Have you noticed more hair falling out than usual? Hair loss expert Dr. Omar explains five main causes and an effective solution for hair loss.
For many people, hair is a big part of how they see themselves. In the UK, around 8 million women deal with some hair thinning or loss, but many don’t talk about it because they feel insecure or embarrassed. Typically, we lose 100 to 150 hairs a day, which is completely normal.
Dr. Omar points out that our hair goes through three stages in the Hair Growth Cycle. Firstly, there’s the Growth (Anagen) phase where most of our hair is actively growing. This can last from three to five years. Then, there’s the Transition (Catagen) phase when hair stops growing and disconnects from the follicle. This lasts for one to two weeks and affects about 1% of our hair. Finally, there’s the Resting (Telogen) phase when about 10-15% of our hair sits dormant before eventually shedding after three to four months.
However, if you start losing more hair than usual and it’s not growing back, it’s time to pay attention. Hair loss, or alopecia, happens when the Hair Growth Cycle is disrupted. This leads to a shorter growth phase and a longer resting phase, causing increased shedding and weaker regrowth.
One major cause is hereditary hair loss, often known as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness. It’s a genetic predisposition where hair follicles are sensitive to hair loss. Supplements that balance the hair growth cycle can sometimes help.
Proteoglycans are key molecules in hair growth, found throughout the body and especially in hair follicles. They help regulate hair growth, and an imbalance can disrupt the Hair Growth Cycle, causing more hair to enter the resting phase sooner, leading to hair loss.
If you are dealing with excessive hair loss, Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy (PRT) may be a helpful solution. Products like Nourkrin, which use a fish extract called Marilex, are rich in proteoglycans that can help restore hair growth by rebalancing the Hair Growth Cycle.
Another cause of hair loss is hormonal imbalance, particularly involving a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), derived from testosterone. Both men and women need testosterone, but an excess, especially when combined with a genetic sensitivity, can lead to hair loss.
Additionally, stress can significantly impact hair health. High stress levels increase the hormone cortisol, which can disrupt the Hair Growth Cycle, leading to hair loss. Often, stress-induced hair loss is temporary and can be resolved by managing stress.
Certain medications can also cause hair loss as a side effect. This can happen with drugs used to treat cancer, high blood pressure, arthritis, depression, and heart problems. Usually, this hair loss is temporary and reverses once the medication is stopped.
During pregnancy, high levels of estrogen can make hair thicker, but some women experience thinning hair. Post-pregnancy, many women notice significant hair shedding due to hormonal changes, but this usually resolves as hormone levels normalize.
Managing these hair loss factors can be complex, but knowing the causes and available treatments can make a big difference. If you’re experiencing hair loss, it might be worthwhile to explore some of these solutions and consult with a healthcare provider.