It is normal to shed hair every day and the truth is we loose
between 100-125 hairs on any given day. Hair that is shed falls
out at the end of growth cycle. At any given time 10% of our
hair is in what is called a „resting phase‰ and after 2-3 months
resting, hair falls out and new hair grows in its place. Some
people, however, experience more hair loss than is normal.

As we get older, both men and women experience some hair loss.
It‚s a normal part of the aging process. Called Androgenetic
Alopecia, it accounts for 95% of all hair loss. Androgentic
Alopecia often runs in families and affects some people more
than others. In men it is often referred to as Male Pattern
Baldness. It is characterized by a receding hair line and
baldness on the top of head. Women, on the other hand, don‚t go
entirely bald even if their hair loss is severe. Instead, hair
loss is spread out evenly over their entire scalp.

Hormones play the dominant role when talking about Androgenetic
Alopecia. Simple put, both men and women produce testosterone.
Testosterone can be converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) with
the aid of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. DHT shrinks hair
follicles causing the membranes in the scalp to thicken, become
inelastic and restrict blood flow. This causes the hair
follicles to atrophy. As a result, when a hair does fall out, it
is not replaced.

Needless to say, men produce more testosterone than women and
experience more hair loss.

While Androgenetic Alopecia is the number one reason why
individuals experience hair loss, it is not the only one.
Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, ringworm and fungal
infections can cause hair loss. Certain medications such as
blood thinners, gout medication, birth control pills and too
much vitamin A can cause sudden or abnormal hair loss as can
following a crash diet, sudden hormonal changes, chemotherapy
and radiation.

Emotional stress, pregnancy, or surgery can also cause our hair
to fall out and is usually not noticed until 3-4 months after
the stressful event has taken place. Stress can cause a slowing
of new hair growth because a larger number of hair follicles
enter into the resting phase and no new hair growth is
experienced.

Another way in which individuals experience hair loss is due to
mechanical stressors on the hair and scalp. Wearing pigtails,
cornrows or tight rollers that end up pull on the hair can scar
the scalp and cause permanent hair loss. Hair products such as
hot oil treatments and chemicals used for permanents can cause
inflammation to the hair follicles which can also result in
scarring and hair loss.

Note: Hair loss may be the early warning sign of a more serious
disorder such as lupus or diabetes, so it is important to talk
to your doctor.

Recommendations For Wellness

If you are taking prescription medications, talk to your doctor
and find out if your medication is contributing to your hair
loss.

Avoid mega-doses of vitamin A. Too much vitamin A can cause your
hair to fall out.

Exercise, do yoga, meditate or find some other practice that
will help to reduce your anxiety and stress levels.

If you are a women, have your female hormones tested. If they
are imbalanced, talk to your health care provider about
bio-identical hormone replacements.

If you wear pigtails, cornrows, use a curling iron, hair dryer
or hot rollers, try changing your hair style to one that puts
less pressure and stress on your hair and scalp.

If hot oil treatments or chemicals such as those used in
permanents are causing inflammation to the scalp, discontinue
their use, or reduce the number of times you are using them.

Use gentle shampoos and conditioners to avoid any unnecessary
damage to your hair.

In men, herbs such as saw palmetto and licorice root help block
the formation of DHT. The same holds true for supplementation
with zinc. As an added benefit, studies show that these
supplements can also help prevent prostate enlargement.

Massage your scalp with rosemary oil in an olive oil base. Both
rosemary oil and massaging the scalp can stimulate the
circulation in the scalp and promote hair growth.

Again, if you are experiencing hair loss, check with your doctor
to ensure that a more serious disorder isn't the cause.

About the author:
Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. is the author of
the books 'Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4' and 'The Power Within'. It
is it is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and clairvoyant
that illuminates and enlivens her work. Medical Intuition &
Energy Medicine Certification training classes are now forming.
Visit http://www.soulhealer.com or call (972) 475-3393 for more
information.