Do deficiencies cause hair loss?
Nutrient deficiencies play an unclear role in hair loss. Studies have found a link between too much vitamin A or selenium and hair loss. There is some data that shows an association between hair loss and low vitamin D levels.
There may also be a link between the lack of certain vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids or proteins and hair loss. Although, the exact mechanism for this to occur is not entirely understood .
Does testosterone cause hair loss?
A specific kind of testosterone, called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), directly contributes to male pattern hair loss. DHT is synthesized when testosterone is combined with an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase (5-AR). Its main function in your body is to deepen your voice, increase body hair and muscle mass, and facilitate the growth and changes to the penis, scrotum, and testicles during puberty. It also reduces the size of hair follicles in the scalp, leading to male pattern hair loss.
Does shampoo cause hair loss?
There isn’t any research to suggest that either the frequency of hair washing or shampoo directly causes hair loss. Rather, certain chemicals in shampoo, such as parabens and sulfates, can dry out and damage your scalp and hair. This could lead to split ends and hair breakage. This risk is similar to the risk of hair breakage from hair brushing and styling.
What medications cause hair loss?
There are a wide variety of medications that can cause hair loss. Most people are aware that chemotherapy often causes cancer patients to lose all of their hair. What you may not know is that a lot of other drugs can have a similar impact on your hair:
- Antibiotics
- Antidepressants
- Mood stabilisers
- Steroids
This list isn’t exhaustive. There are a lot more medications that cause you to suffer from hair loss. If you think your hair loss may be due to your current treatment plan, talk to your doctor. They may be able to switch your medication to prevent further hair loss.