Have you noticed more hair falling out than usual? Hair loss expert Dr. Omar explains five causes of hair loss and suggests a working solution.
For many people, hair is a significant part of their identity, giving them character and confidence. However, about 8 million women in the UK face some level of hair thinning or loss. If you’re struggling with hair loss but haven’t spoken about it, you’re not alone. Nearly half of women with hair loss don’t talk about it because they feel insecure.
Losing 100 to 150 hair strands a day is normal and part of life’s cycle. Dr. Omar explains that our hair goes through three stages of growth, including shedding. Many people think hair loss can’t be treated and buy ineffective supplements.
Understanding the hair growth cycle and what causes hair loss is crucial:
1. Growth Phase (Anagen): 85-90% of our hair is growing. This phase lasts for 3-5 years.
2. Transition Phase (Catagen): Hair stops growing and detaches from the follicle, lasting 1-2 weeks.
3. Resting Phase (Telogen): Hair is inactive for 3-4 months before falling out.
When you lose more hair than usual, it’s time to worry. Hair loss may be sudden or gradual based on its cause and affects the scalp differently.
Hair loss, or alopecia, happens because of a disrupted hair growth cycle. Typically, the Anagen phase shortens while the Telogen phase extends, leading to more shedding and weaker regrowth.
There are many triggers for hair loss, including genetics, hair styling, nutrition, and more. Below are the five main causes Dr. Omar identifies:
1. Hereditary Hair Loss
Genetic factors are a primary cause of hair loss, such as male or female pattern baldness. Hair volume reduces with age, causing receding hairlines or thinning hair. Dr. Omar says genetic predispositions make some hair follicles more sensitive to loss.
2. Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones play a significant role in hair growth. Specifically, the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), derived from testosterone, can cause hair loss. Hormonal imbalances, especially during menopause or due to conditions like PCOS, affect hair health. Higher sensitivity to DHT may lead to androgenic alopecia.
3. Stress
Stress can severely impact hair health, with high cortisol levels leading to hair loss. Stress causes conditions like telogen effluvium, where hair enters the resting phase prematurely. Once the stressor is managed, hair should naturally regrow.
4. Medications and Health Conditions
Certain health issues and medications cause hair loss. Chemotherapy, for example, often results in significant hair loss. Drug-induced hair loss usually reverses once the medication is stopped or the body adjusts.
5. Pregnancy
Pregnancy often leads to thicker hair due to high oestrogen levels. However, some women experience hair thinning during pregnancy and postpartum due to hormonal changes. This temporary shedding normalizes as hormone levels stabilize.
Solution: Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy (PRT)
If you’re experiencing abnormal hair shedding, consult your doctor about Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy. Nourkrin, a PRT product, uses a fish extract, Marilex, rich in essential proteoglycans for hair growth. Clinical studies show that many women see significant improvement with Nourkrin after a few months.
In summary, hair loss can stem from various factors, from genetics to stress. While many products promise to help, it’s essential to understand the root cause and seek proven treatments like Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy. If hair loss concerns you, consulting a doctor and exploring the right solutions can help you regain confidence.
