50+ Lifestyles

Common Factors that can Contribute to Hair Loss

Information provided by Hats, Hair ‘n Wigs

It may be one of the last rarely spoken secrets that affects 50 percent of the women at some time in their lives, but you need to know: If you are experience hair loss, you are not alone… and there are a wide variety of ways we can help you cope with this beauty crisis when you least need to know to have to worry about it.

Women’s hair can thin for a variety of reasons, and yet the topic is still far less openly discussed than male hair loss. In many cases though, the causes can be diagnosed and treated, making it particularly important that women discuss hair loss with their doctors. Hats, Hair’n Wigs recommends that women consider some common factors that can contribute to hair loss.

Low iron levels: Iron deficiency, with or without anemia, can lead to hair loss. Do not simply start taking an iron supplement without having your iron checked by a physician because too much iron can cause other health problems.

Thyroid Disorders: Many women experience hair loss during and after menopause when estrogen levels begin to drop. Other hormonal changes, such as changes in oral contraceptive use, can also trigger hair loss.

High levels of vitamin A or selenium: There is rarely an reason to take more of these nutrients than you would find in a good multi-vitamin.
Post-pregnancy hormonal changes: New moms may find that they’re shedding a lot of hair in the first one to six months after delivery, when their estrogen levels return to normal.

Telogen effluvium: This is the general term for sudden, temporary hair loss as a result of stress or surgery, which typically occurs around two months after the causative event or illness.

Medications: Many medications may lead to hair loss. Some common ones are: acne medications, antibiotics and anti fungal drugs, anti-clotting drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, drugs that suppress the immune system, drugs that treat cancer, hypertension/highblood pressure medications, mood stabilizers, anti-inflammatory drugs, Parkinson’s disease, steroids, thyroid medications, weight loss drugs and chemotherapy medications. Speak with your doctor about alternatives.

The best plan of action for anyone experiencing hair loss is to determine the underlying cause and eliminate it. The best place to start is a routine physical exam with blood work. If your physician does not uncover a reversible cause for the hair loss, hair loss may be the result of genetics or chronic condition… but their is no need for despair come to us for over 40 years of experience.

Hats, Hair ‘n Wigs is located at 1518 Harrison Street in Davenport, Iowa. They can be reached at (563) 322-0804 or visit on facebook at Hats, Hair ‘n Wigs.