Symptoms Of A Selenium Deficiency

Hair Loss

Individuals with a selenium deficiency frequently notice they are losing small amounts of hair. For example, a patient may notice more hair than usual is coming out when their hair is brushed or styled, and the hair may also be thinner than normal. Rarely, some patients may notice a complete loss of hair in certain parts of the scalp. Since hair loss can be a sign of several medical conditions, patients should speak with a doctor about any persistent or unusual changes they notice in their hair. To prevent further damage to the hair, patients experiencing hair loss may wish to modify their washing and styling routine.

For example, it may be helpful to brush the hair less often and to use a gentle brush. The use of curling irons and hair straighteners may stress the hair, and patients may wish to limit their use of these. Styling products such as waxes and gels may make hair more prone to breakage, and patients could consider switching to alternative gentle products or eliminating some products from their hair care routine. Once the selenium deficiency is corrected, many patients find their hair growth returns to normal.

Fatigue

The fatigue associated with a selenium deficiency can range in severity. Patients who are only mildly deficient may simply notice they feel more tired than usual after a long day, and this pattern may persist for several weeks. As the selenium deficiency becomes more severe, patients may start to feel they are never truly well-rested no matter how much sleep they are able to get. Patients may struggle with getting out of bed in the morning, and some may have to be absent from work or school due to the severity of their symptoms.

Patients struggling with these issues should visit their primary care doctor first, and they may be referred to a sleep specialist for further testing. The sleep specialist can give advice about ways to reduce symptoms and increase sleep quality. If necessary, medications can be prescribed to reduce exhaustion and help make sleep easier.