Hair loss causes
Finding hair in your brush is normal: however, if a person is losing an unusual amount of hair, it may be a cause for concern. We have summarised the causes of hair loss, in women and men.
Why is my hair falling out?
Hair loss does not usually have a big impact on your appearance or warmth, as your head has much more to compensate for the daily loss . However, there may be a more important reason for your hair loss when you start to see your scalp or bald patches.
When you think of hair loss, you may think of genetic factors, such as male pattern hair loss. Hormones, thyroid problems and other diseases can also cause hair loss.
So, what are these different causes and how do you know if they are responsible for your excessive spilling?
Possible hair loss causes
Hormonal changes
Women can lose hair after childbirth or during menopause . Women with hormonal imbalances can have hair loss.
Apart from genetic male pattern baldness, men can lose hair when their hormonal composition changes with age. Hair loss is caused by the reaction of your follicles to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) .
Thyroid diseases
Possibly one of the most common hormone-related causes of hair loss is a thyroid problem. Both too much thyroid hormone ( hyperthyroidism ) and too little ( hypothyroidism ) can cause hair loss. Treatment of the thyroid condition can often reverse hair loss.
Stress
Physical and psychological stress can cause hair loss. Operations, high fever and blood loss can be enough Stress to cause excessive Shed to lead. Childbirth can lead to hair loss several months after delivery.
In relation to psychological stress, the relationship is less well defined . However, many people have reported losing hair during times of extreme psychological stress or anxiety . And hair loss for other reasons can still be stressful.
The causes of physical stress are often temporary and the hair loss subsides as the body heals.
You can combat mental stress with lifestyle changes such as.
- daily exercise
- proper nutrition
- Meditation and other stress management strategies
- Removing known stressors from your life
Medicines
Medicines can be associated with a long list of side effects, including hair loss. Chemotherapy is the best known cause, but others include:
- Thyroid medication
- Some oral contraceptives
- Beta blocker
- Anticonvulsants
- Antidepressants
- Anticoagulants
These medicines affect people differently and may not cause hair loss in everyone.
Malnutrition
Zinc and iron deficiency are the most common nutritional links to hair loss. But some evidence suggests that low intake of the following vitamins and nutrients may also be to blame:
- Fat
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B-12
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A.
- Copper
- Selenium
- Biotin
Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause hair loss. Generally, hair loss is patchy and accompanied by lesions on the scalp.
Some lupus medications can also cause hair loss.
Other diseases
Many other conditions can lead to abnormal baldness, including:
- Kidney failure
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
Skin diseases such as psoriasis and dermatitis can occur on the scalp and the Hair growth affect. Infections such as ringworm of the scalp and folliculitis can also cause hair loss.
The search for causes and possible treatments by people with hair loss is understandable. Research has linked hair loss to lower self-esteem, body image issues and increased anxiety. The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology recommends looking at anxiety and stress when diagnosing hair loss.
Many of these non-genetic causes of hair loss can be successfully treated and hair loss averted and even reversed.
Conclusion
Talk to your doctor about your concerns and the possible causes of your hair loss. They can recommend a treatment that suits you. We have the Best hair loss treatments in the test.
Questions and answers
What is the main cause of hair loss?
Hair loss is usually related to one or more of the following factors: Family history (heredity). The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition associated with ageing. This condition is called androgenic alopecia, male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness.
What is the cause of hair loss in women?
One cause may be that hormone levels change during the menopause. The levels of oestrogen and progesterone decrease, which means that the effect of androgens, the male hormones, is increased. During and after the menopause, hair can become finer (thinner) because the Hair Follicle shrink.
Can hair loss be a sign of something serious?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 80 million people in the US suffer from hair loss related to ageing or genetics. But hair loss can also be a symptom of a larger medical problem a person may have, such as hypothyroidism or lupus.