Most people should expect to lose up to 60 strands of hair everyday. Shedding like this is normal and can happen through day-to-day activity such as brushing or washing your hair. Any hair loss that is a little more obvious may require a change in diet to include supplements such as zinc, vitamin B, vitamin C, sulfur and iron. If your hair loss is more extreme, a doctor should always be contacted to rule out any medical problems.
Common Reasons for Hair Loss
Genes
The female line in your family will give a good indication of any pre-determined likely hood that you will experience hair loss. Unfortunately because it is genetic, hair loss like this is unavoidable. Seeking professional help early, however, can help.
Pregnancy
The changes in hormones when you fall pregnant will cause your hair to hold onto any strands that you would normally shed which means that once you give birth, you will spend the next few months losing those strands extremely fast. This is normal and will subside.
Illness
Illness affects the normal functions of your body and a side effect of that can be hair loss. Aggressive illnesses, such as cancer, have to be treated with aggressive treatments like chemotherapy, which can cause hair loss. The most important thing to remember with illness causing hair loss is that your hair will grow back.
Medication
Medication that alters your hormones (such as the pill) can cause hair loss. Speaking to your doctor is the best way to determine if your medication is causing such a loss and what the best remedy is.
Menopause
The reduction in oestrogen that occurs when a women experiences menopause will almost always affect the hair is some way and speaking to your doctor about the best course of action to take is highly recommended.
Nutrition
Lack of iron and protein can cause hair loss. If you're worried, see your doctor about an iron deficiency test and make sure that you always eat a diet rich in lean red meat, poultry, fish, leafy green vegetables and lots of vitamin C.
Stress
When a hormone link can't be found and any other culprits are ruled out, stress is usually the underlying cause of hair loss. Learning to deal with stress and to relax is key to getting your locks back to normal.
Lack of Sleep
Interruptions to your sleep cycle will cause problems to your body's normal functions which can result in hair thinning and loss and any steps to correct a sleeping problem should be taken.
General thinning of the hair that is caused by any of the triggering factors mentioned is your body reflecting any inside damage and is usually just a temporary problem that will correct itself with prevention and proper treatment.
Hair that is lost in patches or clumps is a matter that should be dealt with by a qualified medical practitioner.
If you have any concerns about hair loss, please see your doctor.
