Hair loss can be attributed to a wide range of causes, some of which makes it only a temporary condition. Stress and cancer treatment are common causes of temporary hair loss. Unfortunately, the most common cause of hair loss is permanent: pattern baldness. This type of hair loss, which can affect men and women, usually runs in the family.
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Hair loss treatment: A herb to help with hair loss
It is easy to fall prey to a doomed mindset but evidence suggests pattern baldness does not have to be inevitable.
On the contrary, a significant study published in journal Hindawi, suggests a plant-based oil may correct male pattern baldness.
In fact, it may be the most rigorous study on a plant-based hair growth alternative thus far.
In the study, men with pattern baldness took either pumpkin seed supplements or a placebo.
The results showed those who took supplements experienced 30 percent more hair growth than those who received the placebo.
There are some limitations to factor in, however. The study was short, small, and only performed on men.
Less than 100 men were given the supplement over 24 weeks and women were not part of the test group.
Nonetheless, these findings make pumpkin seed oil a player to watch in the natural hair growth market.
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One scientific theory for how pumpkin seed works for hair loss is that the oil’s phytosterols promote hair growth.
Phytosterols are sterols (natural substances) found in many plants.
Supposedly, phytosterols could block enzymes and hormones in your scalp that cause hair loss.
This would mean phytosterol-rich pumpkin seed oil might help.
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Studies on other natural ingredients containing phytosterols prop up this theory.
This includes a study on phytosterol-rich plant-based oils and omega-3 fatty acids.
Other options
If you are looking for prescribed treatments, the most common are finasteride and minoxidil.
According to the NHS, minoxidil can also be used to treat female pattern baldness but women shouldn’t use finasteride.
Some wigs are available on the NHS, but you may have to pay unless you qualify for financial help.
While you contemplate the options available to you, you may want to consider seeking psychological support.
“Losing hair can be upsetting. For many people, hair is an important part of who they are,” explains the NHS.
Try these online support groups:
- Alopecia UK
- Alopecia Awareness.
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