6 Things your Hair Says About Your Health

Changes in the health of your hair and scalp can be a red flag for various health conditions.  Here are a few examples:

While over-drying, styling and coloring can cause hair to become dry and brittle, a significant change in hair texture (such as hair that feels limp or finer) can be a symptom of an underactive thyroid.

Psoriasis (such as scaly patches on the scalp) can be a sign of more serious conditions such as Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. 

Check for tiny white bumps at the roots of thinning hair.  These may suggest that the hair loss is temporary rather than permanent.

Overly brittle hair and flaky, dry skin can often signify that your diet is lacking in omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon, fish oil, nuts and flaxseed).

For diabetics, sudden hair thinning or hair loss could be an early warning sign that your diabetes may be affecting your hormone levels.

Hair loss by the handful for women may be a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).  Other signs are stubborn belly fat, facial hair, acne and irregular periods.