning Hair   Causes of Hair Loss   Hair Loss by Natural Causes   Medications That Cause Hair Loss   Hair Loss Caused by Disease   Hair Loss Products   Hair Loss Drugs   Propecia   Side Effects of Propecia   Types of Propecia   Where to Purchase Propecia   Biotin For Hair Loss   Natural Treatment for Hair Loss   Saw Palmetto And Hair Loss   Vitamins For Hair Loss   Types of Hair Loss Treatment   Hair Loss Treatment Products   Hair Loss Treatment Procedures   Hair Restoration and Replacement   Hair Transplants   Hair Loss Specialists   Hair Loss Centers in East USA   Hair Loss Centers Central USA   Hair Loss Centers in West USA   Hair Loss Centers in Canada   Hair Loss Treatment Costs   Hair Loss Hairstyles and Wigs   Hair Loss Photos and Videos   Hair Loss Support and Discussion

Return To Hair Loss Article Archive   Search the Article Archives New Research Links Causes Of Hair Loss To Nutritional Deficiency By Rebecca Prescott Whilst it may be comforting to know that humans are not alone in suffering hair loss (primates such as monkeys also experience thinning on their head) - understanding the causes of hair loss means we can take proactive action. Even though genetics does play a part, new research has uncovered a nutritional deficiency link in both men and women. And other factors, such as stress, and poor hair care, are well within our capacity to change. The genetic link in hair loss has been well studied. It is associated with male and female pattern hair loss, or alopecia. In these individuals there is an increased sensitivity to the sex hormone, DHT. DHT stands for dihydrotestosterone, and is a powerful metabolite of testosterone. It contributes to mens unique gender characteristics, as well as facial and body hair, and the deepening of mens voices at puberty. DHT causes the growth cycle of hair follicles to shorten, which in turn reduces the size of the hair shaft. Increasingly narrower hair is grown, sometimes as fine as fluff, and in more extreme cases, there is complete hair loss in that area. In women, estrogen usually counteracts the effects of testosterone. But when women go through menopause, or suffer hormonal imbalances, the reduction in estrogen can lead to female pattern baldness. Fortunately, this is not as drastic in its hair loss effects as male pattern baldness. Instead the hair tends to thin, and the crown parting becomes wider. But a very interesting study by LOreal has linked an iron deficiency to hair loss, in both men and women. This was a placebo controlled, double blind study in which 13,000 healthy men and women took a supplement, and had the ferritin (iron) levels in their blood measured and cross referenced with information on their hair loss. The results showed not only a link between hair loss and iron deficiency, but they were able to estimate the risk of hair loss in a certain level of iron deficiency. For example, women whose blood ferritin levels dropped from a normal 70µg/l to 40µg/l, had a 28% higher chance of severe hair loss. The post menopausal women in the study who had severe hair loss all had much lower levels of iron than the women who didnt have severe hair loss. The problem with iron supplementation, however, is that excess iron builds up in the bodys tissues and becomes toxic. It has been associated with an increased risk of developing chronic illnesses. Iron levels can be tested by a doctor, so if hair loss is a concern, its best to get your iron levels tested first before taking iron supplements. Other potential causes of hair loss - or at least, contributing factors are stress and poor hair care practices. Not brushing hair regularly, or washing it regularly, can affect the normal hair growth cycle. When hair that is naturally at the end of its life cycle is removed through brushing, it allows another hair to grow underneath it. Regular brushing naturally removes dead hair that is ready to fall out. Not removing that hair means new growth cannot occur, as the old hair smothers the new growth. Dirt and oil build up can have a similar effect, so its important to wash hair regularly. Stress can affect the circulation of nutrients and oxygen to the scalp, by causing the muscles in the scalp to tighten. If this happens over a long period of time, premature hair loss can occur. This cause of hair loss is distinct from male pattern baldness (which is hormonal), but it can certainly exacerbate the condition. And stress reduction techniques are simple things that can be added to a daily routine, to prevent hair loss, and improve the overall quality of life. References: 1. nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?id=49692 2. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hair_loss About the Author: Rebecca Prescott is a health writer with articles on hair growth products and pérdida del pelo. General vitamin articles can be found here. Affordable Hair Transplant

Get your Hair Loss questions answered... Subscribe to our Hair Loss Newsletter FREE! Your First Name: Your Email Address: Enter above security code

Home  |   Ask the Hair Loss Expert  |   Hair Loss Archive  |   Hair Loss RSS Feeds  |   Advertise  |   Sitemap