Hypothalamus and hair loss

This popular expression is actually based on the fact that the hypothalamus is the centre of our emotions.

It also helps the pituitary and thyroid glands in regulating stress. So, whenever you feel frustrated when you see a lot of hair falling out from your head, it means your hypothalamus is overworking, and this is where you should start seeking help from a trichologist.

In past issues I have discussed the endocrine system and its contribution to hair loss and hair growth.

Hypothalamus controls the majority of the endocrine gland of the body. Your hypothalamus is a small, but very important, part of your brain.

It governs several glands with variety of functions. Its scope of control include behavioural, autonomic and endocrine functions.

Remember when I shared with you information about how the pituitary gland controls the physical growth and development? Yes, your hypothalamus has something to do about it too, especially about hair growth.

If the organs of your body are active members in a volleyball game, your hypothalamus is the setter. Once it perceives and receives input from the team, it analyses the information. It then “sets” the ball to the the right member. This member will then give an appropriate response, so on and so forth.

Now, imagine if there’s no setter in your team of organs.

There would be no co-ordinated response system. Your body would also start to manifest many imbalances especially those that are hormone-related.

Two of the major hormones that, if imbalanced, can cause negative effects to your hair are gonadotropin and thyroid hormones.

If the stress levels of your body would start to go berserk (which is supposedly taken care of by your thyroid hormones) and the testosterone would increase because of other hormonal imbalances, this would be a very conducive media for the over-production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

To recap, the DHT is the enemy of every hair follicle as it destroys its integrity, making it impossible for healthy hair to survive.

So, how do you keep your hypothalamus in good shape? Simple, ensure proper diet.

Increase your intake of green leafy vegetables. Its antioxidants help repair cell damage that may cause brain disease.

Also, don’t forget your Vitamin B supplement since it is the main brain food especially for your hypothalamus. If your brain is properly nourished, your mental functions will also improve.

Along with the right type of diet, you should also look after your physical routine and environment. If you are constantly exposed to stress and you’re so into the sedentary lifestyle, your brain can only do so much to keep everything in order.

If you want a deeper understanding on how these brain parts and glands help manage the growth of your hair, you can always schedule a session with us.

Just visit my website and once we receive your query, we’ll be more than willing and happy to assist you with your concerns.

Germaine Williams-Beckles is a doctor of trichology (DT) and nutrition consultant (NC), https://www.germainewilliamsbeckles.

com or -627-4659.

Email us your questions at info@drgees.com