Have you noticed more hair falling out lately? Hair loss expert, Dr. Omar, shares five common causes and an effective solution.
Hair plays a big role in defining our character, confidence, and personality. However, around 8 million women in the UK deal with some form of hair loss or thinning at any given time. Many suffer in silence, with nearly 46 percent feeling too embarrassed or insecure to discuss it.
Typically, we lose about 100 to 150 strands of hair every day, which is considered normal. Dr. Omar explains that hair goes through three stages in the Hair Growth Cycle, with one of these stages involving shedding.
Many think hair loss can’t be treated and end up buying supplements and vitamins that aren’t proven to work. But there are solutions available. Let’s first understand the Hair Growth Cycle and what causes hair loss.
The Hair Growth Cycle:
1. Growth Phase (Anagen): About 85-90% of hair is growing. This phase lasts three to five years.
2. Transition Phase (Catagen): Hair stops growing and disconnects from the follicle, affecting about 1% of hair for about one to two weeks.
3. Resting Phase (Telogen): Around 10-15% of hair sits inactive for three to four months before shedding.
When you start losing more hair than usual or it doesn’t grow back, it’s time to worry. Hair loss can appear suddenly or gradually and varies in severity. Signs and symptoms of hair loss (alopecia) often point to a disrupted Hair Growth Cycle. Dr. Omar explains that a shorter growth phase and an extended resting phase result in more shedding and weaker regrowth.
So, what causes hair loss? Here are five main triggers:
1. Genetics:
Hereditary hair loss, also known as male- or female-pattern hair loss, is the most common cause. Genetics may lead to thinning hair as you age. Dr. Omar says that some hair follicles are genetically predisposed to hair loss. To rebalance this, hair growth supplements can help.
2. Hormonal Imbalance:
Hormones like dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can cause hair loss in both men and women. Men have more testosterone, while women have higher levels of estrogen. Estrogen keeps hair in the growth phase, but DHT shortens it, leading to hair loss. Conditions like menopause and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can trigger hormonal imbalances, increasing hair loss.
3. Stress:
Stress can lead to hair loss by increasing cortisol levels, which affects the Hair Growth Cycle. Managing stress is crucial, as prolonged stress can cause telogen effluvium, where hair sheds excessively but can regrow once the stress is managed.
4. Medications:
Some medications, including treatments for cancer, high blood pressure, and depression, can cause hair loss by interfering with the Hair Growth Cycle. This side effect is usually temporary and resolves once the medication is stopped.
5. Pregnancy:
Pregnancy can both increase and decrease hair thickness due to hormonal changes. Postpartum hair loss is common and typically resolves as hormone levels return to normal. Pregnant women are also at risk of iron deficiency anemia, which can cause hair thinning.
For those experiencing significant hair loss, one effective treatment is Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy (PRT) using products like Nourkrin. This therapy aims to rebalance the Hair Growth Cycle by providing essential nutrients, including proteoglycans, which help regulate hair growth. Clinical research shows that Nourkrin can promote hair growth and improve hair quality with noticeable results typically seen within three to six months.
If you are dealing with hair loss, it’s important to consult a doctor or consider treatments like PRT to address the issue effectively.
