In recent times I have noticed an increase in the number of women experiencing hair loss (alopecia) or a general thinning of the hair. Hair loss is a normal part of ageing as the regeneration of hair usually slows during or after menopause.For many women hair loss may come and go while for others there may be a long-term gradual thinning of the hair. The exact cause of hair loss is unknown, there are various factors that may contribute to the condition and it is often difficult to pin point a specific cause and treatment plan.

Factors that may contribute to hair loss include

• Androgenic female alopecia- some women may have an increase in the amount of male sex hormone dihydroxy-testosterone (DHT) this affects the hair follicles causing the production of hair to slow down or shut off. In this case there may be a genetic factor, insulin resistance or polycystic ovarian syndrome.

• After pregnancy some women find they loose a large amount of hair this is because during pregnancy hormonal factors slow the natural shedding of hair after giving birth there is a loss of this excess hair.

• Demodex follicularum is a microscopic mite that may contribute to hair loss in some individuals. It is very common and is thought to affect those who are under a lot of stress or have a run down immune system.

• Prescription medications- there are several drugs that list hair loss as a side effect chemotherapy being an obvious one. However there are other common medications that are widely used that list hair loss as a side effect, for example Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen, and antibiotics like Gentamycin. You can find a list of possible side effects of pharmaceuticals at www.rxlist.com you should consult your doctor before ceasing any medication and for further information on prescription medications.

• Hair loss is a symptom associated with hypothyroidism; you may need to see your medical practitioner in order to have a thyroid hormone test.

• Nutritional deficiencies are common in those suffering from hair loss. Particular nutrients to consider are: Zinc, iron, (a hair mineral analysis is a useful test for assessing mineral status as well as levels of toxic heavy metals) vitamin A, essential fatty acids, as well as selected B group vitamins.

• Another possible factor commonly overlooked in hair loss is celiac disease, where an abnormal immune response to gliadin causes antibodies to attack hair follicles, leading to alopecia. Appropriate testing should be done in order to eliminate this as a causative factor.

• Some other things to keep in mind are; high stress levels, high fever, diabetes, fungal infections, chemicals found in hair dyes, skin disease, poor circulation, exposure to radiation.

Considerations

If you are experiencing abnormal hair loss, I would strongly suggest you begin by seeing your health practitioner and have the appropriate pathology testing in order to identify or eliminate causative factors. An extensive and in-depth consultation can often suggest possible causes. From here an appropriate treatment plan can be formulated.

How can natural medicine help?

• Saw palmetto is useful for those with androgenic pattern hair loss as it is thought that this herb inhibits the formation of DHT by acting on the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. It also has a general anti-inflammatory action, and may be useful for hair loss in men as well.

• Essential fatty acids are known to have an anti-inflammatory action and prevent hair from becoming dry and brittle, you might want to consider evening primrose oil or good quality fish oil.

• Vitamin A is necessary for new cell growth and immune function it is also a well-known anti-ageing agent, may be helpful in hair loss.

• B vitamins are important for healthy skin eyes and hair as well as a healthy nervous system among other things, because they are water soluble they are not stored within the body. During times of stress the body uses more B vitamins, a multi B may be useful for hair loss in women.

• Zinc is required for protein synthesis (hair is largely made up of protein) and immune function. It is also know for its antioxidant property, low zinc levels in farming soils means that many people may experience low levels or deficiency in the body.

• Iron deficiency is often caused by a poor diet however there may be other factors involved. It is an important nutrient for growth, immune function, and energy production. A deficiency in iron often leads to hair loss in some individuals.

• Vitamin C is highly antioxidant and improves circulation it also helps in preserving glutathione a powerful antioxidant in the body.

• Silica is also a mineral widely used for health of skin, nails and hair it may aid in the growth and strength of hair.

• Of course you should endeavour to gain these nutrients through maintaining a healthy diet. Juicing fruits and vegetables can prove helpful in gaining essential nutrients.

• There are many vitamin and mineral complexes on the market some better than others. One product I believe to be of reasonable quality and widely available is called Ultra Hair Plus by Ultra Plus It contains; Vitamin A: 10000IU, Vitamin C: 500mg, Vitamin B-1: 30mg, Vitamin B-2: 100mg, Niacin: 30mg, Vitamin B-6: 10mg, Folate: 400mcg, Biotin: 2000mcg, Pantothenic Acid: 50mg, Zinc: 5mg, MSM: 500mg, Inositol: 200mg, Choline: 100mg, Paba: 100mg, L-Cysteine: 100mg, FOLLIGEN COMPLEX: 100mg, Glucosamine Sulfate: 50mg. You should consult your health practitioner before taking any supplements.

Dietary recommendations

• Increase your intake of soy foods, like tofu and tempeh. Soy is thought to inhibit the formation of DHT the hormone thought to be involved in hair loss. As well as being a good source of important proteins.

• Eat a healthy well balanced diet, try and consume lots of fruits and vegetables of varied colours. As they are high in flavonoids that are potent antioxidants.

• Ensure that you are getting a sufficient amount of protein rich foods. If you are vegetarian ensuring you are eating the right combinations of protein during every meal.

• Avoid eating foods that are starchy and high in simple carbohydrates, and sugar. These will cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate and promote inflammation in the body.

• Avoid going on crash diets that may result in a deficiency of essential nutrients important for general health and the health of your hair.

Other good Advice

• Stress can play a major role triggering hair loss in some individuals. The condition in itself can be a very stressful experience further contributing to the problem. A good stress management plan is important. If possible remove major stressors in your life. Short daily meditation and visualisation can be extremely helpful. Consider doing yoga, tai chi, or a hobby that you really enjoy. It is very easy to underestimate the role our psyche plays in our state of health.

• Be cautious when using products that are not natural on the hair. Allergic reactions to chemicals found in hair products are not uncommon. Try and find products that are sodium laurel sulphate free and have a neutral pH.

• Use products that contain herbal extracts like chamomile and aloe many good products also contain silica and biotin. They are usually available from health food stores.

• If you suspect that you have mites you might want to try using tea tree essential oil in a base of almond or olive oil. Massaged onto the scalp and then shampoo.

• Daily scalp massage can also help by increasing circulation to the scalp and promoting hair growth.

• Avoid over handling your hair with blow dryers and hair straighteners. Brush it with at wide tooth comb when it is dry. Wet hair is prone to breakage.

• You might want to seek out a trichologist (hair and scalp specialist) who will analyse your hair and scalp under a microscope and may offer further advice.