Going Gray Young?? You May Have A Medical Condition

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Many people aren’t happy when they look in the mirror and notice their first gray hairs. Although gray hair can look distinguished, most people are quick to cover them up the tell tale signs with the help of hair dyes. The time at which the first gray hairs appear is usually genetically determined, but there are some medical conditions that can contribute to prematurely gray hair. If you’re thirty and suddenly start noticing gray hair and it doesn’t run in your family, you may want to see your doctor since there are some medical conditions that can cause prematurely gray hair. Here are some to be aware of.

What Causes Premature Hair Graying?

Most premature hair graying is a result of genetics. If other members of your family turned gray at a young age, there’s a chance that you will too. Graying of the hair occurs when the cells that produce pigment called melanocytes stop producing pigment. The age at which this happens is usually genetically pre-programmed and differs from individual to individual. Contrary to popular belief, there’s little evidence that stress plays a major role in premature graying of the hair.

Medical Conditions That Cause Premature Hair Graying: Thyroid Disease

A thyroid that’s either under or overactive can cause prematurely gray hair by altering activity of the melanocytes that produce pigment. Experts recommend that people who experience the onset of gray hair before the age of thirty, get blood studies done to check thyroid function.

B12 Deficiency

A deficiency in B12 - which is sometimes associated with pernicious anemia - can also cause prematurely gray hair. Usually a B12 deficiency comes from problems with absorption, although long-term vegans are also at risk since B12 is found only in animal products. B12 deficiencies can not only lead to premature hair graying, but can also be associated with serious neurological problems that may be irreversible. If you’re noticing a lot of new gray hairs or experiencing strange neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness, get a B12 level checked.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease caused by destruction of the pigment producing melanocytes that give hair and skin its pigment. This leads to depigmented areas on the skin as well as prematurely gray hair. This disease usually runs in families and can be diagnosed by biopsying the depigmented skin areas.

Medical Conditions That Cause Premature Hair Graying: The Bottom Line?

If you’re getting gray hairs and you’re under the age of thirty, see your doctor to rule out these medical conditions.

by Dr. Kristie