Hair Loss: Pattern Baldness or Poor Health?

Article by HairlossTalk.com

Article differentiating between traditional hair loss, and hair loss caused by nutritional deficiencies or poor health, in this article by HairlossTalk's science writer, Dr. Deborah O'Neil... Regular versus symptomatic hair loss

Pattern hair loss is an affliction of the healthy. It's bad luck and can cause a great deal of upset. In almost all cases however, it won't otherwise impact your physical health in any way. Where thinning or complete loss of hair occurs alongside, or following, symptoms of ill health, is sudden or markedly different from classical pattern-balding, causes any pain or itching or involves changes in the underlying scalp skin, it may be an indication of one of many health problems. In such cases, you should always consult your physician and get checked out by a specialist dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis to establish the nature and cause of you hair loss and, should it prove to be a symptom of any illness, start appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

A word to the wise

We should stress again that it is highly unlikely that your hair loss is anything else but pattern baldness. Chances are, you're fighting fit, with a healthy body and scalp. Beware of anyone other than a trained, medical professional who tells you otherwise. Do not be sucked into the trap of being conned that your hair loss is merely symptomatic and can be reversed by a number of potions and lotions that contain such things as "Nutrients for the hair and body". It's not unheard of for those who peddle these useless pseudo-remedies to convince consumers that their loss is a result of ringworm, too much sebum, or a lack of nutrients in the scalp. The typical person has no nutritional deficiencies significant enough to affect hair growth, and a simple multivitamin can replenish what is lacking.

Dietary deficiencies and gastrointestinal conditions

Temporary hair loss or thinning (alopecia) can be triggered by a number of nutritional deficiencies. Follicles require the full complement of nutrients in the same way as other tissues and organs throughout the body. Depriving them of a number of dietary-derived factors can cause an arrest in hair production. Zinc deficiency is fairly common, even throughout the developed world, and may result in hair loss. Although less common, vitamin B7 (Biotin) deficiency is also associated with hair loss.

Thinning is a well-recognized symptom of anemia caused by iron deficiencies. This form of anemia is a condition in which the oxygen carrying capacity of red blood cells is impaired because they cannot produce enough hemoglobin, an iron-based chemical that transports oxygen around the body. Along with other cells and tissues, the hair follicles are starved of a proportion of the oxygen they need for optimal cell function and hair genesis and so will shut down production. Crash dieting and faddy diet trends are partly responsible for the recent increase in iron-deficiencies. Vegetarian diets can also lead to iron deficiency if not balanced with sufficient pulses, beans and greens. Any fully balanced diet should provide the necessary range of nutrients, vitamins and minerals, but high quality supplements are a good idea to restore balance or to provide an extra source during times when you might need a boost.

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