what is the cause of hair loss?
Hair loss is common among women, especially those over 40, and it’s usually temporary. In most cases, hair falls out because of stress, illness, hormonal changes, or side effects from medication.
Most people lose some hair during pregnancy. This is normal, but it tends to return once the baby is born. If you notice that you’ve lost more hair than usual, talk to your doctor. He or she might recommend a blood test to check hormone levels.
If you find yourself losing too much hair, consider seeing a dermatologist. They’ll examine your scalp and look for signs of disease.
Causes Of Hair Loss:
There are many different causes of hair loss. Some are temporary while others can be permanent. The following conditions may lead to hair thinning or balding:
Alopecia Areata
This condition occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles. It often starts in childhood and continues throughout life. Alopecia Areata is not contagious.
Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is caused by male hormones called androgens. These hormones stimulate hair growth. As men age, their bodies produce fewer androgens, which leads to hair loss.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss that results from an abrupt change in the hair growth cycle. For example, if you suddenly stop using birth control pills, you could experience telogen effluvium.
Trichotillomania
Trichotillomaniacal disorder is a compulsive habit of pulling out one’s own hair. Trichotillomania affects about 1 percent of children and 2 percent of adults.
AlopeciaX
Alopecia X is a type of hair loss that doesn’t respond to treatment with topical medications. It’s also known as diffuse nonscarring alopecia.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia is a result of prolonged pressure on the scalp. Traction alopecia is often seen in patients who have had long-term traction injuries such as burns, fractures, or surgery.
Scarring Alopecia
Scarring alopecia is the result of scar tissue forming around the hair follicle. Scarring alopecia can occur after severe sunburns, certain types of infections, or other skin disorders.
Psychological Causes Of Hair Loss:
Many factors contribute to the psychological causes of hair loss. Stress, anxiety, depression, and grief all affect how well your body produces hormones.
Some drugs can also trigger hair loss. Talk to your doctor before taking any new prescription or over-the-counter drug
Types of Hair Loss
Hair loss occurs when there are fewer active hairs than normal. It may affect one area of the head or multiple areas. There are many different types of hair loss. They include:
- Alopecia totalis – Total hair loss affecting the whole scalp.
- Alopecias partialis – Partial hair loss affects certain parts of the scalp.
- Androgenic alopecia – Male pattern baldness where hair begins to recede from the part
- Telogen effluvium – Temporary hair loss following childbirth or illness.
- Trichotillomania – Persistent pulling out of hair resulting in patches of baldness.
- Trauma-induced alopecia – Hair loss due to external factors such as burns or surgery.
Ways to stop hair loss
Losing your hair not only affects your appearance but also causes emotional stress and affects your confidence. There are a few ways you can help stop hair loss, however. Here are some tips to keep your hair healthy and strong.
- Eat healthily. Your body needs protein to build and maintain healthy strands. A diet rich in fruit and vegetables will provide plenty of nutrients needed to grow and nourish your hair.
- Drink enough water. Hair grows best in a well-hydrated environment. Water helps prevent dryness, which leads to breakage and thinning.
- Use quality products. Products containing natural ingredients such as aloe vera, avocado oil, and honey work better than those filled with chemicals.
- Avoid heat-styling tools. Heat styling tools like blowdryers and flat irons damage hair and make it prone to breakage. Instead, use a wide-toothed comb or brush to gently style your hair.
- Protect your scalp. Apply a moisturizing lotion to your scalp every day to protect against dandruff and itching. This will also help prevent further shedding.
- Keep up with regular trims. Trimming your hair regularly keeps it looking neat and tidy. You can go to a salon every six weeks to ensure your locks look great.
What are the myths about hair loss?
Nothing in the following list is actually true:
- You’re losing hair because you shampoo it too much or even because you’ve dyed it or gotten a perm
- dandruff doesn’t cause permanent hair loss in women
- stress does not cause permanent hair loss in women
- shaving your head will make your hair grow back thicker.
See also
What questions might your healthcare provider ask to diagnose and categorize your hair loss?
Your doctor might ask you some questions about your hair loss. These are called “diagnostic questions.” Diagnostic questions help the doctor make sure she understands what’s happening with your hair loss and how it affects you. She might want to know things like:
- How long have you been noticing changes in your hair?
- Have you seen any signs of hair thinning?
- Has anyone else noticed a change in your hair?
The doctor might also ask you some questions about lifestyle factors that could affect your health. These are called ‘prognostic questions.” Prognostic questions help doctors predict whether something will happen in the future. Doctors often ask people about their diet, exercise routine, stress levels, sleep patterns, and alcohol consumption.
Medications that cause hair loss: List and what to do
Hair loss is common among men and women. There are many different types of hair loss, including alopecia, telogen effluvium, trichotillomania, androgenetic alopecia, chemotherapy-induced alopecia, and others. Some people lose hair due to medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, diabetes, lupus, and nutritional deficiencies. Other causes include stress, medications, poor diet, smoking, and hormonal changes.
The most common type of hair loss is called androgenetic alopecia, which affects both men and women. This occurs because the hair follicles stop producing testosterone, which is needed to maintain healthy hair growth. As the body produces less testosterone, the hair follicles shrink and eventually fall out. Hair loss usually starts around the head and progresses downward.
There are several treatments for hair loss, depending on the underlying cause. For example, medication can help treat some forms of hair loss caused by hormone imbalances. Medication can also slow down hair loss associated with androgenetic alopecia.
Home remedies can help prevent hair loss. These include making sure you eat well and get enough sleep. You can use natural products like coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and argan oil. Avoid harsh chemicals and shampoos that contain sulfate ingredients.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
While some people experience hair loss over time, others experience sudden hair loss. If you notice a change in hair growth patterns, contact your doctor immediately. A complete physical examination is important, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms of a systemic illness or infection. Your doctor might recommend blood tests, skin biopsy, stool analysis, hormone levels, imaging studies, or other diagnostic procedures depending on what is causing your hair loss.
What are the cycles of hair growth?
Hair grows in phases called anagen, catagen, and telogen. Anagen is the period during which hair grows. In humans, it lasts approximately 2 to 8 years. During this time, hair grows rapidly. Catagen is the transitional stage where the hair stops growing and begins shrinking. Telogen is the resting stage where the hair sheds off. At the end of the telogen phase, the hair falls off.
The length of each cycle varies depending on the type of hair you have. For example, people with thick, coarse hair grow longer periods of anagen compared to those with fine, thin hair. A person with very curly hair might experience several short cycles of anagen followed by one long cycle of anagen. On average, women go through five to six cycles per year while men tend to go through fewer cycles per year.
In addition to the different lengths of each cycle, there are also variations within each phase. For instance, some hairs begin to shrink immediately upon entering catagen, while others don’t start shrinking until later in the transition phase. There are also differences among individual hairs. Some will remain in telogen even after the rest of the hair has entered anagen.
In conclusion, hair loss is a very common problem, and it affects both men and women. While some treatments may work for certain individuals, others will only provide temporary relief. For those who suffer from MPB, there are several treatment options available.