The average number of hairs a person has is between 120,000 to 150,000. Normal, healthy hair grows approximately half an inch per month. The average amount of hair you can lose on a daily basis is around 100 hairs per day. This amount of hair loss is completely average, however, when hair loss is greater than this, it can be attributed to something more significant such as genetics, nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalance and stress.
Female pattern and male pattern baldness are two conditions in which the genetic code for DNA triggering hair loss is hardwired from birth. Female pattern baldness affects about 50% of women aged 50 years and older.
A family history of hair loss is obviously genetic , however a lack of family genetic predisposition to hair loss cannot rule out of the diagnosis in women. Genetic hair loss is due to several genes and is multi-factorial. In other words you have to look at all factors involved including genetics.
Currently, there is preliminary research that can determine what the male pattern baldness genes are; however, not much research exists on the genetics of female pattern baldness. The estimated chances of heritable male pattern baldness are closer to 81%, meaning genetics play a much larger role than environmental causes for men.
HAIR LOSS CAN OCCUR IF YOU LACK NUTRIENTS
Anemia is a condition caused by either too little or too many red blood cells in the body. When your body is deficient in iron, the volume of red blood cells decreases and causes iron deficiency anemia.
When your body is deficient in vitamin B12, the volume of red blood cells increases and causes macrocytic anemia. Iron helps oxygen to be carried throughout the body and is an important mineral for hair, skin, and nails. Vitamin B12 is necessary to help carry out many metabolic and neurological processes in the body. Getting tested for these nutrients is key to helping you restore hair growth. Simple labs tests should include a complete blood count (CBC), vitamin B12 and ferritin testing.
HAIR LOSS CAN BE CAUSED BY HORMONE IMBALANCE AND STRESS
Hair is always under some type of endocrine control. Three common, hormonal conditions that contribute to hair loss are thyroid disease, adrenal dysfunction, and menopause (in females)/andropause (in males). Thyroid diseases, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, and Graves, can all trigger hair loss. The thyroid controls the body’s metabolic function. Hair growth depends on the thyroid to work properly. These hormones instruct the hair follicle to undergo changes to prepare for the next hair cycle.
Adrenal dysfunction can also cause hair loss. The adrenal gland is a small organ that sits on top of your kidney. It regulates your stress response. It secretes hormones, including DHEA and cortisol. When these hormones are imbalanced, hair loss can occur. Menopause and andropause are conditions where the reproductive organs begin to slow down, causing sex hormones to also decrease. This reduction in female and male hormones can also contribute to hair loss.
WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT YOUR HAIR?
1. Make sure you get enough protein. Get three servings per day of some combination of meat, fish, poultry, seafood, or protein powder.
2. Make sure you’re not low in iron. Have your ferritin levels tested. If they are below 60 it can be a culprit for hair loss. Red meat is the only food source that helps otherwise a supplement is necessary. Greens are healthy foods but unfortunately, they do not change iron levels. For those who are low, supplements should be taken into consideration. Iron chelate is a form that works well and does not bother the digestive system of most people.
3. Make sure you are getting all the other micronutrients for your hair. My Hair, Skin and Nails blend is in one package to make it easy.
Give it some time!!!!! Patience is golden!!!!!
Even when you find a cause behind your hair loss, it takes several months to see the first few changes and up to a year to see complete re-growth. However sticking to what works and maintaining a proper diet will turn things around.
To your health!
