Over the course of life, more than 50% of men and almost 20% of women are affected by hair loss. Some earlier, others a bit later.
The reasons for hair loss are individual, can be very different, and are often difficult to determine. Common reasons for hair loss include for example:
Hormones
In both men and women, the most common form of hair loss is "androgenetic alopecia", also known as "hair loss caused by male hormones". This refers to a "genetic-hereditary" hair loss. Generally, this type of hair loss increases with age and can also be a familial disposition. The body converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is broken down via the hair follicles and requires a lot of strength from the hair follicles. Hair follicles shrink and thus reduce hair production. Hairs become thinner or fail to appear at all. This phenomenon is observed in both genders.
For women, the periods after pregnancy or during menopause are also considered critical moments, as estrogen levels are often lower here, which can likewise lead to hair loss. In the case of a hormonal change of this nature, the hairs often become generally thinner. This is then referred to as "diffuse hair loss". Also, an infection, a thyroid disease, or taking certain medications can disrupt the hormonal balance and lead to diffuse hair loss.
Poor nutrition
The hair follicles are supplied with nutrients from the blood. A healthy and balanced diet is therefore important for supplying the hair with the necessary substances.
Extreme and radical diets or deliberately avoiding certain foods (e.g., vegan diet) without supplementary nutrition are very counterproductive for the hair. It is also often observed that people after significant weight loss also lose many hairs.
An unbalanced diet can lead to important macronutrients such as proteins or fats and micronutrients such as zinc, iron, or vitamins being missing to provide adequate nutrition to the hair follicles.
Lack of iron and vitamins
The cells of the hair follicles are among the body's most active cells.
Biotin (as the most important element) from the B-vitamin complex, also called vitamin B7, is part of enzymes and helps with metabolism (e.g., carbohydrates/protein/fat) and promotes cell growth. In principle, it acts as food for the cells. It also supports the formation of keratin and thus the regeneration of hair and nail bands.
But also other B vitamins such as niacin (B3), which also contribute to a normal metabolism and reduce fatigue, or pyridoxine (B6), which regulates the metabolism of amino acids together with other vitamins, play an important role.
Also, a lack of iron should not be overlooked. Although scientifically there is no proven direct link between iron deficiency and hair loss, various theories are discussed. Many enzymes necessary for DNA synthesis in the body, which is important for hair production, require iron for their function. It is widespread that an iron deficiency seems to be a common cause of hair loss.
A targeted supplementation with iron and vitamins can therefore be beneficial.
Psychological stress
It has long been known that persistent psychological stress is a cause of hair loss. The exact background is not clear. Experts assume that persistent stress provokes an inflammation at the hair follicle (interaction with proteins and leukocytes and signaling substances). The growth phase for the hair is significantly shortened, and the hair follicles enter a resting phase. The hair eventually falls out. Interestingly, however, the hair recovers over time with decreasing stress.
To treat stress-related hair loss, the first and foremost task is to avoid or reduce stress. This task must be approached individually for each person, e.g., with regular breaks, new time management, a different change in life, balancing activities such as sports or relaxation exercises such as yoga, up to supplementation with concentration-promoting nutrients, etc.
When the stress decreases, the hair usually grows back within six to nine months.
