Hair Loss and how to make it STOP!

Every single week in my clinic I see women who are experiencing hair loss. The thing I always like to explain to each and every woman is that we need to identify the root cause (pun intended) and figure out why your hair is falling out or thinning.

There are many different reasons for hair loss throughout different life stages such as postpartum, major hormonal shifts like menopause, major life events or stressful life periods. There are also some underlying health conditions which can result in hair loss.

When we are looking at hair loss we also need to look at hair growth and the different phases of hair growth, these include: 

Anagen phase is the active phase when the cells in the root are diving and adding to the growing hair shaft. The phase lasts approximately 2-7 years and in normal healthy hair will result in hair growing approximately 1cm every 28 days however this can vary from person to person.

Catagen phase is the transition phase between the anagen phase and telagen phase which lasts for approximately 2 weeks, during this phase blood supply is being cut off to the hair follicle to stop hair growth.

Telogen phase is the resting phase which lasts for approximately 100 days for hairs on the scalp, eyebrow and eyelash. Stress can result in this phase lasting for longer periods of time or beginning earlier.

Exogen phase the period when old hairs will fall away and new hairs will begin to develop in the follicle. During this phase 25-100 hairs can normally each day.

These phases of hair growth can be impacted by many different factors and common hair loss patterns can also shorten the anagen phase (growth phase) and slow down the telogen phase (rest phase). Some of these common hair loss patterns include:

Telogen effluvium: Is this most common hair loss pattern which presents as temporary hair loss which may be due to trauma, shock or stress to the body. Resolving underlying stressors is an integral part of improving hair growth. Please remember that trauma, shock or stress does not only have to be emotional and it can be physical as well. Other examples of physical stressors may be high levels of exercise, rapid weight loss or gain, or chemical exposure.  

Androgenic alopecia (also known as male or female pattern baldness or thinning) which is related to elevated or sensitivity to androgens. Many women PCOS experience similar patterns of androgenic alopecia due to elevated levels of androgens. Other impacting factors can be elevated insulin, hypertriglyceridemia and obesity. Identifying why androgens are imbalanced and treating the underlying cause is essential.  

Tinea capitis is caused up by superficial fungal infection which can result in itchy, scaly and bald patches on the scalp. If you are noticing that your scalp is itchy, scaly or has any other abnormal signs like scabbing I recommend seeing a dermatologist for diagnosis. Further to this considering all of the essentials that the skin requires to function properly such as zinc, essential fatty acids, vitamin A. Assess immune function to identify why you are proper to these infections. Rule out other conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.  

Localised trichorrhexis nodosa a hair disorder which results in easy breakage of hairs at nodes on the hair shaft. Most commonly due to repeated trauma to the hair shaft e.g. hair drying, straightening, chemical treatments.  Consider the amount of heat you are using on your hair every day and if it is necessary to straighten, curl or blow dry your hair daily. Look at your shampoo, condition and other hair care products. Reassess how often you are bleaching hair.

Alopecia areata or totalis which presents as bald patches or total hair loss is an autoimmune condition. A complex condition which involves specialist care.

Other important factors which impact hair loss can include:

High prolactin levels have been shown to impact to reduce the anagen phase (growth phase) and increase the catagen phase. Factors that can increase prolactin include breastfeeding, hypothyroidism, high levels of stress, low dopamine, pituitary tumour.  

Low ferritin Iron is an important nutrient which makes sure that oxygen is carried to tissues and organs to keep them functioning properly. If you have low iron levels or iron deficiency this may result in reduced oxygen being carried to the cells that cause your hair to grow. Iron also impacts healthy thyroid function. Thyroid hormones T3 & T4 impact hair growth stages.

Thyroid Disorders impaired thyroid function can impact the development and growth phases of the hair root reducing hair growth and increasing hair thinning of the scalp. This can also occur in other areas such as eyebrows.  

Medications while medications are necessary at times unfortunately they can also have side effects of hair thinning. Check the side effects of your medications and this may help you identify if this is an underlying factor for you.

What you can do about it?

The first step to understanding why your hair may be thinning or falling out is identifying the root cause for you! Each and every woman is different and a breastfeeding mum of 2 may be losing hair for different reasons then a 26-year-old female with irregular periods.

 Once you have found out why your hair is thinning the next step is treating the cause. If you address the underlying issue then your hair issues should start to resolve over time. Remember that because certain conditions can decrease the growth phase and increase the rest phase of the hair growth cycle it can take 3-6 months to see those lush locks you are after.  

Reduce your stress levels, regardless of if stress was the cause of your hair loss issues it certainly isn’t going to help the situation out. Consider bring mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga or adaptogenic herbs into your routine to support stress reduction.

 A nutritious diet is always a priority, our hair needs nutrients to grow, stay strong and shine bright. Increasing key nutrients like iron, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, iodine, selenium and silica in the diet can support healthy hair.

 If you would like to talk further about your hair loss or any other health concerns please get in contact with me. I would love to hear from you!