Hair Loss & It's Causes

There are many different things that can cause hair loss. Some loss is due to genetics. Other hair loss is due to something a person is doing or feeling. Still other causes are external in nature.

Possibilities include:

• Many of those who are genetically inclined to develop hair loss have been found to have hormonal problems. These hormones prevent the hair follicles from producing hair as they normally would.

• Stress is a common cause of hair loss as well. When a person is stressed out it affects the body as a whole. When the body becomes sluggish and unresponsive internally due to stress and anxiety, hair loss can result.

• Over or underactive thyroid is another cause of hair loss. When the thyroid is not able to function normally, it often leads to hair loss problems. Treating thyroid disease is actually very achievable with the right medications.

• Many women experience hair loss due to childbirth. There are hormones at work in great quantities with the baby is in the womb. These same hormones decrease in number and strength after giving birth, which can result in hair loss.

• Medications are another cause of hair loss for some people. Those taking medications should check the product labeling to see whether theirs can lead to hair loss. Blood thinners are often cited as causing problems with losing hair. Chemotherapy treatments are classically known as leading to balding for some patients for the duration of the treatment.

There are many different causes, so it is important for those experiencing hair loss to seek treatment advice from their doctors right away.

Symptoms of Hair Loss

People naturally lose their hair every single day. In fact, about 100 hairs are lost in the course of a day. A new hair generally replaces these hairs almost right away, so the hair loss is not noticeable.

It is when this hair does not grow back, or falls out in greater quantities that many people begin to realize they are dealing with hair loss issues. Clumps of hair might fall out in the shower or while brushing one’s hair. This kind of hair loss quickly becomes noticeable in appearance as well.

Types of Hair Loss

Just like there are many different causes of hair loss, there are also different types of hair loss. Some causes include:

Androgenetic Alopecia is one kind of hair loss. It is commonly referred to as male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness depending on the person’s gender. In fact, this kind of hair loss is the most common by far. Women may notice this as hair thinning out, while men will more commonly notice a receding hairline and bald spot.

Anagen Effluvium is another kind of hair loss. This usually comes on suddenly during cancer treatments that involve chemotherapy. Thankfully, hair generally returns to normal once the treatment is over.

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease that affects the hair. It can start out as a patch of bald hair, and sadly begins at an early age that affects children. Some people are able to re-grow their hair, while others will deal with the bald patches for life.

Scarring Alopecia occurs because of diffuse connective tissue. The scalp may scale and lesions may appear. This often occurs as a result of having lupus.

When to Seek Medical Advice

A person experiencing hair loss, whether sudden or progressive, should consult with their doctor. There are many underlying causes for hair loss and dangerous diseases need to be ruled out. While many people will experience hair loss due to aging, there are others who need treatment for the cause.

A doctor will ask many questions including dietary habits, medications, and hair care habits. A full medical history will be evaluated to determine potential causes for hair loss. Some cases will require that a sample of the scalp be taken.

There are many solutions to hair loss, including some that are temporary, permanent, and even ones that hide the condition. A doctor can help guide an affected person to the right treatment.

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