Rheumatoid Arthritis Support

By: Kim Erickson


Hair loss and hair thinning is a condition that has always been linked with men but in reality it can affect anyone at any age. It is important to realize that losing your hair does not in many cases mean that you have male or female pattern baldness.

There are several causes for hair loss including many that do not have anything to do with the genes that were passed down to you by your family. For instance nutrition or more accurately poor nutrition can and does cause hair loss. It is vital for hair growth and health that we consume adequate amounts of protein and iron. The new compulsion with staying slim and trim by crash dieting, fad diets or eating disorders undoubtedly leads to hair thinning or hair loss. What we eat definitely affects the health of all parts of our bodies. Many individuals are mislead by the idea that your hair is dead, but the hair follicles from which your hair grows are very much alive and need nourishment.

Certain medications may also cause hair thinning or hair loss. The side effects for medications are not experienced equally by all individuals, therefore it is important to discuss this with your physician if you suddenly experience hair loss. This is especially important if you are taking medications to treat depression, high blood pressure, gout, arthritis or for various heart problems. In many instances your doctor will be able to give you an alternative medication that will not have the same side effects.

Hormone changes or imbalances can cause hair thinning or hair loss but this is generally temporary. For instance hormone levels are effected with pregnancy, the birth, thyroid conditions, stopping birth control pills, and menopause. Once hormones get back to normal levels normal hair growth will begin, however it should be noted that the hair it self may be slightly different in texture or appearance.

Mechanical damage of the hair follicles can lead to hair loss or hair thinning. If injury of the hair follicles is severe this can lead to scarring causing substandard growth or permanent loss of growth. Mechanical damage can be caused by diseases, infections of the scalp, or by over processing. It is important to keep your scalp healthy and to be gentle with your hair in general. It is believed that even excess wearing of ponytails and braids can cause damage to the hair follicles by the constant pull. Perms, hair dyes, curling irons and blow dryers are also believed to cause damage if they are over used. If you are causing damage to the dead hair shaft you can be fairly certain you are damaging the living hair follicle.

Another type of hair loss known as Teleogen effluvium is caused by a emotional or physical shock to the system. This can include; the sudden death of a loved one, a high fever, sudden or extreme weight loss, metabolic disturbances, or surgery. Again, not everyone's body will react in the same way, however in some cases the shock causes the hair roots to prematurely enter into a resting state. Once in the resting state the hair is shed.

There are many explanations or causes for hair loss, therefore it is important that you seek the help of a physician before you assume you are simply going bald because of heredity. Hair loss and hair thinning may be an indication of an illness or the on set of an illness, for instance diabetes or lupus. Because the causes of hair thinning or hair loss are so varied a definite diagnosis needs to be acquired before you decide to seek out treatments on your own.

Kim Erickson