Hair can be considered the body’s barometer. When the body is in crisis, hair cells can shut down to redirect energy elsewhere. When hair loss occurs that is out of the ordinary, it may be better to visit the doctor’s office than the salon.
Hair loss in women can occur for a number of reasons. Many swimmers and divers experience thinning or slower-growing hair over time due to chlorine in the water, and chemicals from certain hair products can also be a factor. Hormonal changes during menopause have been associated with mild hair loss, too. But aside from these environmental and predicted factors, abnormal hair loss can be an indicator of a deeper medical problem, such as thyroid disease or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
The thyroid, located in the neck below the Adam’s apple area, is a small butterfly-shaped gland that secretes hormones necessary for growth and metabolism. When the thyroid puts out too little or too much, it can cause all sorts of problems. More than 10 million Americans, mainly women older than 40, have been diagnosed with some form of thyroid disease. Another 13 million people are estimated to have undiagnosed thyroid problems in the United States alone. Because initial symptoms are often subtle, only about half of all cases are diagnosed early.
In addition to hair loss or changes in hair texture, symptoms can include:
Thyroid problems can mimic other health issues, including some symptoms of menopause, making it sometimes tricky to recognize. But once discovered, the condition generally responds well to treatment. A simple blood test is often all that’s needed to diagnose the problem.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition affecting women’s menstrual cycles, appearance, overall health and fertility. Although we still don’t know what causes it, many researchers believe that it involves your hormones insulin and testosterone. Common symptoms of PCOS include:
Women with PCOS are also prone to having higher cholesterol and blood pressure levels, which increases their risk for heart disease. Diabetes is a risk as well because of impaired insulin levels. Finally, because the hormone progesterone is affected, the chance for developing endometrial cancer is elevated.
No cure for PCOS currently exists, but treatments may focus on healthy diet, exercise and hormone control. Doctors may prescribe medications such as hormonal birth control pills, diabetes medication and anti-androgens that counteract the side effects of testosterone. PCOS can be difficult to diagnose because there isn’t any one test for it, but if you are diagnosed, your doctor at Riverview Health can help you develop a plan to manage your symptoms and live an overall healthier, more comfortable life.
Has it been a while since your last check-up, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0535 to request an appointment.
Source: CDC.gov, NLM.NIH.gov
