Hairloss/Alopecia:

The loss of hair may be temporary or permanent. Hairloss can be caused by an underlying disease, genetic inheritance, chemical processing of the hair, stress, or due to localized disorders of the scalp. Normally, we lose approximately one hundred hairs from our heads a day. A good workup by a dermatologist will help you determine the cause of your hairloss. Dr. Metcalfe always recommends blood work to rule out anemia or hypothyroidism. In post-menopausal women, hairloss seems to increase, so hormonal levels should always be monitored as well. Excess androgens (testosterone) also cause an increase in hair loss. Nutritional and lifestyle factors also play a key role in the health of the hair. Once again, "You are what you eat!"

Increase in the loss of hair, usually noticed in the shower drain, on the pillow, or in your comb.
Thinning hair. You can now see your scalp, when you never noticed it before.

Lifestyle Changes:

Decrease stress!
Get 8 hours of sleep at night.
Stop processing your hair! Be gentle to your hair and scalp. Massage it for a few minutes everyday to increase circulation.
Exercise for at least 1-hour everyday for better circulation.
Try a gentle shampoo with very little additives.
Stop smoking.

Dietary Changes:

Increase whole grains in diet to get more B Vitamins.
Increase sources of iron from lean cuts of red meat and spinach.
Decrease caffeine.
Decrease saturated fat intake.
Eat more essential fatty acids from raw or dry roasted seeds and nuts, fish 3x/week, olive and canola oil.
Drink 10 glasses of water a day.