Solve the mystery: Hair loss is more than an aging process

Our bodies naturally recycle, shedding and replenishing our skin cells and our hair. There can be a very explainable reason why we lose a reasonable amount of hair throughout that cycle, but when more than what seems “reasonable” begins to occur, we need to pay close attention to what that loss might be telling us.

The growth and loss of our hair can be impacted by several things including our genes, our environment and our physical/emotional condition. The first one might be the only one we can’t really control, but the later two may be sending us “signals” we need not ignore.

Many times, we have hair growth spurts that help replenish what we’ve lost. For example, warmer seasons (spring, summer) affect our hormones, stimulating hair growth. When the weather turns slightly “chilly” (fall), we experience an increase in hair loss. As our body loses or sheds hair, the body naturally replenishes – unless the hair loss is permanent. Most of us never realize the full impact of hair loss because it is so gradual, slowly occurring over time and replenishing just as fast as it’s lost. Perhaps, this is why we need a “trim” within a few short weeks from when we received a haircut.

There are three stages of hair growth we all experience: Anagen (active), Catagen (transitional), Telogen (resting):

During “Anagen”, our hair grows about 1/3” while slowing down greatly during the Catagen stage until it reaches the Telogen/resting stage, with the average person experiencing about 6” of hair growth a year.

For most of us, we experience each of these cycles without a great deal of concern knowing our hair will “thin” out a little at a time as we age. But what about sudden hair loss, losing more than the precursor amount expected? Signs that something else is going on includes:

*Sudden unexplained hair loss – Emotional or physical shock/illness can cause this type of loss (handfuls of hair loss or what seems beyond normal amounts of hair is lost during brushing/washing of hair).

*Full body hair loss – Very typical with certain medical treatment (i.e. chemotherapy)

*Patchy hair loss – May be the beginning signs of an underlying medical condition. “Seborrheic dermatitis” (aka cradle crap in babies) is an itchy redness, scaly dandruff in appearance and can be treated with over the counter medications.

Hormones and certain medical conditions can be at the “root” of the problem. According to Mayo Clinic, the following conditions deserve a second glance:

Thyroid problems. The thyroid gland helps regulate hormone levels in your body. If the gland isn't working properly, hair loss may result.

Alopecia areata. This disease occurs when the body's immune system attacks hair follicles — causing smooth, roundish patches of hair loss.

Scalp infections. Infections, such as ringworm, can invade the hair and skin of your scalp, leading to hair loss. Once infections are treated, hair generally grows back.

Other skin disorders. Diseases that can cause scarring, such as lichen planus and some types of lupus, can result in permanent hair loss where the scars occur.

Hair loss is a natural body function, expected to increase with age. Sudden, unexplained hair loss is unnatural and unless it’s the result of a medical treatment you need to see a doctor immediately. Your body could be telling you something you need to know.


Quick Tips for Wellness: Listen to your body.


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