The human body is truly remarkable. When there is turmoil on the inside, or when something is just not quite right, the body gives us visual cues on the outside. Consider a moment, it’s generally well known that yellow tinged skin may signal jaundice or liver problems, and bulging eyes may mean an overactive thyroid. There is one crucial window into your health which you may be overlooking; the telltale signs living in your tresses. Your hair– whether it’s gone grey, gone limp, or is barely there– can be a crucial indicator of underlying health problems.
Below are five of the most common complaints about hair and scalp, and the possible health concerns they may be indication of. Please note, this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have health concerns, seek the help of a licensed physician.
Heavy Shedding
It’s important to note here, some shedding each day is completely normal and expected. According to SELF magazine, a loss of about 100 hairs a day, which is roughly equivalent to what you would see in your hairbrush and shower drain, is normal. However, if you’re standing in front of your mirror with fistfuls of hair, there could be a problem. One possibility for hair loss in women, as explained in Redbook magazine, is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). It’s a condition in which the ovaries produce too many androgens (male hormones) resulting in hair loss. Other possible culprits include pregnancy, iron deficiency, thyroid disorders or medication side effects, such as hair loss resulting from a birth control pill with a high amount of progesterone.
Bald Patches
Alopecia areata causes smooth bald patches on the scalp and other parts of the body. In this autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. Although experts are not sure why this happens, the hair does usually grow back. Unfortunately, it does tend to repeat itself. Once you have an occurrence of alopecia areata, chances are you’ll have more in the future. The condition cannot be cured, be it can be treated.
Brittle Hair
Dry, brittle hair that breaks is more often than not caused by over styling and too much sun exposure. Do take care to protect your hair! It can also signal an unhealthy diet. Hair needs protein and essential fatty acids, such as those found in fish oils and flax seeds, in order to maintain it’s strength and elasticity. There are more serious conditions which cause brittle hair as well, such as Cushing’s syndrome, an adrenal gland disorder.
Fine, Limp Hair
If you notice other symptoms, such as fatigue, weight gain and dry skin, you may be suffering from hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. In people with hypothyroidism, each individual hair becomes finer and finer, resulting in overall limp hair. Your doctor can check your thyroid levels through a blood test and prescribe synthetic thyroid replacement if need be.
Flaky Scalp
Many of us have experienced the embarrassment of those pesky little flakes falling on our shoulders. Dandruff can be tricky and there are different types and varying causes. Seborrheic dermatitis causes greasy, yellow flakes. It’s a chronic inflammatory condition that is often exacerbated by an overgrowth of fungus on the scalp. Psoriasis and eczema are two skin conditions which are also responsible for causing a flaky scalp.
Image source by pinterest.com
About the author: Angel Krause is a content writer for HairDirect.com a hair replacement company.
