Those facing hair loss mostly overlook internal health and rely on home remedies such as oils and herbs. Experts reveal why checking internal health is key to addressing the root cause.
Published Dec 28, 2024 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 28, 2024 | 7:00 AM
Hair loss. (iStock)
Are you struggling with hair loss? It’s time to look beyond oils and shampoos.
According to Dr Shraddhey Katiyar, hair loss could be linked to your health. “Your hair is a mirror of your internal health, and the first step to addressing hair loss is to understand what’s happening inside your body,” she pointed out.
Echoing a similar view, Dr Abhiram Rayapatti, Consultant Dermatologist at iSkin Hair and Skin clinic in Bengaluru, said most people take to different oils, claiming to have certain ingredients spurring hair growth.
“However, they forget to take note of their basic diet, whether it has the necessary proteins for good hair. They do not check if they have enough hemoglobin levels, whether they are eating green leaves, vegetables, meat, egg, etc., for adequate iron content,” he said, adding some of the deficiencies could be known through blood tests which determine the cause of hair loss or hair fall.
Here’s a breakdown of a few crucial blood tests recommended by doctors and dermatologists to kickstart your journey toward better hair health:
A CBC test helps identify anemia or infections leading to hair loss. “Low hemoglobin levels can starve your hair follicles of oxygen, leading to shedding,” Dr Katiyar explained.
Low iron levels are a common but overlooked cause of hair thinning. Ferritin, a protein that stores iron, is essential for healthy hair growth. “Iron deficiency-related hair shedding is especially prevalent in women,” she added.
Dr Rayapatti said both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss. These conditions disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to thinning or excessive shedding.
Vitamin D deficiency can result in weakened hair follicles while low Vitamin B12 levels can affect the oxygen supply to the scalp. “These vitamins play a direct role in maintaining healthy and strong hair,” Dr Katiyar emphasised.
ROOT CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS:
HORMONAL
High Cortisol, Estrogen Dominance, Thyroid, High Testosterone, Insulin
ResistanceENVIRONMENT
Heavy Metal Exposure, Toxic Beauty Products, Smoking, Exessive Use of Heat Styling Tools, Other Toxicants, Sudden change in area, any acute…
— Dr SHRADDHEY KATIYAR (@Wegiveyouhealt1) December 25, 2024
Hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome), insulin resistance, or high levels of DHT (a derivative of testosterone), are significant culprits in hair thinning.
“Hormones profoundly affect hair growth, especially in women after their 30s,” Dr Rayapatti explained. He added that in women, their hair loss pattern and telogen effluvium (a reversible scalp condition that causes hair to fall out or thin due to stress or other factors) should be checked to identify and correct underlying problems for a better outcome.
Even in cases of menopause, hormone tests can find out the right reason for hair fall.
He added that while these tests are essential, some are conducted more routinely than others. “All the above are routine tests done in evaluating a case of hair fall. Among them, iron profile along with hemoglobin (HB), thyroid profile, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12 are performed more routinely.”
Deficiencies in calcium and zinc can weaken the hair structure, leading to breakage and fall.
“Minerals are the building blocks of your hair. Even a slight deficiency can impact its strength and texture,” Dr Katiyar warned.
Dr Rayapatti added that hormonal profiles and mineral deficiency tests are reserved for specific cases, depending on the patient’s symptoms.
He emphasised the importance of these evaluations for certain hair loss conditions. Dr Katiyar and Dr Rayapatti highlighted that tackling hair fall should begin with identifying deficiencies or imbalances. A tailored treatment plan, often involving dietary changes and supplements, can help restore hair health.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
