What factors cause premature graying of hair?
Disease description:
I am only 25 years old this year, but recently I noticed that many white hairs have appeared in my hair. None of the people around me have this situation. I am very worried and would like to ask, what exactly causes premature graying of hair?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Genetics, nutrient deficiencies, stress, bad habits, and diseases may lead to premature graying of hair.
If there is a hereditary tendency for early graying within the family, the probability of an individual developing premature graying increases. This genetic factor may affect the function of melanocytes, causing them to decrease or stop producing melanin prematurely, resulting in white hair.
When the body lacks essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, copper, and zinc, melanin synthesis can be affected. Vitamin B12 is involved in cellular metabolism, while copper and zinc are components of key enzymes required during melanin synthesis. Deficiencies in these nutrients can hinder melanin production, leading to premature graying.
Long-term mental tension and excessive stress can place the body in a state of stress response, causing endocrine disorders and interfering with the normal function of melanocytes in hair follicles, thereby inhibiting melanin synthesis and causing hair to turn white.
Chronic late-night sleeping disrupts the body's biological clock, affecting endocrine function and metabolism, which in turn impacts the normal functioning of melanocytes. Conditions such as albinism, vitiligo, pernicious anemia, and alopecia areata can directly or indirectly affect the function and structure of melanocytes in hair follicles.
