Nutritionist post - Thinning or falling out hair.

Why is your hair thinning or falling out?

Numerous problems can trigger female hair loss. Some are external, such as taking certain medications, frequently wearing hairstyles that pull the hair too tight, or even a stressful event such as surgery. In other cases, thinning hair is triggered by something going on inside the body. I discuss the health conditions and nutrient deficiencies that can cause this.

Stress

The stress hormone, cortisol, is known to affect the function and cyclic regulation of the hair follicle. Cortisol is known to affect the function and cyclic regulation of the hair follicle. During periods of stress, cortisol dysregulation can disrupt cell signaling, and oxidative stress can disrupt the normal transitions of the hair growth cycle. To improve hair health reducing stress and supporting your nervous system is key.

Under active thyroid

Thyroid conditions can cause hair loss if they are severe and go untreated. When hormone production is disrupted, specifically of thyroid hormones T3 and T4 it affects other processes in the body. This includes the development of hair at the root. Hair falls out and may not be replaced by new growth, resulting in thinning across your scalp and other areas such as your eyebrows. A sign of hypothyroidism is thinning of the eye browns at the end of the brow.

PCOS ( Polycystic ovary syndrome)

Even though some women have thicker than normal hair growth on their face or the rest of their bodies, many women with polycystic ovary syndrome have problems with thinning scalp hair, known as androgenic alopecia or more recently, female pattern hair loss. This is usually due to the high levels of androgens in women with PCOS. Just like skin, the condition of your hair is an outward sign of inside health. The cells that make up each strand of hair require a regular supply of key nutrients. Nutrient deficiency’s can cause hair thinning.

Low iron

When you don’t have enough iron, your body can’t produce the hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin carries oxygen for the growth and repair of cells in your body, including the cells that stimulate hair growth. Iron deficiency can present as thinning hair.

Zinc

Zinc plays an important role in hair tissue growth and repair. It also helps keep the oil glands around the follicles working properly. Hair loss is a common symptom of zinc deficiency. Studies show zinc supplements reduce hair loss caused by zinc deficiency.

Vitamin D

There is some evidence that having a vitamin D deficiency does cause hair loss and other hair problems. Vitamin D stimulates hair follicles to grow, and so when the body does not have enough, the hair may be affected.

Lack of protein

Protein is the building block of your muscles, skin, enzymes and hormones, and it plays an essential role in all body tissues. Not enough protein in the diet can lead to thinning hair.

So what can help if you are experiencing hair loss or thinning of hair?

Blood tests can help to establish your thyroid function and evaluate your iron and ferratin status and other nutrients deficiencies. This is with guidance from a clinical nutritionist or a GP.

Ensure that you consume a diet rich in whole foods, adequate protein and oily fish. Daily sun exposure for 30 mins will increase vitamin D levels. Go in the sun in the morning or afternoon outside peak UV exposure.

Speak to your hairdresser for products to support hair growth and information for looking about your hair. I highly recommend Judena hair in Bondi, they are very knowledgeable with supporting hair loss with products and treatments.