Unexplained hair loss is becoming more common among women. Suddenly, hair begins to fall out for no reason, at an alarming rate, sometimes 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 go completely bald.
Because routine laboratory work often comes back normal, the condition can be ruled out as “single has cosmetic problem“You have to learn to live with. Prayedthe person may be given a unique 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 a physical or emotional imbalance exists. Telogen effluvium is the name of this condition.
A temporary increase in shedding may occur due to a minor and short-lived trigger such as an infection, flu, high fever, new medications, diet changes, medical procedures, vaccinations, shock or trauma, etc. If the body is otherwise healthy; and the trigger has been resolved or removed, the hair growth cycle will spontaneously heal before noticeable thinning occurs. Although this type of telogen effluvium is usually not a cause for concern, it may be beneficial to identify the trigger to avoid the possibility of future episodes.
When the condition is prolonged and severe, causing an obvious decrease in volume, there may be a deeper problem that must be determined and treated to restore normal thickness and optimal health.
There is often 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 shut down or interrupted to compensate while the body grapples 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 overall health and wellness 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 test is recommended, especially if thyroid symptoms are present. This should include antibody tests (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 hair loss is the symptom. Rather than supplementing or increasing 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.
POOR ABSORPTION
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 determining and properly treating the underlying malabsorptive condition.
ALBICAN CANDIDIASIS
Candidiasis albicans is a systemic fungal/yeast infection. This underdiagnosed condition can wreak havoc on your entire system. Symptoms include a general feeling of being unwell, confused thinking, lack of energy, etc. Skin symptoms and hair loss are common. If Candidiasis albicans is present, healing of the infection should result in noticeable improvements in hair and skin health and general well-being.
SYSTEMIC IGNITION
Some experts believe that chronic low-level systemic inflammation is at 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 about three months after giving birth. In normal cases, the condition disappears within six to nine months, leaving the new mother with only a slight decrease in thickness 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 sets in, it will be more difficult to restore healthy hair growth. The better the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual state of the body, the easier it is to heal the imbalances that cause excessive detachment. Although hair growth cycle disruption 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 deliver 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 concentrating on just 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’s always a chance they’ll grow back.
