Medical Causes Of Grey Hair

If you are 25 something years old and already greying at the temples, don't panic because you are not alone. Premature grey hair is today a common problem affecting the young generation. Greying is seen as a sign of ageing. But the causes of grey hair may not always be age. Causes of grey hair at an early age are quite different.

The most basic medical cause of grey hair is the depletion of melanin from hair. Melanin is a pigment that gives hair its colour. Now melanin is usually depleted with growing age. But these days, premature grey hair appear due to faster depletion of melanin from the hair. There are many causes of grey hair appearing much earlier than they should.

If you want to know how to treat premature grey hair, then you have to understand the medical causes of grey hair first. Here is a list of things that can make your hair turn grey before you are ready to betreated as elderly.

Genetic Code

Genetic Code

Greying early is sometimes hereditary. If your mom started greying early, the odds are that you will too.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12

A deficiency of vitamin B12 is known to speed up the depletion of melanin from the hair. This condition is reversible if you give your body proper doses of vitamin B12.

Thyroid Gland Malfunction

Thyroid Gland Malfunction

Hypothyroidism as well as hyperthyroidism can be the cause of premature grey hair. Youngsters these days are often diagnosed with thyroid problems and thus the greying.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal Imbalances

Many women complain of greying hair during their pregnancy. This happens due to hormonal highs and lows.

Pituitary Gland

Pituitary Gland

Your pituitary gland is responsible for growth and development. When this gland malfunctions, it can speed up ageing.

Iodine Deficiency

Iodine Deficiency

Iodine is a trace mineral required by the body. So if you are short on iodine, you might have greying at the temples.

Anaemia

Anaemia

Anaemia makes you weak and worn out. It can sometimes give you grey hair as a mark of sickness.

Malnutrition

Malnutrition

Malnutrition is the primary cause of greying at a young age. When your body doesn't get the nutrients it needs, you age faster.

Copper Deficiency

Copper Deficiency

Copper is again a trace mineral that helps to keep your hair healthy. A deficiency of copper will make your hair white and wiry.

Anxiety & Tension

Anxiety & Tension

When you are tensed, your scalp gets affected cutting off the supply of nutrients to your hair roots. That is why stress is a major cause of greying.

Story first published: Tuesday, February 18, 2014, 16:28 [IST]
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