Your Hair Says More About You Than You May Know

Posted: October 13, 2015

Hair is important. We use it as a form of self-expression. It protects us from the elements. And, perhaps most important, changes in how hair looks, feels, or grows can indicate changes in our bodies.

Here are a few facts about your hair that you may find revealing:

Your Genetics Matter

There are different types of body hair. Vellus are the small, fine hairs that cover your body; terminal hairs are the longer, thicker, darker ones found in eyebrows, eyelashes, face, armpits, and pubic area. The appearance of these hairs depends on your ethnicity, so knowing your ethnic background will help you understand how your vellus and terminal hairs should look.

You May Have an Autoimmune Disorder

You may lose hair if there is a problem with your immune system. Called alopecia, it comes in many forms — from alopecia areata, where you lose little patches of hair, to alopecia universalis, where you lose every type of hair fiber on your body. There are treatments that help the hair grow back, but it doesn’t always stay.

You May Have a Hormone Imbalance

The hormone testosterone is usually responsible in hair loss or gain in both men and women. If you are suddenly experiencing an onset of hair growth, especially on your face or body, then your testosterone levels may be too elevated. This can show up in women as hirsutism, when women experience male-style hair growth or male-pattern baldness.

You May Need to See a Doctor

Women experiencing hirsutism who are also experiencing irregular periods — or those who notice the hair growth came on very strong over a short period of time — may want to see a doctor. This could be a sign of either polycystic ovary syndrome or a tumor affecting the adrenal gland or ovary, which could affect hair growth.

You May Be Anemic or Have an Underactive Thyroid

If you feel like you are losing more hair than normal, then you may have an iron deficiency or an underactive thyroid. The latter has specific symptoms, such as losing eyebrow hair. Talk to your doctor about checking your iron levels and thyroid.

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Disclaimer: This article is made available for general, entertainment and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Low T Center. You should always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.