Changes in hair shape, texture, or thickness can be indicative of various health issues, including genetics, stress, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disease, Cushing’s syndrome, and seborrheic dermatitis. Stress can lead to premature gray hair and hair loss due to damage to DNA and reduction in pigment-producing cells in hair follicles. Oxidative stress from free radicals can also contribute to gray hair by inhibiting the body’s repair process and affecting pigment-producing cells.
Thyroid disease is another common cause of hair loss and changes in hair appearance. Hypothyroidism is characterized by increased hair loss and changes in hair appearance due to low thyroid hormone levels. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, cold intolerance, joint and muscle pain, facial swelling, and weight gain. A TSH test can help diagnose the disease and determine appropriate treatment options such as hormone replacement therapy or medication. Some thyroid disorders can also increase the risk of alopecia areata, a condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles leading to sudden hair loss.
Cushing’s syndrome is another condition that can cause changes in hair texture and thinning. It occurs when there is an overproduction of cortisol hormone from the adrenal glands due to various reasons such as tumors or chronic stress. Symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome include high blood pressure, fatigue, back pain, mood swings, acne breakouts on the face or body, thinning skin on the arms or hands near elbows (known as “buffalo hump”), weight gain around the midsection (known as “moon face”), diabetes mellitus type 2 with increased blood sugar levels which may lead to increased urination at night or thrush infection of mouth or vagina area due to high sugar level present in saliva that leads bacterial growth resulting into bad breath which could indicate yeast infection thus it is important for patients with Cushing’s syndrome undergo regular medical checkup for monitoring their overall health status.
Nutritional deficiencies such as low iron stores or anemia can also lead to thinning and fallout of hair. Consuming iron-rich foods like seafood (such as sardines), spinach (leafy greens), red meat (beef liver), beans (lentils), nuts (almonds) can help address these issues.
Seborrheic dermatitis is another condition that can cause dandruff in the scalp leading yellowish-white flakes on the scalp indicating poor digestion system or post gastric bypass surgery patients who have difficulty digesting protein leading weak brittle strands that easily fall out.
It is essential for individuals experiencing any of these conditions to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment options such as hormonal replacement therapy for hypothyroidism