We usually lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, but we tend not to notice it, as those strands are replaced by new hair. But it may become worrying when we notice increasing hair loss.
This occurs when new hair does not replace lost hair, which can lead to noticeable hair loss, bald spots, and clumps of hair all at once.
Amir Khan, an experienced general practitioner in the United Kingdom, said that there are many causes of hair loss, some of which are very treatable, including:
1. Genetic factor
Dr. Amir explains that, unfortunately, your family history is the biggest factor that determines whether you will lose your hair as you get older.
He said in a video clip shared on Instagram that baldness, or hair becoming very thin, “represents typical baldness for both males and females and tends to occur gradually, and has predictable patterns.”
The typical pattern of baldness begins at the hairline at the front of the head. The hairline gradually moves backward (recedes) and forms an M-shaped appearance.
The circular area at the back of the head often diminishes and expands in size over time.
2. Hormonal changes
Changes in hormone levels in men and women can lead to temporary or permanent hair loss.
“This is especially the case for those facing menopause,” Dr. Amir said.
This type of hair loss is known as androgenetic alopecia and can often resemble male pattern baldness, which begins at the crown of the head.
3. Alopecia
For those with alopecia areata, the immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss, and this can happen anywhere on the body.
The cause of alopecia is still unknown, but iron deficiency and stress can lead to this condition, although many experts doubt this.
In some cases, alopecia areata can turn into a systemic disease when it affects the entire body.
There is currently no cure for this condition, however, there are many medications available, but there is no guarantee of their effectiveness.
Usually, in the case of alopecia areata, hair will grow back over a few months or years, but regrowth is not guaranteed. Once the condition progresses to alopecia universalis, the chances of full regrowth become less.
4. Medicines
Medications used to treat cancer, arthritis, heart problems, and depression can all lead to hair loss.
But never stop taking your prescribed medication without talking to your doctor first.
5. Nutritional deficiency
Not getting enough of the right nutrients may be the reason behind sudden hair loss.
The NHS says that only diets that are very low in protein and iron are implicated in hair loss.
It may be a good idea to visit your doctor to request a blood test to check and see if you have nutritional deficiencies and then consider increasing your levels of certain vitamins with the help of nutritional supplements.
A delicious fruit that "improves" your mood in just four days
A new study reveals that eating kiwi fruit can improve your mood and boost your vitality in just four days.
Green kiwi fruit contains a high percentage of vitamin C, which is known to be important for human health.
The research team, from the University of Otago, New Zealand, conducted an eight-week nutritional analysis that included 155 adults suffering from low vitamin C.
Participants took either vitamin C supplements, a placebo, or two kiwifruit daily, and then reported on their vitality, mood, sleep quality, and physical activity via smartphone surveys.
The results showed that kiwi fruit improved vitality and mood within four days, and the positive effects reached their peak within 14-16 days.
On the other hand, vitamin C supplements slightly improved mood until day 12.
Ben Fletcher, the study's lead author, said: "This helps us reveal that what we eat can have a relatively rapid impact on how we feel and our overall mood."
The study was published in the British Journal of Nutrition.