Sure, genetics plays a role. Your hereditary history can influence the pattern in which you lose hair, why you lose hair and how much hair you lose. However, it’s not all genetics. In fact, millions of men and women who experience thinning hair aren’t going bald because of genetics. Talk to your doctor if one of these three surprising factors are at play in your life.
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#1. Stress
Also known as telogen effluvium, you’ll know this is a potential reason your hair is thinning if you find that you’re losing big clumps of hair all at once, especially when you’re brushing your hair or washing your hair. Telogen effluvium is due to major stress, whether it’s emotional stress at work, pregnancy, surgery or losing a lot of weight.
Depending on the source of your stress, you might just have to wait it out. However, if the stress is due to medications, talk to your doctor about adjusting your prescription. And if it’s due to life stress, such as something happening in your home or at work, try deep-breathing exercises, meditation, yoga and other methods to reduce your stress. Less stress could mean more hair!
#2. Hyperthyroidism
Millions of women suffer from hypothyroidism, and it predominantly affects older women. It occurs when your thyroid isn’t producing enough of the thyroid hormone. This might be you if you’re an older woman who is experiencing other symptoms, such as mood changes and weight gain from a slower metabolism. Your doctor can do a blood test and give you hormone medication to even out your thyroid levels and restore your head of hair.
#3. Anemia
If you don’t eat enough foods that have iron, or if you’re a woman who has especially heavy periods, you may suffer from iron deficiency anemia. Iron is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to your scalp, and a deficiency can cause hair loss. Your doctor can do a blood test to check your iron levels. Don’t forget to eat lots of iron-rich meals made with dark green leafy veggies like kale, and lean meats like fish and pork.
