Down through the ages, much has been written about hair—long beautiful tresses, full heads of wavy black hair, thin, brittle, straggly hair, or shiny bald tops fringed with a bristle of white. Hair is important to a person’s image, or in some cases, lack of image and self-esteem.

Magazines and media ads for remedies to hair loss abound, but how about some solid information? What causes hair loss, and why do some people have full, thick heads of hair, while others have to tolerate thin, lifeless hair? What causes baldness? The reasons are complex and different for everyone, depending on gender (man or woman), genetics (how one chooses his or her ancestors), an individual’s health (medications and/or medical conditions), hormonal imbalances, the aging process, and lifestyle habits. In addition, excess stress, insufficient dietary intake of protein, sun damage, repeated hair coloring, the use of harsh shampoos, and excessive hair drying can also be added to the list causing hair loss.

Hair loss is part of the aging process, usually beginning around the age of 40 and affecting men more than women. It’s important to know that hair growth is controlled by the body’s complex hormone system—testosterone, androgens, thyroid, and adrenaline all play a vital role in hair growth as well as hair loss.

Hair loss in men is primarily caused by two factors: genetics and an imbalance of the male hormone testosterone. A man cannot change his genetics, but he can work with a physician if he is experiencing a hormonal imbalance. A healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, can help to slow the aging process, thereby slowing hair loss. Maintaining normal blood sugar (insulin) and thyroid and controlling stress can also help slow hair loss. Men should discuss any medications they’re taking with their physician and ask if hair loss is a side effect of the medication.

Hair loss in women is very different from hair loss in men. There are five reasons a woman will lose her hair: hormonal imbalances, blood sugar imbalances, thyroid imbalances, the use of medications and drugs, and unmanaged stress.

Hormones play a big role in maintaining a healthy and beautiful head of hair, including the hormones insulin, thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and androgen. Many women experience hair loss during times of hormonal upheaval: pregnancy, breast-feeding, during the menstrual cycle, and before, during, and after menopause. During these times in a woman’s life, her hormones are changing at a rapid pace, and any noticeable, uncomfortable, or unexpected changes should be reported to a physician for evaluation. Discuss hair loss with a qualified health professional and request a blood test to help determine the cause of hair loss.

Diabetes, hypoglycemia, and uncontrolled blood sugar levels affect the body in many negative ways, hair loss but one of them. It’s very important that anyone with a blood sugar imbalance, man or woman, work with a team of health professionals to get the blood sugar in the recommended ranges for allover good health.

Many people over 40, both men and women, experience thyroid imbalances. Only a physician and a blood test can determine what the thyroid imbalance is and the best treatment to help bring the body back into balance for good health.

Certain drugs and medications can cause hair loss, including some cancer drugs. In addition, digestive problems that slow down or stop the absorption of nutrients can also cause hair loss.

Stress is a very big problem in today’s world, and uncontrolled stress is a major health issue for both men and women in many ways. A breakdown in the immune system, cardiovascular disease, chronic headaches, and digestive problems are but a few of the problems in addition to hair loss that affect the body when stress is not dealt with effectively. The only person who can help an individual deal with stress is the individual himself or herself.

Hair loss is a complicated issue that requires the assistance of a qualified health professional before deciding on a solution to the problem. We at Better Life suggest the following:

• Eat a healthy diet. Exercise regularly. Do not smoke. Use alcohol and caffeine in moderation.
• See your physician regularly, ask questions, and report any unusual physical problems to him or her immediately. Make sure your blood sugar, hormones, and thyroid are in balance. Inquire about the side effects of the medications you are taking.
• Supplement with a high-quality daily vitamin-mineral supplement and include the antioxidants C and E.
• Make sure you consume the recommended amount of high-quality protein in the daily diet.
• Learn how to control stress more effectively.