facts about hair loss and balding

Let's look at fast facts about hair loss and balding ...

Below, you'll discover general information, plus hair loss as it relates to women.

The men will find facts about male baldness, alopecia and genes by clicking here.

Remember that, to make the most of whatever hair you have, you need to follow a healthy diet. So, check out healthy eating, hair loss and missing vitamins, here.

facts about hair loss and balding - women

As all you girls will know, a woman’s hair is her pride and joy!

Whatever your age, it adds a lot to your general appearance if your hair's nicely colored, styled, and in optimum condition.

But not all of you will be able to boast about having gorgeous hair, and - even those of you who can - may experience several temporary problems in a lifetime.

Let's consider the various reasons for this, starting with health problems.

facts about hair loss and balding - health

Hair is known to regenerate itself.

Although you lose about 100 hairs a day, unless a serious health condition is present, you won’t notice the loss, as new hairs start growing instantly.

There are several reasons why a woman should face hair loss and, in most cases, appropriate diagnosis and cure will solve the problem.

In the case of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, for example, high levels of androgens (male hormones) are thought to be the cause of hair loss.

These hormones make the follicles "rest" so, with each growth cycle, the hairs these follicles produce will be thinner.

Maybe you're going through the menopause?

If you are, you may also have a high level of androgens, and notice that the hair on your head is thinner, while your facial hair is coarser.

Perhaps you've had a recent pregnancy or receive birth control medication?

These can also cause hormone fluctuations or imbalances which result in hair loss.

Those of you with low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) may experience not only weight problems but also hair thinning.

An endocrinologist should be able to suggest treatment to keep the thyroids under control and, at the same time, solve the hair loss problem.

Other causes of hair loss include severe stress, infection, allergies, and auto-immune diseases - such as lupus.

facts about hair loss and balding - environment

Poisoning with heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium and lead will always bring about hair thinning.

Living in an environment rich in these heavy metals, such as a mining site, or living with people who work in an industry that uses them will make you more prone to hair thinning and loss.

Smoking tobacco is also known to bring a high level of cadmium into your body.

facts about hair loss and balding - diet

Mineral or vitamin deficiency is another well-known cause of hair loss. You'll find the subject of diet and hair dealt with more fully by clicking here.

Zinc, manganese, iron and vitamin B6 supplements, as well as a change in eating habits to include foods rich in such minerals will certainly improve your hair.

Those of you who are vegetarians and experiencing hair loss need to check your diet, to ensure you're getting enough proteins. If not, either change your diet or consider protein supplements.

facts about hair loss and balding - medication

Anesthesia and chemotherapy are two other causes of hair thinning and loss.

If you've received anesthetic because of an operation, you should notice a regeneration of hair over the following months.

However, if you've undergone chemotherapy, this may not be the case.

Anyone receiving hepatitis B shots are likely to lose more hair than usual but, don't worry - this should just be temporary.

Blood pressure medication, blood-thinners, seizure medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, oral contraceptives high in progestin, medication for gout, mood-altering drugs like Lithium and Prozac etc, can all cause your hair loss.

However, your doctor should tell you exactly what to expect when you start taking any of the above-mentioned medication.