By the age of 30, 1 in 4 men in Canada will have experienced some type of hair loss. This number jumps to 4 out of 5 men by the age of 70. Hair Loss is a very common problem but difficult to treat.
The most common cause of hair loss is genetics. This type of hair loss is called androgenic alopecia, and it is caused by a sensitivity to the male hormone testosterone. Androgenic alopecia can affect both men and women, but it is more common in men.
Other causes of hair loss include:
- Stress
- Medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, autoimmune diseases, and nutritional deficiencies
- Medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and some blood pressure medications
- Physical trauma, such as burns or scalp injuries
- Hairstyling practices
- Harsh shampoos, conditioners and other topicals for hair
Preventing Hair Loss
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent hair loss, including:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting regular exercise
- Managing stress
- Avoiding hairstyling practices that damage the hair
- Getting regular medical checkups
Naturopathic Treatment for Hair Loss
Naturopathic doctors can help you to treat hair loss in a number of ways. They may recommend:
- Nutritional supplements, such as biotin, zinc, and iron
- Dietary modifications
- Herbal remedies, such as saw palmetto and stinging nettle
- Lifestyle recommendations – including reducing stress, optimizing sleep, and exercise prescriptions
Naturopathic doctors can also help you to identify and address the underlying causes of your hair loss. This may involve working with you to improve your overall health and well-being.
Other Treatment
Microneedling is a relatively new treatment for hair loss. It involves using a small needle to create tiny punctures in the scalp. These punctures cause the body to release growth factors, which can help to stimulate hair growth.
Microneedling is a safe and effective treatment for hair loss. It has been shown to be effective in both men and women. If you are considering microneedling, talk to your Naturopathic Doctor to see if it is right for you.
Dr. Sanam Arora, ND
References:
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes/18-causes
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34714971/