As we get older, hair thinning or loss is something both men and women experience to some degree. While not everyone ends up with a completely bald head, many of us start noticing a little more shedding after hitting 40. For women, it often happens around menopause when hormones start fluctuating, which can be especially tough to deal with.
For men, male-pattern baldness is pretty common, and it’s usually genetic, so it’s a well-understood part of aging. Women experience hair loss too, especially after menopause. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why this happens.
Genes vs. Hormones
The main culprit for both male and female hair loss is a condition called androgenetic alopecia, which is just a fancy name for pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is connected to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a form of testosterone.
About half of men over 50 and half of women over 65 experience this kind of hair loss, but it can affect younger people too. Some people have hair follicles that are more sensitive to DHT, which leads to thinning hair. In addition to genetics, factors like hormonal imbalances and nutrition can also play a big part in hair loss.
For example, a study published in the International Journal of Trichology found that women with progressive hair loss often had issues like hypothyroidism (low thyroid) and high blood pressure, plus a deficiency in vitamin D. So, while genes are important, other factors like hormones, diet, and stress are worth considering.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones play a huge role in hair health for both men and women. Here’s how they factor in:
-
Estrogen and testosterone imbalance in women: After menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, while testosterone levels may stay the same or even rise. This imbalance can lead to thinning hair.
-
Thyroid hormone levels: Whether too low (hypothyroidism) or too high, thyroid problems can impact hair growth. Women in particular may experience thyroid imbalances during perimenopause, leading to hair loss.
-
Testosterone: Both men and women can experience hair thinning due to changes in testosterone levels, which might happen naturally or due to hormone treatments.
-
Insulin resistance: This can be a sign of pre-diabetes or diabetes, and it’s another factor that can contribute to hair thinning.
Diet and Nutrition
Your diet has a big impact on your hair. Nutritional deficiencies are often to blame for thinning hair. Some key nutrients for hair health include:
-
Iron: Deficiency in iron, which is common in pre-menopausal women, can lead to hair loss. Iron helps transport oxygen to hair follicles.
-
Zinc: Low zinc levels can affect hair growth, causing thinning and breakage. It also plays a role in protein synthesis, which is key for healthy hair.
-
Selenium: This trace element is essential for thyroid function, which, as we’ve seen, affects hair growth.
-
Biotin, Folate, Niacin: B vitamins are crucial for hair health, and deficiencies can lead to hair loss.
-
Vitamin D: Low levels of vitamin D can cause hair to thin or stop growing. Many people don’t get enough sun exposure, which is a common cause of vitamin D deficiency.
-
Vitamin A: While it can help stimulate hair follicles, too much vitamin A can actually cause hair loss.
-
Protein: Without enough protein, your body can’t produce the amino acids needed for hair growth, leading to thinning hair.
Health Status
Your overall health plays a significant role in hair loss. Conditions like cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and hypothyroidism can all contribute to thinning hair. Autoimmune diseases, as well as digestive issues like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease, can also lead to hair loss.
Interestingly, Covid-19 can also lead to hair loss, known as telogen effluvium. Many people experience shedding a few months after recovering from Covid, even if they had mild symptoms. Stress from illness, surgery, or physical trauma can disrupt the hair growth cycle, causing temporary hair loss.
What Can You Do?
A healthy, balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and veggies is key to supporting hair growth. If you suspect you have a nutritional deficiency, supplementation might help. Natural remedies like rosemary oil, omega-3 fish oils, coconut oil, and even onion juice have also been linked to stimulating hair growth. If you’re looking for a medical option, treatments like Rogaine or Propecia can help.
Ultimately, your hair reflects your body’s overall health. Taking care of your physical health, managing stress, and eating well can make a big difference for both your hair and your skin.
Have you noticed any hair thinning, especially after having Covid? What about any other health conditions that might have contributed to hair loss for you?
