There is nothing more important to a woman than her hair. And besides the fact that it serves to express yourself and your concept of beauty, your hair can tell a lot about what is going on in your body.
Here are the six main culprits behind hair loss in women and ways to tackle each situation:
1. Stress
High stress plays a major factor in hair loss. Highly stressful scenarios like divorce, the death of a loved one, extremely toxic relationships, or work-related stress, all play a role in hair loss.
What to do: This kind of hair loss is temporary and stops the moment you start getting a hold of yourself. However, it is best that you try to take steps to combat stress. You can do more exercise, talk to a therapist, or ask for support from those you can trust.
2. Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a mix of hormonal changes and physical stress that can affect your hair. While it is not common for women to lose their hair during pregnancy, the most common cases happen after giving birth. This is because going through labor is an intensely stressful experience that will inevitably affect your hair.
“When you have a really stressful event, it can shock the hair cycle, (pushing) more hair into the shedding phase,” explains Dr. Marc Glashofer, a dermatologist in New York City.
What to do: This type of hair loss is not something you should be very concerned of, as your hair will grow back as soon as your body recovers from the stress.
3. Dramatic Weight Loss
Even if it is good for you, the fact that your body has gone through such a dramatic change is inevitably stressful for the system. This stress, along with a potential nutrient deficiency, will contribute to hair loss.
What to do: The shock from sudden weight loss will cause the hair to fall off for about six months, after which it will correct itself.
4. Bad Nutrition
Nutrient deficiency plays a very important role in hair loss. Eating junk food, highly processed food, or any other low-nutrient diet will cause your body to use up the little nutrients that are present for crucial operations, like your heart and other vital organs.
Because of this, your hair will not receive any of the nutrients it needs to grow and remain on your head for long enough.
Which is more, low water intake can contribute to brittle hair, as the hair is 40% water.
What to do: Change your eating habits and introduce healthy food into your diet. Make sure you have a good intake of vitamins and minerals.Do you want to know how much hair transplant cost?
5. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
Most prominently shown in the crown area, this type of hair loss, simultaneously joined with gaining fat around your stomach, is caused by increased amounts of DHT. DHT is produced through the conversion of testosterone in women with the help of a hormone called DHEA.
While more common in men, women can also suffer from this problem.
What to do: There are some foods which can combat and block out DHT. Try introducing more green tea, saw palmetto, giant dodder, and pumpkin seeds, into your diet. Consulting your doctor is also recommended.
6. Trichotillomania
Also known as trichoptilosis and hair pulling disorder, it is a disorder which causes the person to pull their hair out of impulse. Some sufferers do not even notice that they are pulling their hair until they see bald spots on their head. This disorder especially flares up in times of stress.
What to do: Consulting with a therapist is the most important step you should take in this situation. There are ways to treat this disorder.
And really, whatever the reason, if you notice that you are losing your hair, you should immediately talk to your GP or go to a dermatologist. Hair loss is not only not beautiful, but it can signify many health problems, ranging anywhere from stress to autoimmune diseases.
Take care of your health and love your hair!
Sources:
Fox News
Happy Life Report
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.