Hormones
Menopause is a time of hormonal change and hair is not immune. Oestrogen is associated as being the main factor. As the level depletes, testosterone starts to play a bigger part and can cause thinning making the hair finer.
Oestrogen helps to regulate the hair growth cycle, so the menopausal oestrogen decline also means hair won’t grow as long and will shed earlier than before too.
Natural oils are also reduced causing the hair to become dry and lackluster.
If you develop dry, thinning hair and increase hair fall, I recommend you book a GP appointment to explore your blood works along with your thyroid function.
Stress
Stress is an increasing factor causing affects throughout the body. Stress is linked to our hormones, so when we are stressed our adrenal glands release the hormones cortisol (stress hormone) and adrenaline, which is the fight or flight response, this can lead to an increase in our testosterone levels and over time can cause your hair to start thinning, especially if you have a genetic predisposition to follicle/scalp sensitivity.
Stress can increase oil production, disrupting the scalp’s micro-flora balance resulting in itching and flaking.
Stress can also interfere with your body’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients as well as drive you towards poor food choices, both of which will result in unhealthy hair.
Hair
Hair is a non-essential factor to the body. The body will take nutrients away from the hair follicles during times of deficiency, which can affect your hair’s health and growth.
As an example, lack of vitamin C can cause hair to become brittle, whilst a decrease in vitamin E, or essential fatty acids, causes the hair to become brittle and lackluster.
Hair thinning in patches can be caused by a lack of B vitamins, iron, zinc or vitamin D.
Diet
The importance of a good nutritional diet is imperative for good hair health e.g., grains, fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds all of which are good sources of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids to nourish your hair roots. Red meat and dark green, leafy vegetables are good sources of iron and should also make the menu.
Iodine is another important mineral for the maintenance and strengthening of the hair. Iodine can be obtained by increasing your uptake of leafy green vegetables, seafood, strawberries, cheese and eggs.
Thinning hair can be an indication of nutritional deficiencies, so a good branded multivitamin and mineral is highly recommended. Please be mindful it can take a month or two, depending on bio-chemistry and genetic make-up, to notice the benefits. Within 3 months there should be noticeably stronger and thicker hair if there was a decrease in nutritional deficiency.
Covid
During the pandemic period hair loss was one of the less discussed symptom relating to Covid-19. It has become more apparent people were and still are experiencing hair loss from light shedding to increased amounts after Covid symptoms have disappeared.
The hair loss experienced is known as Telogen Effluvium (TE) which is temporary and will resettle with the correct prescribed products. Telogen Effluvium is diagnosed by a change in the number of hair follicles and would normally occur after a traumatic period or illness. Recovery period can be seen in a good, time frame subject to the individual body’s composition and nutritional uptake.
Should you require additional advice, please refer to: www.hairloss-trichology.com Thank you
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