Natural Therapies for Hair Loss
I am a 51-year-old woman and am experiencing
some hair loss. What alternative supplements or
foods can I try to help with this problem?
-- Margaret
Hair loss can result from many causes. Common
ones include aging, low levels of thyroid or
pituitary hormones, cancer chemotherapy and
overdoses of vitamin A. Other diseases that can
cause hair loss include lupus, fungal conditions and
syphilis. Burns and trauma can destroy hair
follicles, resulting in a loss of hair.
Hair loss is also common following pregnancy and
severe illnesses. Normally, at any given time,
80-90 percent of your hair is in a growing phase,
and the remainder is in a resting phase. Hair loss
that follows pregnancy or illness occurs when a
larger percentage of hair is in the resting phase.
Women can also be affected by the type of hair
loss common in men called male-pattern baldness.
In male-pattern baldness, the body converts the
hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, a
hormone that destroys hair follicles and leads to
hair loss. (Yes, women have small amounts of
testosterone). Typically women with this type of
hair loss have thinning of the hair on the front and
sides of the head, but rarely is there complete
baldness.
Since there are so many possible reasons for hair
loss, a visit with your doctor is in order. She or
he
can evaluate the amount of hair loss and diagnose
and treat the conditions that may be causing it.
Hair loss that has no identifiable cause can be
treated with a number of natural therapies. A good
vitamin and mineral supplement will ensure that
you are getting the nutrients needed for healthy
hair. Be sure that you are eating a healthy diet and
getting enough protein and essential fatty acids.
Herbs such as nettles and seaweeds are high in
minerals that can help give you thick and healthy
hair. An olive oil massage of the scalp can help to
stimulate circulation.
If your hair loss is due to male-pattern baldness,
then try the herb saw palmetto. It helps to prevent
the conversion of testosterone to
dihydrotestosterone.
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