Early signs of hair thinning include a receding hairline (M-shape in men), a widening part (in women), increased shedding (more hair on pillows, brushes, drains), a less full ponytail, and subtle changes in hair texture like limpness or fragility, often starting subtly before significant loss occurs, notes Healthline, American Academy of Dermatology, and The Hairy Pill.
Signs and symptoms of hair loss may include:
For heartburn, the drug can be used for a period of two weeks as self-medication and is available in pharmacies up to 20 mg without a prescription. This can lead to effects like sleep disorders or diarrhea, and rarely sweating, hair loss or skin rashes.
The first stage of hair thinning typically begins with increased hair shedding, especially during brushing or showering. In men, it often starts with a receding hairline, while women may notice a wider hair part or decreased volume.
Metformin itself is unlikely to make your hair fall out. Long-term use of metformin can lead to nutrient deficiencies. One important deficiency is vitamin B12. This deficiency can contribute to hair loss.
It can lower blood flow to your scalp, change your hair growth cycle, and damage hair follicles. These can all lead to hair loss. Diabetes hair loss can look like overall hair thinning, patterned hair loss, or patchy hair loss.
Key Vitamins for Hair Growth
Men may start showing signs of baldness by the time they are 30 years old. Many men are nearly bald by age 60. A type of baldness related to the normal function of the male hormone testosterone is called male-pattern baldness. Hair loss may be at the temples or at the top of the head.
The "Big 3" for thinning hair, especially male/female pattern baldness, are typically Minoxidil (Rogaine), Finasteride (Propecia), and sometimes Ketoconazole shampoo, or even Microneedling, forming a multimodal approach to stimulate growth and block hormones (DHT) causing hair loss, with Minoxidil boosting circulation, Finasteride inhibiting DHT, and Ketoconazole reducing inflammation and acting as a mild anti-androgen.
Vitamin deficiencies, particularly iron, Vitamin D, Biotin (B7), B12, and Zinc, can cause hair loss by disrupting hair follicle function, keratin production, or oxygen supply, leading to thinning, shedding, or brittle strands; though rare, deficiencies in Folic Acid, Niacin (B3), and Vitamin A (excess is also harmful) can also contribute.
Signs of drug-induced alopecia
The effects of drug-induced alopecia often appear within 3 months of an individual starting on a particular medication. A person who experiences drug-induced alopecia may notice thinning hair. The hair loss may be more apparent on the top of the scalp.
However in all of this, there is really no correlation made between chronic digestive disorders and hair health. It's just not something that would naturally occur to one. However chronic problems with your digestive system can also affect your hair growth cycle or lead to hair loss.
What are some signs you might just be paranoid about hair loss? If there are no objective visual changes to your hair or scalp and you're only losing around 100 hairs a day, it's possible you're worrying about your hair unduly. But to be on the safe side, you can seek expert advice.
5 Signs of Damaged Hair
The most obvious sign of hair thinning is less hair on your head. If you're concerned about hair loss, examine your scalp in the mirror. Use a hand mirror and a wall mirror to look at the back, sides and top of your head as well as your hairline.
Japanese scalp treatments focus on cleansing, stimulating, and nourishing the scalp to create an ideal environment for healthy hair growth. These treatments remove buildup, improve circulation, and strengthen hair follicles, helping with early signs of hair loss and thinning.
You might be able to reverse hair loss, or at least slow it. With some conditions, such as patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), hair may regrow without treatment within a year. Treatments for hair loss include medications and surgery.
5 telltale signs of hair loss
1. 5 Best Vitamins for Hair Growth
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a component of two important coenzymes: flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) [22].
Dodd shares the eight best foods for hair growth.
Hair loss patients frequently have lower vitamin D concentrations. In studies, boosting vitamin D levels promoted hair thickness and growth. Optimising your vitamin D intake is key for maintaining healthy hair follicle cycling.