We experience various physiological changes as we grow older, and among the most common is hair loss. A study published in Experimental Dermatology explains that hair loss in aging is caused by hormonal changes, such as a drop in estrogen levels in menopausal women and a genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone in men. Aging skin also affects the hair, since inflammation and photoaging change the structure of the skin. However, there are also other health conditions that can contribute to hair loss as you age.
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugar, is a characteristic of diabetes. This happens when sugar stays in the blood since a lack of insulin (or insulin resistance) makes cells unable to use it for energy. Hyperglycemia can cause damage to tissues and organs, including blood vessels, and this can affect blood flow. The restriction of blood flow can affect the hair growth cycle since cells receive less oxygen and nutrients. Elevated blood sugar from other hormonal imbalances can also cause hair loss. For instance, the stress hormone cortisol can make cells insulin-resistant, and excess cortisol can disrupt the hair growth cycle as well.
Thyroid problems
The thyroid gland creates thyroid hormones that keep the organs and muscles functioning properly. These hormones also help in the development and maintenance of hair follicles. However, prolonged or severe hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism — which are the creation of too little and too much thyroid hormones, respectively — can cause a state of telogen effluvium. This happens when the hair roots are “shocked” into a resting state where they don’t grow hair.
Malnutrition
Hair is constantly being created by follicles using the nutrients that the body absorbs from the food you consume. However WebMD mentions that older adults are at risk of malnutrition due to various factors, such as medications, which can affect your body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Aging also causes a decline in your senses of taste and smell, which can make it hard to enjoy food, negatively impacting your appetite. Poor dental health and gastrointestinal problems like Crohn’s disease can also cause malnutrition.
What you can do about hair loss
Fortunately, hair loss can be prevented or reversed. Below are a few steps you can take:
Consult with your primary doctor
Excessive hair loss can be caused by another underlying condition, so it’s best to talk to your doctor about it as they can help pinpoint the problem and suggest solutions. In tandem with this, having health insurance can assure you that you’ll be able to follow your doctor’s advice. For instance, Medicare Part B covers medical nutrition therapy, which helps manage diabetes and generally develop healthy eating habits. But for more benefits, you may want to consider signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan. KelseyCare Advantage highlights how Medicare Advantage allows you to be covered by Original Medicare, as well as get various supplemental benefits such as dental coverage, which can improve your dental health and prevent malnutrition.
Wash your scalp with essential oils
Essential oils are all-natural, so they’re a safe way to stimulate hair growth. Jennifer Rogers talks about a few effective oils, such as rosemary, which is high in antioxidants that can help improve blood circulation. Meanwhile, chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, so it can help develop more healthy hair follicles. However, when using essential oils, remember to mix them with other carrier oils, like jojoba oil, as essential oils are concentrated and may cause irritation if used alone.
Hair loss may be a normal part of aging. However, you can prevent excessive hair loss by consulting with your doctor regarding any underlying health conditions and taking steps to manage those.