RLS is a common disease that affects about 10% of the general population [1].

1. What Is the Main Cause of Restless Leg Syndrome?

Although the cause is unknown, it is thought that the main cause of restless leg syndrome (RLS) is associated with an imbalance in the function of the neurotransmitter dopamine due to low levels of iron in the brain and body [1].

Dopamine is an organic chemical involved in the transmission of instructions between neurons to control muscle movements and reward-motivated behavior [2].

Other potential causes involve heredity, pregnancy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and medications.

1.1. What Is the Relation Between Restless Leg Syndrome and Heredity?

A role of heredity in RLS is associated with the high frequency of family history of RLS in patients diagnosed with this disease [3].

Monozygotic and dizygotic twin studies confirmed heredity involvement in RLS by showing the existence of a high concordance of RLS in monozygotic twins compared with that in dizygotic twins.

1.2. What Is the Relation Between Restless Leg Syndrome and Pregnancy?

Due to hormonal changes during the third semester of pregnancy, some women may experience RLS which disappears after delivery [4].

These changes involve an increase in the production of hormones, including estrogens, prolactin, progesterone, and thyroid hormone.

A reduction of iron and folate levels during pregnancy also appears to contribute to RLS due to their involvement in the synthesis of dopamine which further highlights the role of dopamine as the main cause of restless leg syndrome.

The prevalence of RLS during pregnancy was estimated to be in the range of 2.9-32% which is about 2-3 times higher than that in non-pregnant women.

1.3. What Is the Relation Between Restless Leg Syndrome and ADHD?

A relation Between Restless Leg Syndrome and ADHD was proposed by a study that showed that 44% of individuals with ADHD also had RLS.

Another important piece of information to add is that both ADHD and RLS have alterations related to dopamine levels in the brain [5].

1.4. What Is the Relation Between Restless Leg Syndrome and Medications?

Certain medications have been associated with restless leg syndrome, such as antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, Tricyclics), withdrawal from sedative-hypnotic drugs (e.g., benzodiazepines), antiemetics (e.g., anticholinergics), antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) [6].

Furthermore, alcohol and opioid withdrawal have also been associated with RLS.

2. Who Is Prone to Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) can develop at any age but is more common in women than men. There are also some factors that can increase the risk of RLS:

• Low Iron Levels
• Kidney Failure
• Neuropathy
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Celiac Disease
• Alcohol
• Iron Deficiency Anemia
• Parkinson’s Disease

2.1. Low Iron Levels

Iron is an essential cofactor in the production of dopamine and its deficiency can trigger RLS. Low iron levels can be due to blood loss through internal hemorrhage (e.g., gastrointestinal bleeding), excessive menstrual bleeding, frequent blood donations, or malabsorption.

2.2. Kidney Failure

Patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis have decreased levels of iron due to the depletion of its storage in the blood.

2.3. Neuropathy

Increased levels of glucose in the blood such as during diabetes can lead to damage of nerves resulting in RLS.

2.4. Rheumatoid Arthritis

There is an elevated prevalence of RLS in patients with rheumatoid arthritis reaching between 27.7-31% [7].

2.5. Alcohol

Excessive consumption of alcohol (alcoholism) can lead to damage of nerves leading to RLS.

2.6. Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an intestinal chronic disease characterized by a loss of appetite, malabsorption, and diarrhea due to gluten intolerance.

Celiac disease can also lead to iron deficiency which may lead to RLS. In fact, a study showed that 40% of studied patients with celiac disease had an iron deficiency [8].

2.7. Parkinson’s Disease

The characteristic dysfunction of dopamine in Parkinson’s Disease may explain why RLS is observed in some PD patients [9].

2.8. Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is caused by a lack of iron in the body resulting in a reduction of the number of red blood cells leading to anemia. This lack of iron can also affect dopamine production.

3. What Symptoms Come with Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless leg syndrome manifests with the following symptoms:

• An urge to move the legs due unpleasant sensations in the legs.
• An urge to move the legs during periods of rest or inactivity.
• The urge to move the legs may partially or totally be relieved by movement, such as walking or stretching.
• The urge to move the legs is increased in the evening or night than during the day.

4. Is Restless Leg Syndrome Psychological?

Although restless leg syndrome (RLS) is considered a neurological disease, a study that included 38 patients with RLS and 42 non-RLS controls, showed that patients with RLS have a lower internal locus of control (ability to impact its own health) and negative sleep-related personality traits compared to the non-RLS controls [10].

A negative sleep-related personality trait is associated with lower self-confidence, depression, higher mental arousal, and poorer quality of life.

5. How do you get rid of restless legs syndrome?

The treatment of RLS is aimed at relieving the associated symptoms that are caused by underlying physical conditions such as diabetes, celiac disease, or iron deficiency.

Medications to relieve the symptoms of RLS involve the use of dopaminergic drugs to improve dopamine effects, opioids to relieve the symptoms of severe RLS, and benzodiazepines for restful sleep.

Changes in lifestyle such as stopping alcohol, exercising (e.g., aerobics, stretching), taking iron supplements, respecting a regular sleep pattern, can help relieve some of the moderate symptoms.

Conclusion

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) can cause uncomfortable sensations that can affect sleep and the quality of life of the affected individual. The cause is unknown, but many studies highlighted the potential involvement of dopamine as the main cause.

RLS is also associated with several diseases which share with RLS the deficiency in iron which is an essential cofactor in the production of dopamine. However, other diseases and conditions such as diabetes or alcoholism can lead to nerve damage due to high blood levels of glucose or alcohol, respectively.

Although there is no specific treatment for RLS, dealing with this disease involves symptomatic treatments that aim at alleviating or reducing the undesirable and overwhelming manifestations of RLS.

The post What Is Restless Leg Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease)? appeared first on .

1. Iron deficiency

Iron is an essential compound of hemoglobin that is involved in the blood transport of oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs.

Although the body has reserves in iron, a deficiency in iron supply through diet depletes these reserves resulting in anemia [2].

Anemia is due to the incapacity of the body, and specifically the bone marrow, to produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells transport of oxygen, resulting in microcytic and hypochromic anemia.

• What Causes Iron Deficiency?

Blood Loss

Rapid blood loss through injury, surgery, or childbirth, significantly depletes iron reserves as new blood, and therefore, new hemoglobin is required to compensate for the blood loss.

Chronic blood loss can also be a result of nosebleeds, hemorrhoids, ulcers, menstruation, intestinal cancers.

It is estimated that iron deficiency anemia affects more than 1.2 billion individuals worldwide [3].

Enteropathies

Any alterations of the function of the intestines such as inflammation (Enteritis), can results in the malabsorption of nutrients, including iron.

• Iron Rich Food

To prevent iron deficiency, there are foods that are rich in iron including dark-green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, meat, fish, tofu, eggs, brown rice, and dried fruit. Dietary iron supplements are also commercially available.

2. Zinc deficiency

Zinc is an essential factor for many enzymatic reactions and is involved in the synthesis of nucleic acid synthesis (DNA and RNA).

It is also necessary for the growth and maintenance of healthy hair and skin.

Zinc deficiency results in slower growth and development of infants and children, loss of appetite, hair loss, loss of smell, altered immune response, and delayed wound healing.

• What Causes Zinc Deficiency?

In addition to dietary causes, alcoholism, exercise, and diarrhea have been associated with zinc deficiency.

It can also be caused by a rare hereditary disorder known as acrodermatitis enteropathica that affects the mucosal membrane of the intestine.

• Zinc Rich Food

To prevent zinc deficiency, there are foods that are rich in iron such as oysters, beef, lobster, pork, cereals, crab, chicken, pumpkin seeds, baked beans, dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese), cashews, chickpeas, and oatmeal. Dietary zinc supplements are also commercially available.

3. Iodine deficiency

Iodine is essential for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are necessary for growth, cellular metabolism, and for the regulation of body temperature. 

Iodine deficiency results in reduced production of T3 and T4 resulting in a condition known as hypothyroidism characterized by an enlargement of the thyroid gland and the appearance of goiter.

Hypothyroidism leads to symptoms such as impaired mental function, hoarse voice, tiredness, dry skin, a gain of weight, aches, and intolerance to cold.

• What Causes Iodine Deficiency?

Insufficient Intake of Iodized Salt, veganism (e.g., no dairy products and eggs), pregnancy, living in regions that have low iodine soils can all contribute to iodine deficiency.

• Iodine Rich Food

To prevent iodine deficiency, there are foods that are rich in iodine such as seaweed, bread, cod, oysters, dairy products (milk, yogurt, and cheese), eggs, shrimps, and tuna.

4. Calcium deficiency

Calcium is essential for the contraction of muscles, the formation of bones and teeth, the regulation of cardiac rhythm, coagulation, neurotransmission, and several metabolic and enzymatic reactions.

The most known effect of calcium deficiency is osteoporosis associated with the reduction of bone strength.

• What Causes Calcium Deficiency?

Lactose intolerance individuals can result in decreased consumption of dairy products that are rich in calcium. In post-menopausal women, the decrease in estrogen level reduces the absorption of calcium and increases its mobilization from the bones and its elimination through urine.

• Calcium Rich Food

To prevent calcium deficiency, there are foods that are rich in calcium such as dairy products (milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, mozzarella), Tofu, soymilk, sardines, salmon, soybeans, spinach, turnip greens, kale, and beans 

5. Magnesium deficiency

Magnesium is necessary for the function of the nervous system and muscles and is involved in the production of energy (ATP).

It is also involved in the regulation of blood glucose, blood pressure, and the metabolism of calcium and potassium.

Deficiency in magnesium can lead to tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.

A severe deficiency manifests with cramps, numbness, seizures, and cardiovascular symptoms. If intreated magnesium deficiency can cause hypocalcemia and chondrocalcinosis.

• What Causes Magnesium Deficiency?

Magnesium deficiency can be due to chronic alcoholism, gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., malabsorption), poorly controlled diabetes, and certain types of medications such as antibiotics, diuretics, chemotherapeutic agents, and proton-pump inhibitors [3].

• Magnesium Rich Food

To prevent magnesium deficiency, there are foods that are rich in magnesium including green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, nuts, seeds (chia and pumpkin seeds), legumes, and whole grains. Dietary magnesium supplements are also commercially available.

6. Selenium deficiency

Selenium is essential for the metabolism of thyroid hormones, DNA synthesis, protection from infection and oxidative damage (antioxidant), and for reproduction.

Selenium deficiency leads to the development of a viral disease in children and young women, known as Keshan disease, that is characterized by cardiomyopathy [4].

A combination between selenium deficiency and iodine deficiency can cause goiter and hypothyroidism.

• What Causes Selenium Deficiency?

Selenium deficiency mostly affects people living in selenium-deficient regions and people who are under kidney dialysis.

• Selenium Rich Food

To prevent selenium deficiency, there are foods that are rich in magnesium include such as Brazil nuts, organ meats, and seafood.

7. Fluoride deficiency

Fluoride is naturally found in the body as calcium fluoride and is required for new bone formation and for preventing teeth decay.

Fluoride deficiency can lead to tooth decay and fracture of bones.

• What Causes Fluoride Deficiency?

Although fluoride is sufficiently available through food products made with fluoridated tap water and fluoridated tap water, adequate intake of fluoride can reduce teeth decay (caries) and bone fractures.

• Fluoride Rich Food

Foods that are rich in fluoride include black tea, raisins, wine, fluoridated water, lamb, and carrots.

Conclusion

Iron, calcium, zinc, iodine, magnesium, selenium, and fluoride are essential for the function of the bones, muscles, heart, and brain. They are also involved in vital metabolic reactions as coenzymes. Any deficiency in one of these minerals can have severe health consequences such as diseases that affect both adults and developing embryos.

The post What Are the Most Common Mineral Deficiencies? appeared first on .

Iron is the main component of hemoglobin which plays an essential role in oxygen transport by red blood cells, and therefore, the lack of a physiological amount of iron affects the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, leading to tissue hypoxia (deprivation of oxygen supply) [2]. 

What Are the Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia in the Elderly?

Any disorder, condition, diet, or medication that limits the supply or absorption of iron will restrict the amount of hemoglobin available to transport oxygen; thus, leading to iron deficiency anemia.

1- Stomach ulcers

Stomach ulcers are associated with damages of the mucus layer that makes the lining of the stomach by the stomach own digestive acidic juices. The results of these damages are a reduction in iron absorption and gastrointestinal bleedings that lead to iron loss and reduction in the body’s iron reserves.

The damages are caused by the excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the bacterium Helicobacter Pylori.

Helicobacter Pylori lives in the mucus layer of the stomach where it secretes proteins, toxins, and an enzyme named urease. The proteins are responsible for the inflammation of the mucus layer, while urease transforms the stomach urea into ammonia that neutralizes the digestive acidic juices [3].

The effect of excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is reported below.

2- Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer or gastric carcinoma is cancer that develops from the lining of the stomach and which symptoms are associated with a loss of appetite, weight loss, heartburn, indigestion, abdominal pain, and blood loss through blood vomiting and blood in the stool.

It can be caused by Epstein-Barr virus infection, genetics, diet, and inflammation related to Helicobacter Pylori infection [4]. The loss of appetite and the bleeding result in significant losses in iron and iron reserves leading to iron loss and reduction in the body’s iron reserves.

3- Bowel Cancer (Colorectal Cancer)

This cancer develops in the colon or rectum and is associated with a loss of appetite, weight loss, constipation, nausea or vomiting, and rectal bleeding. While a small percentage is due to genetic factors, most bowel cancers are due to aging, and lifestyles [5].

Like stomach cancer, the loss of appetite and rectal bleeding result in significant losses in iron and iron reserves leading to iron loss and reduction in the body’s iron reserves.

4- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen (Advil®) perform their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the enzymes cyclooxygenase/prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PGHS-1 and PGHS-2), involved in the biosynthesis of the pro-inflammatory prostaglandin.

However, PGHS-1 is involved in the protection of the gastric mucosa and its excessive inhibition by NSAIDs results in a thinner mucus layer and stomach ulcer [6].

5- Diet

Although the impact of iron dietary deficiency is less frequent in western countries, the lack of iron supply through food consumption can significantly reduce the body’s iron reserves resulting in iron deficiency anemia; however, a diet rich in iron can reverse this disorder.

How Is Iron Deficiency Anemia diagnosed?

The symptoms depend on the speed of onset of anemia, its severity, and the characteristics of the patient, but they generally include the following symptoms [7]:

• Pale complexion
• General weakness and fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Difficulty swallowing
• Irritability
• Poor concentration
• Headache
• Intolerance to exercise. 

Although the symptoms would indicate a potential iron dietary deficiency, the diagnosis is confirmed by routine blood tests that measure the levels of serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation levels [8].

How Is Iron Deficiency Anemia Treated?

The treatment of iron deficiency relies on iron supplements that can be obtained from rich-iron food such as dark-green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, meat, fish, tofu, eggs, brown rice, and dried fruit.

However, medications in a form of tablets or liquid preparations such as Ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous fumarate can also be recommended by the doctor. Supplementation with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) can enhance iron absorption.

A follow-up through measuring the hemoglobin concentration and red cell indices at intervals is also performed for monitoring to ensure recovery. In this case, the hemoglobin concentration should rise by 2 g/dl after 3–4 weeks [9].

Conclusion

Iron dietary deficiency anemia in elderly individuals can be associated with an iron unbalanced diet that is restored  by adequate supplementation with iron-rich food; however, in some cases, it is due to much complex disorders or diseases that require more specific treatments

References

[1] Anía, B.J., Suman, V.J., Fairbanks, V.F., Rademacher, D.M. and III, L.J.M., 1997. Incidence of anemia in older people: an epidemiologic study in a well defined population. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 45(7), pp.825-831.

[2] Chaudhry, H.S. and Kasarla, M.R., 2017. Microcytic hypochromic anemia.

[3] Blaser, M.J., 1996. The bacteria behind ulcers. Scientific American, 274(2), pp.104-107.

[4] Brenner, H., Rothenbacher, D. and Arndt, V., 2009. Epidemiology of stomach cancer. Cancer epidemiology, pp.467-477.

[5] Boyle, T., Keegel, T., Bull, F., Heyworth, J. and Fritschi, L., 2012. Physical activity and risks of proximal and distal colon cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the national cancer institute, 104(20), pp.1548-1561.

[6] Bindu, S., Mazumder, S. and Bandyopadhyay, U., 2020. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and organ damage: A current perspective. Biochemical pharmacology, p.114147.

[7] Bermejo, F. and García-López, S., 2009. A guide to diagnosis of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in digestive diseases. World journal of gastroenterology: WJG, 15(37), p.4638.

[8] Rimon, E., Levy, S., Sapir, A., Gelzer, G., Peled, R., Ergas, D. and Sthoeger, Z.M., 2002. Diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia in the elderly by transferrin receptor–ferritin index. Archives of internal medicine, 162(4), pp.445-449.[9] Goddard, A.F., McIntyre, A.S. and Scott, B.B., 2000. Guidelines for the management of iron deficiency anaemia. Gut, 46(suppl 4), pp.iv1-iv5.

The post The Most Common Cause of Anemia in the Elderly appeared first on .

1. What Is the Biology of Hair Growth?

Hair is made of a filament protein called keratin that is produced by the hair follicle found in the skin dermis and contains specific stem cells. Hair follicles are dynamic structures that follow a cycle that leads to hair renewal.

This cycle follows a sequence of rapid growth (anagen), regression (catagen), and resting periods (telogen) of about 100 days. Following this sequence, older cells in the follicles are pushed upward to the surface of the skin and replaced by new cells [1]. Although without noticing a difference, we lose about 50-100 hairs per day.

2. What Causes Hair Loss?

A. Illness and Hair Loss

• Telogen Effluvium: This condition is associated with an excessive resting period of the hair renewal process which is related to the telogen phase of the hair growth cycle. Telogen Effluvium is caused by many conditions such as surgery, stress, thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, physical injury, changes in diet and weight loss, and hormonal changes [2].

• Autoimmune diseases (Alopecia Areata): In autoimmune diseases, our immune cells should target foreign invaders such as pathogens, and start attacking hair follicles leading to hair loss [3].

• Fungal infection (Tinea Capitis): Although it mainly affects children, this type of hair loss is caused by dermatophyte fungi that target the scalp leading to large inflammation, pustular plaques, and extensive hair loss [4].

• Thyroid disorders (Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism): Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have been reported to increase the number of telogen hairs [5].

• Sex hormone imbalance: This is also known as androgenic alopecia, where large hair follicles are induced to become smaller by the excessive secretion of the androgen steroid hormone, dihydrotestosterone [6].

B. Weight Loss and Hair Loss

A sudden weight loss associated with decreased protein intake and vitamin B3 deficiency has been associated with acute telogen effluvium. Additionally, associations between weight loss-related nutritional deficiencies, chronic telogen effluvium, androgenetic alopecia (AGA), female pattern hair loss (FPHL), and alopecia areata, have also been reported [7].

C. Stress and Hair Loss

Acute and chronic stress has been reported as an inducer of telogen effluvium. Several stress hormones, such as catecholamines, prolactin, ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone), CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone), b-endorphins, and glucocorticoids, and neuropeptides such as substance P are directly or indirectly in affecting the function of hair follicles [8].

D. Iron Deficiency and Hair Loss

Iron is a cofactor for ribonucleotide reductase, a rate-limiting enzyme for DNA synthesis. As hair follicle cells are rapidly dividing cells, their need for DNA synthesis increases, and therefore, iron deficiency can reduce the number of hair follicles produced [9].

E. Cancer Treatment and Hair Loss

Cancer cells are highly growing cells and to slow down or block their growth, chemotherapy is used as treatment. Chemotherapeutic compounds intercalate between the DNA of cancer cells which slow down their growth or trigger their cell death. However, as hair follicle cells are also highly growing cells, chemotherapy may also affect their growth [10].

F. Genetics and Hair Loss

An association between genetic variability of the androgen receptor (AR) a genetic predisposition for androgenic alopecia and male-pattern baldness has been reported. Analysis of the AR locus (gene position on the chromosome) on chromosome X (in both males and females), found that polyglycine-encoding GGN repeat is likely responsible [11].

3. What Are the Symptoms of Hair Loss?

Depending on the causes, hair loss can manifest in different ways:

• Age-related gradual thinning on top of the head.
• Circular or patchy bald spots on the scalp.
• Stress- and emotional-induced sudden loosening of hair.
• Full-body hair loss associated with chemotherapy.
• Patches that spread over the scalp are caused by fungal infections.

4. What is the Treatment for Hair Loss?

Most treatments for hair loss are associated with the determination of the underlying causes; however, some require lifestyle changes, while others involve medications.

• Reduce stress If the hair loss has stress-related origins.
• If on the diet for weight loss, it is essential to choose a diet that has enough proteins, vitamins, and iron.
• Hair loss should stop following the end of the chemotherapy.
• In cases where the hair loss is permanent (e.g., surgery, physical injury), life would be much easier if you accept your appearance and live with it.
• For genetic causes of hair loss such as androgenic alopecia and male-pattern baldness, a hair lotion containing minoxidil is used. Male-pattern baldness (men) is also treated with finasteride.
• Other treatment for hair loss involves injection or skin application of steroids, artificial hair transplant, and hair transplant.

Frequently Asked Questions Answers about Why I Am Losing My Hair?

Why am I losing my hair?

Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors including genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors.

Is hair loss hereditary?

Yes, hereditary hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common cause of hair loss and is often passed down through generations.

Can stress cause hair loss?

Yes, stress can trigger hair loss, especially in individuals who are genetically predisposed to it. This type of hair loss is often temporary and can be reversed with stress management techniques.

Are there any medical conditions that can cause hair loss?

Yes, medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, and scalp infections can contribute to hair loss.

Can medications cause hair loss?

Yes, certain medications, such as those used for cancer, arthritis, depression, and heart problems, can cause hair loss as a side effect.

How can I prevent hair loss?

While some causes of hair loss are unavoidable, you can minimize the risk by maintaining a healthy diet, reducing stress, avoiding harsh treatments and styles, and using gentle hair care products.

Is hair loss reversible?

It depends on the cause of the hair loss. Some types of hair loss, such as those caused by stress or certain medications, may be reversible once the underlying cause is addressed.

However, hereditary hair loss may be more challenging to reverse but can often be managed with treatments to slow down the progression.

What treatments are available for hair loss?

Treatment options for hair loss include medications like minoxidil and finasteride, hair transplant surgery, low-level laser therapy, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. The most suitable treatment will depend on the cause and severity of your hair loss.

When should I see a doctor about my hair loss?

It’s advisable to see a doctor if you notice sudden or severe hair loss, hair loss accompanied by itching or pain, hair loss at a young age, or if you have other symptoms such as fatigue or weight loss, as these could indicate an underlying medical condition.

Are there any natural remedies for hair loss?

Some people find relief from hair loss with natural remedies such as essential oils, scalp massages, and dietary supplements like biotin and saw palmetto.

However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any natural remedies to ensure they are safe and effective for you.

Conclusion

Although most hair loss is temporary, losing hair can be extremely stressful as it is part of who we are, and how we look. Most cases of hair loss can be treated, however, other therapeutic approaches exist and are being developed for permanent hair loss.

References

[1] Krause, K. and Foitzik, K., 2006, March. Biology of the hair follicle: the basics. In Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery (Vol. 25, No. 1, pp. 2-10).

[2] Malkud, S., 2015. Telogen effluvium: a review. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research: JCDR, 9(9), p.WE01.

[3] Alexis, A.F., Dudda-Subramanya, R. and Sinha, A.A., 2004. Alopecia areata: autoimmune basis of hair loss. European journal of dermatology, 14(6), pp.364-370.

[4] Hay, R.J., 2017. Tinea capitis: current status. Mycopathologia, 182(1), pp.87-93.

[5] Babb-Tarbox, M. and Bergfeld, W.F., 2008. Alopecia and Thyroid Disease. In Thyroid Disorders with Cutaneous Manifestations (pp. 121-143). Springer, London.

[6] Price, V.H., 2003, June. Androgenetic alopecia in women. In Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings (Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 24-27). Elsevier.

[7] Guo, E.L. and Katta, R., 2017. Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use. Dermatology practical & conceptual, 7(1), p.1.

[8] Hadshiew, I.M., Foitzik, K., Arck, P.C. and Paus, R., 2004. Burden of hair loss: stress and the underestimated psychosocial impact of telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia. Journal of investigative dermatology, 123(3), pp.455-457.

[9] Kantor, J., Kessler, L.J., Brooks, D.G. and Cotsarelis, G., 2003. Decreased serum ferritin is associated with alopecia in women. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 121(5), pp.985-988.

[10] Botchkarev, V.A., 2003, June. Molecular mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced hair loss. In Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings (Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 72-75). Elsevier.[11] Hillmer, A.M., Hanneken, S., Ritzmann, S., Becker, T., Freudenberg, J., Brockschmidt, F.F., Flaquer, A., Freudenberg-Hua, Y., Abou Jamra, R., Metzen, C. and Heyn, U., 2005. Genetic variation in the human androgen receptor gene is the major determinant of common early-onset androgenetic alopecia. The American Journal of Human Genetics, 77(1), pp.140-148.

The post Why I Am Losing My Hair? appeared first on .