Hair loss affects 50% of women. 20% lose their hair after becoming mothers, and 1 in 6 young women will experience premature hair loss.
These are the statistics commonly presented in various studies about a physiological event that is both common and frightening: hair loss.
But why does our hair fall out? And is it a cause for concern?
First of all, we need to understand the root causes.
We can begin by imagining a tree, rooted in fertile, healthy soil. The roots of our hairs are a bit like that. As in Nature, for a root to be strong and healthy, it needs its entire organism to be as well. So, the next time you see a hair, internalize that its root is much deeper than what you see in your hand or brush. It is rooted in your entire organism.
Therefore, there can be many causes of hair loss.
We know this is a natural physiological phenomenon that tends to be more pronounced at certain times of the year, such as autumn. Each individual loses, on average, about 50 to 100 strands of hair per day, and that's okay. It's a natural process from the growth phase to the resting phase of the follicles, during which some shed naturally.
For women with long, darker hair, it is easier to see this natural change.
But remember that natural hair growth and loss occur cyclically. And even small natural hair loss patterns can be a sign that something is affecting our body.
We must, therefore, observe when it becomes an excessive and prolonged fall — even creating, in some cases, the famous bare patches or clearings.
Brushing your hair and seeing large clumps in it is always frightening. It's a very personal thing when we see the shower drain covered in hair, or the bathroom floor, or our pillow when we wake up. Losing hair brings us embarrassment, shame, and even anxiety and depression. It disturbs us, affecting our routine, mood, and quality of life.
Several factors can be behind the decrease in hair density. We need to be alert.
So what are the most common causes?
Hormonal Imbalances and Nutritional Deficits Behind Hair Loss
ANXIETY AND STRESS
Stress is one of the main triggers of so many diseases today. Social pressure and the fast-paced lifestyles disrupt our hormone production daily, rendering them dysfunctional. One of the main causes of excessive hair loss is chronic stress, and the resulting dysregulation of cortisol—known as the stress hormone. A prolonged period of stress or trauma can cause our body to save on "vanity," prematurely signaling hair to stop growing, which requires a surprising amount of cellular (mitochondrial) energy, keeping your hair in the telogen phase—the resting phase—for an extended period.
Additionally, when we're stressed, we tend to eat and sleep less and with lower quality, and stress itself causes us to use more nutrients, including B vitamins and zinc, which are important for hair growth.
One solution is to use adaptogens, such as Ashwagandha, which balances cortisol and promotes hair growth. Strengthen your physical and mental well-being and start prioritizing self-care. Create schedules and include time in your routine to rest, relax, take care of yourself, and sleep better!
Ashwagandha 60caps - Pure Encapsulations
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM PROBLEMS
One of the main reasons for hair loss is related to the digestive system and can be linked to several factors (therefore, there's no point in spending money on hair products if you don't first take care of your gut health).
New research links the gut microbiome to brain function, heart health, and blood sugar. Remember that the most important thing for hair health is nutrient absorption. By taking care of your diet and gut health, and taking a probiotic daily, you're increasing the number of good bacteria in your gut to help digest food and deliver vital nutrients to your follicles, while also reducing stress.
> Digestive System Problems Associated with Hair Loss:
- Growth of H. Pylori (a bacterium that causes stomach inflammation associated with gastritis, peptic ulcers, and certain types of stomach cancer. It damages the protective barrier and stimulates inflammation. Generally linked to a deficiency of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, it prevents proper protein digestion and nutrient absorption).
- Undiagnosed celiac disease
- Parasites
- Intestinal dysbiosis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
ESTROGEN DOMINANCE
Estrogen dominance is an extremely common imbalance and can fuel hair loss. Since estrogen is involved in prolonging the growth phase and the time it takes for hair to thicken, in some women, excess estrogen can trigger hair loss, as it activates a gene variant that affects the function of an enzyme (aromatase—which processes estrogen).
For other women, the problem with estrogen dominance is that they also have lower levels of progesterone (which acts as an aromatase inhibitor) relative to estrogen—and progesterone helps protect hair follicles from the hair-loss effects of testosterone, DHT, and estrogen.
HYPOTHYROIDISM
Hair loss often means a drop in thyroid hormone production, indicating suboptimal thyroid function. It's a problem that's often diagnosed late because the range for thyroid function testing is so wide that it's considered "normal" when signs and symptoms associated with the dysfunction already exist, leaving us outside the OPTIMAL range.
Unfortunately, this is a very common problem in women over 35—when metabolism slows down, symptoms such as weight gain, lack of energy, cold hands and feet, constipation, and fatigue begin to appear. This wear and tear impacts the hair follicle, preventing it from growing and utilizing nutrients to provide shine and softness.
Thyroid Synergy - Designs for Health
NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES
Our hair follicles need glucose, protein, vitamins and minerals to produce hair.
Excessive hair loss can be a sign of a nutrient deficiency. Our hair is primarily composed of a protein called keratin, which gives it strength.
But, in addition to keratin, there are vitamins: vitamin B complex ; B12 ; B9 ; D and Biotin ; minerals in deficit such as iron. due to heavy periods; endometriosis or uterine fibroids; magnesium and essential zinc , which are needed to prevent hair loss, brittleness and dullness.
Postpartum
A good example of a temporary cause that can last for months is postpartum hair loss. This is related to the drop in estrogen that occurs after childbirth and typically occurs four months after delivery. During pregnancy, the body has higher levels of estrogen (and progesterone). This phenomenon increases and prolongs the hair's "resting phase." When estrogen drops after pregnancy, all the hair that was "resting" on the head begins to fall out. On the other hand, excess estrogen also often causes lower levels of progesterone (the hormone that helps protect hair follicles from the effects of testosterone, DHT, and estrogen). Therefore, it is extremely important to maintain your prenatal vitamin intake. Another tip is to make a nettle tea and drink 1 to 3 cups a day.
Prenatal Basics 90cap - Thorne
INSULIN RESISTANCE
Hair follicle cells cycle faster than any other cell in the body. Insulin regulates metabolism after carbohydrate ingestion, allowing the body to use these nutrients as an energy source and to grow hair. This requires stable glucose levels. This can be achieved with a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fat, fiber, and a good protein intake, daily exercise, good sleep patterns, and the consumption of low-glycemic carbohydrates.
IMPORTANCE OF FOOD
Calorie restriction caused by fasting, insufficient nutrition, and anorexia nervosa also cause hair problems. Again, hair follicles need energy, and they need you to eat well! You must consume enough carbohydrates, protein, and saturated fat so that vitamins and minerals are absorbed by your body, from your toes to the tips of your hair!
EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS, TOXIC ELEMENTS AND HEAVY METALS
Sudden hair loss can be caused by chemicals like hair dyes, which damage the scalp, and hair cosmetics. Of course, you need to wash your hair, and yes, there are days when dry shampoo is the only way to leave the house. However, overusing the product can cause buildup, clogged pores, and increased chemical exposure. Leave a day or two between washes and avoid unnecessary styling products. Hairspray on top of shine spray on top of dry shampoo on top of thickening spray is a lot for your follicles to handle.
Detox Shampoo 500ml - Sol Santos
With this in mind, our advice is to check the labels and see if yours are free of parabens, sulfates, and other ingredients known to do more harm than good.
Love your healthy, natural hair
Hair is part of our identity, a natural element of self-expression. Whether short, bob, rocker, long, braided, ponytail, layered, or curly, hair has always been a symbol of beauty, youth, health, and feminine energy.
Proving this is the entire hair industry: the highlights, the highlights, the lush wigs that make us lose track of what natural hair is.
With the arrival of autumn, nature changes colors. The trees fill with yellow, orange, and reddish leaves that eventually begin to fall and color the ground. It's one of the most beautiful times of the year, isn't it? Renewal is part of nature, so it's natural that during some months of the year, we also experience this cycle. In this case, natural hair loss. However, we need to be aware of this process, as it often signals that something is wrong at the root of our organism, just like a healthy or sick tree.
When we understand that our body, like any element of Nature, is an organism that works as a whole, we can better listen to it, perceive its signals, and recognize that hair loss may be triggered by a problem in our roots and trunk. In other words, an illness that is also affecting another part of our body and we haven't yet realized it.
How common is hair loss in women? We already know that it's perhaps one of the most common symptoms, although we feel affected and diminished when it happens to us. So, above all, take care of your hormonal balance. Take care of yourself, your nature!
