A sudden loss of hair should be reported to your doctor, as it could be a symptom of an underlying medical problem. A gradual thinning that occurs over time in a pattern, around the central portion of the scalp and the vertex or crown of the head, is more common. Usually, the underlying cause is heredity or genetics, but it is still possible to stop the process and reverse it.
When hair loss occurs suddenly or seems to be concentrated in patches at the sides or back, not the top of the head, nutritional deficiency is one of the common causes. Lack of nutrients or poor diet plays a role in hereditary baldness, too. It's not impossible to get all of the nutrients that you need every day from food, alone, but it is very difficult, particularly as you get older.
Doctors will often check blood levels of iron, magnesium and zinc, while checking for hormonal levels and thyroid problems. If you are already on certain medications, additional testing may not be necessary. Many different drugs can cause loss of hair, including anti-coagulants like warfarin, retinoids, acne and wrinkle treatments, amphetamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medications and even prolonged use of aspirin.
Exposure to heavy metals is a less common cause, but something to be aware of, particularly among people that eat a log of fish. The USGS recently reported finding mercury in every species of fish tested in lakes, streams and rivers around the US. Levels are pretty high in the Atlantic Ocean, too. Doctors have found some cases difficult to diagnose, until the person's intake of fish was noted.
In cases of heavy metal poisoning, hormonal imbalances and serious nutritional deficiencies, loss of hair will not be the only symptom. In the case of minor, chronic nutrient deficits in the diet, which are more common, fatigue is usually noted. But, sometimes it seems that everyone is tired these days.
That brings us to stress, which contributes to and complicates all kinds of diseases. You should aim to reduce the stress in your life, not to get your hair back, but just to be healthier.
Assuming that there is no underlying medical condition or drug at the "root" of the problem, the best way to treat it is with a combination of nutrients, plant extracts and topically applied Minoxidil. Minoxidil was originally marketed as Rogaine for the loss of hair.
It is only one of two treatments that are approved by the US FDA. The other is an oral drug for men, but it is accompanied by unwanted side effects. Minoxidil and nutritional supplements are available without a prescription and the only side effects are good ones.
If you're like most people, you simply want to like to look at yourself in the mirror, again. In the majority of cases, Minoxidil works, but it works for more people when combined with appropriate nutritional therapy.
Research indicates that it is easier to stop and prevent the loss of hair than it is to reverse it. So, start your treatment plan, today, before the problem gets worse.
Discover the best way to combat the causes of sudden hair loss today.
Bill Wagner is a dedicated researcher of hair loss issues that affect both men and women. Take a moment to visit his site now to learn about a new natural hair loss remedy that Bill recently discoverd and how it contrasts with other common hair loss treatment options at: www.thinning-hair-cure.com