Loss of hair is a common occurrence with the aging process. Hair loss, in general, is a common process that the body undergoes. 90% of the hair on your head is growing as we speak. This growth phase lasts, most often, for two to six years. 10% of your hair only grows for approximately 2 to 3 months after, which it falls. This is replaced by new hair which grows on the same hair follicle. On average, you lose about 50 to 100 hairs a day. Hair usually grows at a typical rate of one inch per month. However, this process can slow down with age. Although men are more susceptive to hair loss, women too can have this problem. This is known as alopecia. There are many reasons why men and women lose their hair. This can range from medical to genetic to poor diet and hair care decisions. Most often, reasons for men’s hair loss is different from that of women.
Causes of Hair Loss in Elderly Men and Remedies
There are several reasons why you may lose your hair as you age. Understanding some of these reasons and remedies may be useful in helping you handle the situation.
- Heredity – The most common factor for hair loss is heredity. According to the Mayo Clinic, your genes are responsible for the amount of hair you lose and how early you start losing it. As you know, age results in slowing the rate of hair growth and its strength. This causes the hair to fall easily and is not replaced with new hair. This results in male-pattern baldness were a gradual thinning of hair occurs in front and the top of the scalp. You may be able to prevent hair fall by massaging the hair with essential oils and an adhering to a proper diet.
- Medications – Hair loss may be a side effect of medications. For example, you may experience hair loss if on blood thinners. Excessive consumption of vitamin A, heart and blood pressure medications, antidepressants and arthritis medications can also cause hair loss. You may be able to remedy this problem by speaking to your doctor and changing the medication.
- Diet – Sometimes, your diet may not be sufficient, as you age, to maintain healthy hair. Inadequate protein intake and iron deficiency can result in hair loss as the body conserves these essential nutrients for other more vital body functions. Consider increasing your iron and protein intake by consuming foods high in these minerals. Fish, eggs, beans, soybeans, and spinach are some foods that can increase protein and iron deficiency.
- Stress – Believe it or not, stress can also cause hair loss. A stressful event, either physical or emotional, can result in loss of hair. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation can help with this problem.
Hair loss, most often, gets you down. However, once you identify the cause of hair loss, you should be better able to handle the problem.
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