What Are The Possible Causes Of Hair Loss For Women & Men?

Still searching for answers – are you? Well, unlike many who simply won’t tell you the truth, for various reasons, we’ll be discussing some of the more common reasons and possible causes of hair loss in women and men. There are some causes that are health-related, some are food related, some are hereditary, and some stem from just plain bad habits. But there is one, in particular, that you may find a bit surprising and worrisome. In fact, it ties into both health and food-related causes, but the real possible cause is rarely discussed – at least when it comes to hair.

The reason why it’s rarely discussed involves a myriad of problems and issues which we’ll get to a bit later in this article. But, first things first. Let’s discuss some of the more, well-known, possible causes of hair loss in women.

Health-Related Causes of Hair Loss For Women & Men

There are many health-related possibilities that cause hair loss in both women and men. So many, in fact, that you should probably be warned that this list is not all-inclusive. I’m sure I’ll be missing a few simply because I am not a doctor, nor a scientist. This list will identify many health-related possibilities that do affect hair, and their associated medications do cause hair loss in those who are taking these prescribed drugs. If you are someone who suffers from any one or a number of these ailments, as always, when in doubt, consult with your medical professional, and always read your side-effect literature before taking any prescribed medicines.

Here’s A List of Possible Health-Related Causes of Hair Loss:

• Heart Disease
• Obesity
• Crash Diets
• High Blood Pressure
• Thyroid Problems / Hormonal Imbalance
• Anemia
• Pregnancy / Post-Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Birth Control Pills
• Allergies
• Auto-Immune Disease such as Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc.
• Spot baldness, or Alopecia Areata, another type of Auto-Immune Disease
• Scarring Alopecia – a rare disease that destroys your hair follicles and makes scar tissue form in their place. Hair will not grow back.
• Radiation or Chemotherapy Treatments
• Diabetes
• Medications, such as Blood Thinners, etc.
• High doses of vitamin A, and Steroids that some may take to help build muscle called Anabolic Steroids
• Scalp Infections, Fungus, Ringworm, Etc.
• Problems with your diet, like getting too little Iron or too much Vitamin A
• Stress / Trauma
• Eating GMO Corn and GMO Soy / Processed Foods / Junk Foods
• Poor Nutrition
• Protein Deficiency

Obviously, some of these reasons and possible causes overlap, but what I’m trying to point out is that many of the reasons and causes of hair loss are intertwined with other issues which only add to the problems that are affecting millions of women. What’s even worse than this is the fact that we are experiencing alarming trends in various illnesses and diseases that we just never had before, but more on that below. My point right now is that these are the more common causes that many have identified as probable causes thus far. It’s also important to note that hair loss is a 36 Billion dollar industry, and it is expected to grow. ^[1]

Your Hair Is Your Barometer

In the U.S. alone, I already mentioned that we are experiencing alarming trends in a variety of ailments, and hair is really just one of the outward appearances that do reflect whether the body is under some sort of duress. According to Dr. Oz, a well-known heart surgeon, some of the more common illnesses are reflected in a person’s hair. Below, is a video of Diane Sawyer interviewing Dr. Oz about his new book and how hair and its outward appearance reflects a healthy body.

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Dr. Oz also mentions that eating nutritional and healthy foods also aids our bodies and promotes health and “beauty” from within which is then reflected by our outward appearance in hair, nails, and skin.

Bad Habits Are Also Possible Causes of Hair Loss

These may include:

• Hair Coloring, Bleaching, Dying, Etc.
• Harsh Shampoos – Sulfates, Parabens, Etc.
• Hair Relaxing, Straightening / Chemicals
• Hot Irons, Curlers, Dryers
• Cotton Pillow Cases
• Overwashing / Daily Shampooing
• Tight Hair Styles, Cornrows, Tight PonyTails, Braids, Etc.
• Lack of Exercise / Cardio in particular
• Smoking
• Excessive Consumption of Alcohol

The additional things we do to ourselves also cause harm to our hair and scalp health. Many of these are quite damaging, and some of us do these things without even thinking about it. I’m guilty myself. I used to wash my hair every day with sulfate and paraben loaded shampoo… that is until I began writing this blog…

In addition to these habits listed, some of us also do not exercise, and the lack of blood circulation is yet another contributing factor to hair loss. We do need to get our blood pumping from time to time. In fact, a few of the known natural or commercially available remedies for hair thinning and hair loss involve scalp massage, hair masks, exercise, and applying topical solutions that help to stimulate the hair follicles and improve blood circulation.

What Else Could Cause Hair Loss?

The above discussion is, for the most part, the more commonly discussed causes of hair loss, but are those the actual causes, or are they reflecting another, deeper problem? Before I delve deeper, let’s briefly discuss just a few of the alarming health-related trends I mentioned earlier.

Although I truly didn’t wish to get too much into the specifics because this is a “Hair Loss” blog after all, then again, our hair is a part of our body. They are not two independent and unrelated things. Therefore, I do wish to make a very simple argument – that there is “something” here, and it surely needs to be addressed and discussed until further studies can be done by uninvolved and totally independent third-party people. Here’s what I’m referring to:

Alarming Rates

Alzheimer’s: (CNN)The rate of people dying from Alzheimer’s disease in the United States rose by 55% over a 15-year period, new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows. ^[2]

Parkinson’s: In 2015, there were around 8.7 deaths per 100,000 population from Parkinson’s disease, an increase from a rate of 6.1 in 2004. ^[3]

ADHD & Autism: The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased markedly over the past 40 yr. It was reported to be 4-10/10,000 by the early 1990s, but increased to 20-116/10,000 after the year 2000, and was even up to 1/88 in recent studies. The prevalence of ASD in Korea was reported to be as strikingly high as 2.64%. The change in the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not as dramatic as that of ASD, but the overall trend has been similar over the past 10 yr. A survey from the United States reported that ADHD increased from 7.8% to 9.5% between 2003 and 2007. ^[4]

Female Androgenic Alopecia: Otherwise known as Female Hair Loss  “…has become a growing problem that, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, affects around 30 million women in the United States. Although hair loss in females normally occurs after the age of 50…, it is now occurring at earlier ages with reported cases in women as young as 15 or 16. ^[5]

Breast Cancer:  Early menstruation, late menopause, late age at first live birth, and a low number of pregnancies all may increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer by affecting her lifetime exposure to the hormone estrogen. ^[6]

Estrogen? Why Would Estrogen Be A Bad Thing?

Let’s ask Google, shall we? Here’s what I found:

According to the Susan G. Koman website, higher levels of estrogen is strongly linked to the incidence of breast cancer in women. “Studies show higher blood levels of the estrogen called estradiol increase the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.” But, that’s not all. “A pooled analysis of data from 7 studies found higher blood estrogen levels increased breast cancer risk in premenopausal women” as well. ^[7]

The site goes on to state similar findings for men. “Although data are limited at this time, some factors that can increase estrogen levels in the body are under study for a possible link to breast cancer in men. These include some hormone drugs used to treat prostate cancer. ^[8]

Unfortunately, there’s not much else about the possible “root” causes. It seems that they and many other medical and research organizations are only focusing on estrogens, the “natural hormones important for sexual development and other body functions” ^[7]

But, seeing that I like looking through the lens of common sense, common sense tells me that estrogen “is” a natural hormone found in both genders. Testosterone is another hormone also found in both genders. So, if these hormones are “natural,” and they “normally” occur in both men and women, albeit in differing amounts, then what’s the real problem? I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to now question whether there is another cause entirely, or is there something else causing “abnormally,” higher levels of estrogen. Well, hold that thought for a moment…

What Is DHT?

As you may know, and after researching the “common causes” of hair loss, the common reason why men, in particular, suffer from “male pattern baldness” has usually been reported as a result of having high levels of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT.) They were then led to believe, as many still do, that DHT is the male hormone testosterone. This claim may not be entirely true. According to Dr. Wong, DHT is mostly made from estrogen and states that it is DHT, estrogen, that actually causes hair follicles to shrink and sometimes fade away entirely.^[9]

In fact, many do agree on that one point. Higher levels of DHT, whether it’s testosterone or estrogen, is the cause of hair loss, and this occurs in both men and women. DHT ultimately shrinks hair follicles down to fine hair strands, sometimes to the point of no return resulting in thinning hair for women, and complete baldness especially for men. The only difference is the pattern of hair loss that occurs. Women tend to lose hair at the crown. Their part becomes wider, and the crown area thins out where you can see the scalp through the hair, but their hairline usually remains intact. Men, on the other hand, usually have a receding hairline, bald patch at the crown, and an eventual merger of balding areas all across the top and crown. For many men, their hair follicles simply shrink and totally disappear.

Ok, So What’s Causing Higher Levels Of DHT?

As mentioned, hair loss is only one symptom of a much larger problem facing us. It’s our “barometer.” Again, the Hair Loss industry is expected to grow and the alarming trends are extremely worrisome in that “something” is affecting our health and our children’s health. So, knowing that some researchers think our problems are being caused specifically by estrogen, then, the next obvious question is – could the higher amounts and/or longer exposure of estrogen be causing all of these other health-related problems? And, if so, where, how and why are we somehow increasing our estrogen levels?

Well, in researching this topic of hair loss for men, in particular, I did come across some information that is eye-opening, to say the least. And, now, I’m addressing it here in this post specifically for women as well as men. The causes of hair loss have much to do with what we are eating, and how these foods are already part of our food chain. Not only could soy, corn, and other foods be the cause of what’s affecting our hair, it could very well be what’s affecting our collective health and what’s causing these alarming trends now being realized. If you do have the time, I would urge you to read that article and its related references as well.

So, at this point, we have identified and discussed hair loss, health problems, estrogen, and foods. What could they possibly have in common? Well, many already know the answer. But, these questions do need to be posed and answered on a wider scale. It’s really past time to address these alarming trends and possible “root” causes on a more national scale… which leads me to my next point.

Possible Environmental Causes of Hair Loss

Here are some of the Environmental Factors that do affect our food sources, which, in turn, more than likely do affect our health… and our hair.

• GMO Corn and GMO Soy / Pesticide-Laden Foods / Processed Foods
• Environmental Pollution / Smog / Leached Chemicals in soil or water

While there are people who simply do not want to address or consider environmental factors on a “hair loss blog,” these are, in fact, the possible “root” causes of many problems affecting our health and our hair. For some, it just takes too long, it’s hard to prove, etc., and it gets swept under the proverbial rug. We’ve been conditioned to expect immediate knowledge, an immediate remedy, and immediate results. It’s too dark and gloomy a subject, it’s going too deep into the weeds (no pun intended), and, for many, they just don’t wish to “go there.”

Even the researchers who only see “estrogen” as the problem, don’t seem willing to address another possible cause or, at the very least, explain whether the estrogen they claim as the cause is either natural or synthetic. So, we go round and round with short, glib answers that don’t seem to address the real reasons these things are happening. In addition, we have delays, differing opinions, and mounds and mounds of research. We also have extremely powerful corporations who, seemingly, will stop at nothing to thwart attempts when it comes to educating the public and has failed to cooperate regarding real product research and findings.

Where’s The Common Sense?

While no, I’m not a scientist, but, as mentioned, I do consider common sense when thinking about a problem. Common sense tells me that estrogen should not be harmful to women. Common sense and my age tell me that women have never experienced these alarming trends of Breast Cancer, etc., before. Our kids never had these alarming trends of Leukemia, Autism, ADD, ADHD, etc., before. Men have never had these alarming trends of Prostate Cancer, ED, etc., before. These illnesses and their related increasing trends are not “normal.” We, collectively, never had these alarming trends of all these types of illnesses before. God made humans pretty darn efficient with wonderous bodies, and we’ve been on this earth for ages. So, it’s common sense, to me, that something else is causing these illnesses and the resulting hair loss.

So, why isn’t anyone alarmed at these trends? Why isn’t the actual problem being identified – rather than watching our loved ones get sick and suffer while we’re wasting time and effort trying to find “cures?” To me, finding the actual cause is common sense – which is one major reason why I won’t donate money to “finding cures.” I refuse to donate money to keep “non-profit” research organizations and its people highly paid and well funded when we can easily identify harmful causes, call them out, and avoid these illnesses in the first place. If these researchers were totally independent and truly do wish to help people, they really ought to be looking at the causes, not the “cures.”  But, yes, that’s me… I digress… ..for now.

So, now, I’m wondering whether any independent scientists and researchers have actually looked at the possible causational relationship between what we are eating, what we’re drinking, what we’re growing, what pesticides we’re using, what we are breathing, and how our collective health is being affected on a daily basis. If they have, where are the findings? If not, why hasn’t anything been done to protect our collective health? Just where, exactly, is our FDA? Isn’t “that” what they are supposed to be doing?

Well, apparently, there are some who have also asked these questions and have demanded answers. I have found that further research was attempted in the past, but not completed by the FDA.^[10]  Now, however, after many delays, this research has finally now resumed. Unfortunately, this type of research is long overdue, and for many people, it’s just a bit too late.^[11] 

GMOs & Pesticides

Yes, I’ll “go there.” I’m talking about GMOs and the fact that our food chain has been literally infiltrated with chemicals that still have yet to be determined “safe” by an independent and unbiased third-party or our FDA. Not only are GMOs in our food chain but the fact that these spliced seeds, which make plants “pesticide tolerant” and drench ready, allow commercial farmers to do just that. They literally drench our corn, wheat, soy, potatoes, or whatever with glyphosate that kills off the weeds, and they use these and other chemicals up to the time of harvest. If not already part of the modified seed, the glyphosates are absorbed through the soil, through the plant’s root system and remain on and in the very plant and produce that we eventually consume.

Why is that important – you may ask? This weed killer, glyphosate, is a form of synthetic estrogen, and, this weed killer along with other chemicals have been found in human urine, that’s why.

We are ingesting trace amounts of this weed killer every day. We ingest it, we bathe in it, we shampoo with it, and we feed it to our children. Traces of this weed killer has been found in many of our products that are either absorbed through the skin or in our foods. It’s in make-up, lotions, creams, soaps, shampoos, pre-packaged foods, processed foods, cereals, and more.

…Still wondering why you’re losing your hair?

If hair is, as Dr. Oz states, one way to determine one’s health, like a barometer, and you’re inexplicably losing your hair, I’d say your body is trying to tell you something. And, when reviewing the alarming rates of health issues, many of which simply didn’t exist when I was a kid, I think I can safely say that our collective bodies are trying to tell us all something. You don’t need a degree in rocket science to tell you – “something” is definitely wrong.

GMOs Vs. Pesticides

Currently, there seems to be an ongoing argument between GMOs vs. pesticides. Some argue that GMOs are not the problem and labeling food products should not be pursued. If GMOs are not the problem, by themselves, have those who say they aren’t also addressed the spliced seeds that create a “pesticide tolerant” seed? Can they say, with absolute certainty that the ingredients of these genetically modified seeds are all natural, or has something else been added that makes the plant pesticide tolerant? Which is the problem, the GMO or pesticide, or are they one in the same? No independent research organization can answer these questions. Therefore, no-one really knows – other than the company that makes it, that is.

In addition, have the so-called “inert” ingredients also been “officially” tested? Why are some researchers finding that these inert ingredients are actually magnifying the effects of pesticide… and killing human cells?^[12] In fact, there are numerous articles questioning the higher rates of birth defects and the use of pesticides in local areas, but there is no “official” research being done to definitively recognize, identify, and resolve the problem.

As for pesticides and pesticide tolerant GMO plants, I’m reasonably certain that anything that kills weeds probably ought not to be ingested… I mean, isn’t it common sense – again? Isn’t this also why are entire bee colonies are collapsing? Did you also know that 81% of Monarch butterflies have also been wiped out? Are those who defend the use of GMOs and Pesticides trying to say these issues are unrelated? If bees and butterflies are dying after visiting GMO crops, that’s a pretty good sign that the pesticides they came in contact with are not a good thing for either insects or humans. In fact, there is more factual evidence regarding the use of GMOs, pesticides, environmental calamities, and worse, human abnormalities happening in nearby communities adjacent to farms using these seeds and pesticides. You can read about what’s going on in Argentina, and much more, using the link below under the title of “Other Related Research.”

For now, however, let’s put two and two together.

When Did GMOs Become Part Of Our Food Chain?

According to one article, gene splicing began in the early 1970’s. These types of plants and experiments usually revolved around improving the plant and its produce. However, by 1983, “Monsanto scientists were some of the first to genetically modify plants, and five years later, they tested their first genetically engineered crops.” By 1988, scientists created the first “glyphosate tolerant” plant, soybeans, and this plant’s produce was soon integrated into our food chain. Since then, other glyphosate-tolerant seeds have been created – “including potato, cotton, rice, sugar beets, sugarcane, and tomatoes — with the intention of making these crops resistant to insects, antibiotics, diseases, herbicides, and pesticides.” ^[13]

While the battle rages on debating whether GMOs are good for people, the alarming trends of illnesses, especially ADHD and Autism, which were being recognized by the early 90’s, continue to rise. If Monsanto has created crops that are “resistant to insects, antibiotics, diseases, herbicides, and pesticides,” the real question we should be asking is – are these the types of plants that should be part of our food chain – even if the crop yield is cost efficient for our farmers? Do we really want to risk harmful effects to our health just to save money? If not, how about we ask the most obvious question…

Conflict of Interest – Much?

Consider a little twist to their logic. If they created an insect and disease-proof plant, then why does it need to be drenched in glyphosate and other “inert” chemicals in the first place? …It seems to me that Monsanto has – instead – created plants that are probably more likely to need pesticides… in order to sell more of their Round-Up glyphosate – their most profitable product.

At this point, I’m also wondering whether Monsanto is also involved in creating or providing any type of agricultural product or ingredient that is part of any of the prescribed medicines for certain illnesses. …Yes, I am wondering… If they successfully created and “sold” pesticide tolerant seeds by billing them as “cost-effective insect and disease resistant seeds,” and then they sold actual pesticides to kill off insects and diseases, which would be seemingly redundant, it seems to me they have successfully pulled the wool over a lot of eyes. …More on that thought later, but, for now, let’s finish this circle, shall we?

Just What Does Glyphosate Do?

Well, we already know what higher levels of estrogen are linked to in terms of health-related problems, so now, let’s discuss what glyphosate and its associated “inert” chemicals can do.

Monsanto has argued, over time, that glyphosate alone doesn’t cause harm, and they have defended their product time and time again. As mentioned previously, they have refused to share any related research or findings with regard to their products citing that their research is confidential business information.

“Independent scientists have been reporting since at least 1991 that pesticides containing glyphosate along with other ingredients were more dangerous than glyphosate on its own. More recently, two papers — one published in 2002, the other in 2004 — showed that Roundup and other glyphosate-containing weed formulations were more likely to cause cell-cycle dysregulation, a hallmark of cancer, than glyphosate alone. In 2005, researchers showed that Roundup was more harmful to rats’ livers than its “active ingredient” by itself. And a 2009 study showed that four formulations of Roundup were more toxic to human umbilical, embryonic, and placental cells than glyphosate by itself.” ^[14]

One toxicologist, in particular, finally got some answers …with reverse engineering. He bought nine different herbicides which included five versions of Round-Up. He and his team eventually found that the supposedly “inert” ingredients were actually more harmful than glyphosate alone.

“…the team published its findings, which showed that each of the five co-formulants affected the function of both the mitochondria in human placental cells and aromatase, an enzyme that affects sexual development. Not only did these chemicals, which aren’t named on herbicide labels, affect biological functions, they did so at levels far below the concentrations used in commercially available products. In fact, polyethoxylated tallowamine, or POEA, — officially an “inert” ingredient — was between 1,200 and 2,000 times more toxic to cells than glyphosate, officially the “active” ingredient. ^[14]

What’s even more alarming is that the EPA, our very own Environmental Protection Agency, has known about this “POEA” and its harmful effects to humans since at least the early 90’s, but for some reason, have not focused on it because Monsanto has labeled it an “inert” and not an “active” ingredient.

Newer Studies Being Done

Newer studies are even more alarming. “Chronic toxicity—the effects of continually ingesting glyphosate residues in food—is cause for concern. Glyphosate interferes with fundamental biochemical reactions and may predispose humans to obesity, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other health problems.” ^[15] The reason why this is not a more definitive statement is because researchers cannot conduct tests directly on humans, obviously. But, what some researchers can do is conduct tests on human cells and gut bacteria, which humans do need to retain good health.

Indirect studies have found that these ingredients in Roundup do kill gut bacteria in humans, and there is evidence that it also affects certain enzymes in our bodies which regulate our levels of Vitamin D and our ability to control cholesterol.

“Roundup^® kills plants by interfering with a biochemical pathway involved with the synthesis of amino acids, called the shikimate pathway. This pathway is not found in humans, …but is found in bacteria. …humans depend on bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to synthesize the essential amino acids.”

“By interfering with the biochemistry of bacteria in our GI tract, consumption of glyphosate depletes essential amino acids and predisposes humans to a host of chronic health problems. Specifically, glyphosate depletes the amino acids tyrosine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine, which can then contribute to obesity, depression, autism, inflammatory bowel disease, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.” ^[15]

Further, more direct studies found that not only do the ingredients in Roundup harm beneficial bacteria, it actually increases harmful bacteria growth.

“A study examining the effect of glyphosate on bacteria that grow in the GI tract of chickens found that beneficial bacteria were susceptible, and harmful bacteria were resistant, to glyphosate. The growth of four types of beneficial bacteria—Lactobacillus, Bacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Enterococcus—was reduced at low concentrations of glyphosate.  The same types of beneficial bacteria inhabit the human GI tract, and they are sold over the counter as a probiotic supplement. Some strains are also found in yogurt.”

“When exposed to the same levels of glyphosate that harmed the beneficial bacteria, several harmful bacteria, including Salmonella, grew successfully. The authors concluded that ingestion of glyphosate can disturb the normal microbial community and predispose chickens to carry high levels of Salmonella or other harmful bacteria.” ^[15]

And, in the French study, mentioned earlier, the mixture of glyphosate and the “inert” ingredients that are in Roundup have proved deadly to human cells. “…Now researchers have found that one of Roundup’s inert ingredients can kill human cells, particularly embryonic, placental and umbilical cord cells.” ^[12] Rather than focusing solely on glyphosate, this newer study focused on the mixture of ingredients found in Roundup to include the “inert” ingredients. “Scientists found that Roundup’s inert ingredients amplified the toxic effect on human cells—even at concentrations much more diluted than those used on farms and lawns.”

Definition of inert: 1: lacking the power to move 2: very slow to move or act: sluggish 3: deficient in active properties; especially: lacking a usual or anticipated chemical or biological action  (Source: Merriam Webster)

“This clearly confirms that the [inert ingredients] in Roundup formulations are not inert,” wrote the study authors from France’s University of Caen. “Moreover, the proprietary mixtures available on the market could cause cell damage and even death [at the] residual levels” found on Roundup-treated crops, such as soybeans, alfalfa, and corn, or lawns and gardens.” ^[12]

David vs. Goliath

Some people, though relatively few, are taking notice, and have decided to take some action. One state, California, is standing up to Monsanto.

“On March 28, 2017, the California Office of Environmental Health Assessment identified the widely used herbicide, glyphosate, as a chemical known to the State to cause cancer under Proposition 65. This determination was based on the identification of glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen on March 20, 2015, by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization (WHO). As scientists with extensive training and experience in the areas of cancer, children’s health, developmental biology, endocrine disruption, environmental biology, epidemiology, and reproductive health we agree with these assessments and commend California regulators for their foresight in acting to protect the health of future generations.” ^[16]

Obviously, Monsanto is fighting back, but, this is a start nonetheless. In the meantime, there are other things we could be doing to minimize our risks, and you’ll find that topic discussed below.

Oh, But Wait, There’s More!

Remember that “thought” I mentioned earlier about whether Monsanto was involved with any medical or pharmaceutical efforts? Well, before I even got the chance to finish writing this article, here’s an update – even before publishing. I have found two more articles that are sharing even more unsettling news about Monsanto’s plans, and my stomach just did another backflip. I won’t delve too deep, but I would just like to make note of them here and provide the references as well.

Monsanto has signed a worldwide exclusive agreement with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, a “company which specializes in a technology known as RNA interference (RNAi) that involves deliberately silencing the expression of genes throughout the human body for the purpose of preventing the production of proteins that some scientists believe are responsible for causing disease.”  They believe that blocking the production of certain proteins in humans, they can then block the development of a disease. ^[17] So, in other words, those who eat commercially prepared foods drenched in glyphosate from commercial farms using their latest experiment of newly spliced and modified seeds will again become the unwitting and unknowing human guinea pigs for Monsanto while these spliced and modified GMOs actually change human DNA.

In another article, I have just learned that Bayer, a pharmaceutical company is acquiring Monsanto. The announcement states that the two companies will continue to operate separately until they can “complete the transaction” sometime in early 2018. ^[18]

And, finally, this last article affirms my worst remaining thought.

“The US FDA has approved the first genetically modified plant intended for the treatment of a human disease. The drug, designed to treat Gaucher disease, contains human enzymes grown in carrot cells.”

“The approval opens the door for biotech companies such as Monsanto, which also has vested interests in the pharmaceutical industry, to design more drugs created from genetically engineered plants and/or animals.” 

“…the ability to manipulate the genes of plant cells isn’t new, but until now concerns about human biologics have kept them from gaining traction with the FDA. …I don’t even want to think about the potential ramifications of this decision. Many may not know this, but Monsanto, well-known as the leader in biotechnology and genetically engineered foods, is also invested in the medical industry.” ^[19]

Conclusion

Reading, researching, and learning about all of this, especially the last few articles, have made me more determined as ever to do whatever I can to help spread this news, and help others avoid buying whatever these monstrous companies wish to splice together and grow. This is the type of Dr. Jeckly and Mr. Hyde scenario that just makes you shudder when you realize how this will affect so many people who trust our food chain. Without any independent “checks and balances,” how are we to know whether these foods are totally safe in the short term… or in the long-term? If this isn’t a “National Security Threat,” then what in the Hell is?

Monsanto has already shown its utter contempt for anyone who has ever questioned or requested their research. They have fought tooth and nail to keep their research private, they have sued farmers right out of business, they threaten states with lawsuits, and they continue to defend against what other highly qualified researchers have found when it comes to their highly profitable product; Round-Up, complete with glyphosate and other “inert” ingredients which have been shown to not only magnify harmful effects on human cells and beneficial gut bacteria, but effectively kill them as well.

As mentioned earlier, we are ingesting and absorbing their product on a daily basis. Trace amounts have been found in cereals, fruits, nuts, veggies, infant formulas, and baby food.^[20][21] Then, we wonder why so many kids as well as adults are becoming ill and suffering the effects. We wonder why so many people are suffering from illnesses that just didn’t happen 40 years ago, not to this extent anyway, and we are wondering why we are losing our hair… The latter seems so benign and minuscule when compared to the former…

If the FDA does nothing to protect us, each of us must protect ourselves as best we can. Continue to read and educate yourselves. There are numerous blogs and articles which address this whole issue. Many do go into some detail and explain how we can avoid buying anything related to these companies who, apparently, wish to corner the entire world’s food supply without adequate research, without public accessible research, without answering to anyone, and without being held accountable. In fact, Referenced Article 19 shares a glimmer of hope by stating that the “tide is turning” as more people find organic farms and grass-fed meat provisions. You will also find a table at the bottom of that article with links that list Organic alternatives and Farms. If you’re on Twitter, you may also want to follow Carey Gillam, a rock star in my book, who I’ve referenced three times in my research for this post. Please read, share, and keep sharing. We’re at war, and this is a war “We The People” must win if we, or our grandkids, are to survive at all.

What Else Can We Do?

How can we minimize our health risks and environmental factors? Well, there are multiple things you can do to minimize both your health risks …and your hair loss. Here’s a list I’ve compiled for now with the intention that this list will be updated from time to time when more resources or other helpful tips are found.

Improve Diet / Avoid Processed Foods & Junk Foods

Reduce Chemicals / Use of Chemicals

Buy Organic Whenever You Can

Grow Your Own Food – No Land? No Problem!  – Start Your Own Aeroponic Tower Garden.

Buy from Local Farms

Buy Grass-Fed Meats from Local Sources, Farms & Provisions

Shampoo Less Often

Use Sulfate & Paraben Free Shampoo or the “No-Poo” Method

Improve Circulation / Exercise

Do Scalp Massage / Brush with Natural Boar Bristle Hair Brush

Use Natural Methods / Hot Oil Treatments / Use Hair Masks

Click here to read more about Natural Remedies and Treatments for Hair Loss in both Men and Women.

Click here to read more about Effective Treatments for Thinning Hair and Hair Loss

Click here to read more about the Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair and Hair Loss

And, last, but not least, please share this information and continue to educate yourselves by reading, sharing, updating social media, etc. We must keep up the pressure to share this knowledge and keep demanding answers from our Government, the EPA, and the FDA to find the answers to the questions posed. We should not be inundated with untested ingredients by conglomerates who will not openly share their research. We should not be ingesting these processed food products and produce that have been inundated with chemicals proven to cause harm to human cells and gut bacteria, cause a variety of illnesses, and yes, even cause hair loss. We need to do better. We need to demand better. We deserve better.

To Your Health,

~Toni

References:

1. GCI Magazine. http://www.gcimagazine.com/marketstrends/segments/hair/The-US-Hair-Loss-Treatment-Industry-to-Earn-36-billion-in-2016-407482265.html
2. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2017/05/26/health/alzheimers-disease-deaths-us-increase/index.html. May 2017
3. Statista.com. https://www.statista.com/statistics/784319/parkinsons-disease-death-rate-us.
4. JKMS. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3708093. July 2013
5. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattern_hair_loss. March 7, 2018
6. Stanford.edu. https://news.stanford.edu/news/1997/july2/cancer.html. July 1997
7. SusanG.Koman.  https://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/Table6Bloodestrogenlevelsandtheriskofbreastcancerinpostmenopausalwomen.html. June 29, 2017
8. SusanG.Koman. https://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/BreastCancerinMen.html. March 2, 2018
9. Wong, Dr. Wayne. http://www.totalityofbeing.com/FramelessPages/Articles/real_reason_men_lose_hair.htm March 2018.
10. Gillam, Carey. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/carey-gillam/fda-suspends-glyphosate-r_b_12913458.html. Dec. 6, 2017
11. Gillam, Carey. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/fda-resumes-testing-foods-for-weed-killer-safety-questions_us_593843b2e4b014ae8c69dd1b. June 8, 2017
12. Gammon, Crystal. Env. Health News. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/weed-whacking-herbicide-p/. June 23, 2009
13. Bushak, Lecia. http://www.medicaldaily.com/brief-history-genetically-modified-organisms-prehistoric-breeding-modern-344076, July 22, 2015
14. Lerner, Sharon. https://theintercept.com/2016/05/17/new-evidence-about-the-dangers-of-monsantos-roundup/ May 17, 2016
15. Cornucopia.org. https://www.cornucopia.org/2014/03/gut-wrenching-new-studies-reveal-insidious-effects-glyphosate/ March 26, 2014
16. Blumberg, PhD., Bruce, et. al. U.C.A. https://usrtk.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Thank_you_California-final.pdf. May 5, 2017
17. Huff, Ethan A. https://www.naturalnews.com/037409_Monsanto_gene_silencing_pharmaceuticals.html. Oct 3, 2012
18. AdvancingTogether.com. https://www.advancingtogether.com/en/home/ March 19, 2018
19. Mercola.com. https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/05/22/gmo-on-treatment-of-human-disease.aspx. May 22, 2012
20. Gillam, Carey. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/carey-gillam/tests-show-Monsanto-weed_b_12950444.html. Nov. 14, 2016
21. Benson, Jonathan. https://www.naturalnews.com/048390_infant_formula_GMOs_childrens_health.html. Jan. 13, 2015

Other Related Research:

1. Research Results: Google: Birth Defects and Glyphosates. March 18, 2018
2. Zerbe, Leah. https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/food/how-much-toxic-roundup-are-you-eating/slide/3. March 13, 2017