Why Hair Loss

Hair loss is not only a simple skin or scalp problem, but it is also associated with blood circulation, nervous support systems, endocrine glands, diet, nutrition, stress, emotional shock, medical disorders and even genes.

Sebaceous Glands, Blood Vessels and Dermal Papilla

Within the scalp, there are two ducts that connect to the hair follicle: sebaceous gland and blood vessels. Excessive secretion from the sebaceous gland and restricted blood flow through the blood vessels will affect healthy hair growth cycles.

The dermal papilla is the major communication point between the follicle and the rest of the body. Because blood passes through the papilla, any chemical imbalances in the blood will easily affect the hair follicle health. The dermal papilla is like soil for the hair follicle. Therefore a healthy papilla is essential for healthy hair follicles.

Genes

Genetic hair thinning or baldness is due to the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) acting on genetically-susceptible scalp hair follicles. Testosterone converts to DHT with the aid of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. DHT then binds to receptors on hair follicles obstructing the blood supply to the follicle and thus preventing absorption of essential nutrients.

Emotional Stress And Shock

Emotional stress and shock increase the production of five hormones: Growth hormone, thyroxine, adrenaline, glucocorticoids and glucagon. These hormones all affect blood sugar levels that can cause diffuse hair loss. Emotional stress also causes imbalances in endocrine gland secretions leading to hair loss.

Diet and Nutrition

Deficiencies of iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium and chromium affect hair follicle health. High levels of copper can lead to dry hair as well as hair loss. Poor protein intake and essential fatty acid deficiency are other factors to consider as a cause of diffuse hair loss.

Medical Disorders

Liver disorders such as hepatitis and cirrhosis can cause an imbalance of sugar levels and lead to diffuse hair loss. Kidney failure, Diabetes and Anemia can also cause diffuse hair loss.

The following endocrine dysfunctions can lead to diffuse hair loss:

1. Pituitary gland hormonal imbalances can cause diffuse hair loss either directly or through their effects on the other endocrine glands. Note the pituitary gland itself is controlled by the hypothalamus that lies at the base of the brain.
2. The adrenal cortex produces small quantities of male sex hormones causing thinning at the top/front of scalp in women.
3. Under or overproduction of the thyroid hormones.
4. An underproduction of the parathyroid hormone.
5. Overproduction of glucocorticoids by the adrenal glands.
6. Too little or too much insulin from the pancreas.

Other

Medications, surgery, high fever, infections, cosmetic hair treatments and products, menopause, oral contraceptives (especially after stopping), post-pregnancy, hysterectomy, smoking, food poisoning, excess exposure to irradiation, exposure to insecticides/pesticides and chemicals in the environment and food.

The Solution

From the information just described, we can see that hair loss is often a symptom of an internal medical disorder.

However, hair usually doesn’t grow back when doctors only treat the internal disorder. Hair regrowth requires specific treatment.

Also, further hair loss will occur if we only treat the hair and scalp (external condition) and not treat the internal body cause. So we also must address all relevant internal causes of hair loss.

Therefore the most effective way to treat hair loss is to address both external and internal factors, adjust body imbalances, activate hair follicles, improve the hair and scalp environment and enhance hair nourishment. The safest way to achieve all of this is to choose a natural/herbal-based treatment solution.