Unexplained hair loss is becoming more common among women. Suddenly, hair begins to fall out for no reason, at an alarming rate, sometimes by handfuls at a time. For many women, shock and panic set in as the dramatic increase in shedding continues. Some worry that they will soon be completely bald.
Because routine laboratory work often comes back normal, the condition can be ruled out as “fair TO cosmetic problem“You have to learn to live with. Goldthe person may receive a single prescription for a synthetic topical treatment that only treats the symptom rather than the underlying problem.
It is important to understand that chronic excessive shedding is not normal and will not occur when all is well. When the hair growth cycle stops or stops working properly, it is an indication that there is a physical or emotional imbalance. Telogen effluvium is the name of this condition.
A temporary increase in shedding can occur due to a minor and short-lived trigger such as an infection, flu, high fever, new medications, dietary changes, medical procedures, vaccinations, shock or trauma, etc. If the body is otherwise healthy; and the trigger has been resolved or eliminated, the hair growth cycle will heal on its own before noticeable thinning occurs. Although this type of telogen effluvium is not usually a cause for concern, it may be beneficial to identify the trigger to avoid the possibility of future episodes.
When the condition is long-standing and severe, causing noticeable volume depletion, there may be a deeper problem that needs to be identified and treated to restore normal thickness and optimal health.
Often there is more than one contributing factor. Chronic Telogen Effluvium occurs as a result of the body working overtime, expending extra energy in an attempt to overcome internal disturbance, imbalance, or disorder. The hair growth cycle can be closed or interrupted to compensate while the body is faced with the difficult task of trying to restore balance.
Below is a list of common causes or contributing factors that can lead to chronic telogen effluvium. It is important to realize that if one of the following conditions exists, it does not necessarily mean that it is the only cause of the problem. Correcting all imbalances and improving general health and well-being is the best line of defense.
THYROID IMPALANCE
Standard thyroid tests are often incomplete. Because even a slight imbalance can cause hair loss, a thorough and highly sensitive laboratory analysis is recommended, especially if thyroid symptoms are present. This should include antibody testing (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis).
NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY
Common deficiencies associated with hair loss include protein, iron, zinc, magnesium, chromium, selenium, vitamin D, etc. These deficiencies are also often associated with the underlying disorder of which the hair loss is the symptom. Rather than supplement or increase dietary intake of a particular nutrient, it may be more beneficial to include a wide variety of nutrients through diet and supplementation to bring balance to the body.
malabsorption
Nutritional deficiencies are often caused by malabsorption problems such as celiac disease (gluten intolerance) or Chron’s disease and other digestive disorders. In addition to increasing nutrition, success will depend on the determination and proper treatment of the underlying malabsorption condition.
ALBICAN CANDIDASIS
Candidiasis albicans is a systemic fungal/yeast infection. This underdiagnosed condition can wreak havoc on the entire system. Symptoms include a general feeling of being unwell, confused thoughts, lack of energy, etc. Skin symptoms and hair loss are common. If Candidiasis albicans is present, cure of the infection should result in noticeable improvements in hair and skin health and general well-being.
SYSTEMIC IGNITION
Some experts believe that low-level chronic systemic inflammation is the root of all health disorders. The anti-inflammatory diet can be very helpful for hair health and underlying related disorders.
AUTOIMMUNE DISORDER
Autoimmune disorders can make a person more susceptible to chronic telogen effluvium. To prevent symptoms from manifesting, great efforts must be made to keep the immune system balanced. Certain autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, celiac disease, Chron’s disease, and lupus are commonly associated with hair loss.
HORMONAL CHANGES / POSTPARTUM
It is not uncommon for telogen effluvium to occur in women approximately three months after giving birth. In normal cases, the condition clears up within six to nine months, leaving the new mother with only a slight decrease in girth and volume. If the detachment becomes severe and long-lasting, it would indicate that other factors are involved. Extreme care and extra nutrition are necessary during the postpartum period.
UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Every time an unhealthy lifestyle occurs, it will become more difficult to restore healthy hair growth. The better the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual state of the body, the easier it will be to heal the imbalances that cause excessive shedding. Although the interruption of the hair growth cycle may be the first sign of a wide variety of health disorders, it may be the last to recover. The body has a built-in healing system that works on principles or priorities. It will provide healing energy to the areas that are most essential before it disturbs hair growth. The best results are achieved when the entire system is treated holistically rather than just concentrating on the symptom of hair loss.
ALOPECIA AREATA
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that specifically targets the follicles of the scalp causing bald patches. This is not a form of telogen effluvium, but there are variations of alopecia areata that can mimic telogen effluvium, such as diffuse alopecia areata or alopecia areata incognita. Severe forms of this autoimmune disorder can cause baldness on the scalp and all over the body, but the follicles remain alive, so there is always a chance that they will grow back.
