How to End Suffering from Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common disorder affecting more than 80 million Americans. Abnormal hormones are often blamed for hair loss though surprisingly, hormones only account for a small percentage of these distressing symptoms. Hair loss can be caused by stress, severe illness, genetics, nutrient deficiencies, thyroid disorders, chemotherapy, fungal infection, damaging hair care and hormonal changes, such as childbirth and menopause. Scalp hair does not grow continuously. Instead, every follicle goes through three phases.

The anagen phase is the first phase that each follicle undergoes. This is the active growing phase that directly determines hair length. On average, hair grows one centimeter every 28 days during this phase. Hair remains in the anagen phase for an average of three years, but can remain in this phase anywhere from two to six years. At any point in time, about 80-90 percent of scalp hair is in the anagen stage. Adequate levels of T4 thyroid, progesterone and estrogen hormones prolong the length of the anagen phase, which in turn lengthens the hair.

In some instances, estrogen can also contribute to the slowing of growth. Inversely, testosterone accelerates and shortens the hair cycle. The second phase is the catagen phase, or the transition phase. In the catagen phase, growth stops and the outer root sheath shrinks. The outer root sheath then attaches to the hair’s root and detaches the hair follicle from its nourishing blood supply. This phase only lasts about three weeks. At any point in time, 1-3% of scalp hair is in this phase.

The final phase is the telogen phase, or the resting phase, which usually accounts for 6-8% of scalp hair at any time. In this phase, the hairs are completely inactive and are considered dead. Each hair gets smaller and lighter and falls out briskly when new hair grows in to replace it. This phase lasts for about three months. Telegen hairs characteristically have a dry, white material at the root. It is normal to shed about 25-100 of these hairs per day.

Eating more protein, taking vitamins and maintaining a healthy hair care regimen can help prevent hair loss. But when those methods are not enough, Renaissance Health Centre can help with our newest hair loss product oral Minoxidil. If you are suffering from hair loss and looking for help, please call Renaissance Health Centre at 702-258-7860 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hujer today.