Hair loss in women is often dismissed as a cosmetic problem, but should be taken seriously as it is often the first warning sign that the body has gone out of balance. Excessive hair loss is not normal. If a person gently pulls on their hair and a handful comes out, there is a problem that needs to be addressed.

Our bodys’ natural built-in healing system has its priorities and hair is not one of them. When our body experiences a disturbance, which may lead to illness, it will send all its energy to repair the area of concern. Our hair will suffer before other symptoms manifest.
We must pay attention, as this may be our bodies’ way of alerting us of an impending illness. Identifying the cause and treating the problem before other symptoms develop may prevent a more serious medical disorder from occurring.

For example, any adrenal gland dysfunction can lead to hair loss. If treated early, adrenal function can be restored with minimal effort. Otherwise it may develop into a serious disorder such as Addisons or Cushings.

The same holds true for the thyroid. The thyroid intricately connected to hair health. Even a slight imbalance may cause hair loss. Treating thyroid problems early may prevent more serious conditions such as Graves’ disease and Hashimotos thyroiditis.

Women are more susceptible to many of the diseases in which hair loss is a symptom. Hair loss is a common symptom of autoimmune disorders. Approximately 75% of those affected with autoimmune disorders are female. There are over 80 autoimmune disorders. Collectively they represent the fourth largest cause of disability among women.

Hair loss often reflects a disorder in the endocrine system. The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce hormones. These hormones must be precisely balanced. Even a slight over or under production of certain hormones can cause hair loss. A glandular dysfunction may be the primary or a contributory factor in most cases of hair loss.

Hair loss is also a symptom of many common disorders such as anemia and diabetes. Fortunately many problems associated with hair loss are temporary and easily corrected. Once identified and properly treated the hair will restore to normal. It is always important to identify the cause any time there is a sudden significant change in hair.