Major Causes and Reasons for Hair Loss

Hair loss and thinning is a common problem faced by both men and women in all parts of the world. Men are affected more by hair loss as compared to women. However, in both men and women, hair loss and thinning can cause loss of confidence and self esteem, and leads them to use solutions like wigs, hair weaves and similar treatments to hide this embarrassing and frustrating problem.

Like any other problem, it is important to identify the reasons and cause of hair loss. Identifying the problem in time can allow you to take appropriate measures to prevent further hair loss and can also help you get any lost hair back. In men, hair thinning and hair loss can start as early as the teenage years, while in women it starts at a later stage. This article discusses some of the most common causes of hair loss. Consulting your health care professional at the right time can help you overcome any health concerns which may be causing hair loss.

Normal hair variation – The normal hair growth cycle lasts approximately 2 to 6 years. During this time, each hair grows approximately 1 centimeter every month, and as part of your hair growth cycle, hair falls out on a regular basis and is replaced by new hair. Sometimes, people may experience more than normal hair shedding while they shampoo, brush, and comb or towel their hair. Usually this kind of hair fall is temporary and does not require any treatment at all.

Hereditary reasons – If your family has a history of hair loss, then chances are that you will also experience hair loss. The extent and severity of this kind of hair loss can be easily evaluated by looking at your family history of baldness. Men again are more prone to suffer from hereditary hair loss. It is caused by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is created as a by-product of testosterone, leading to baldness in male. Propecia is an FDA-approved prescription drug which can be used as a treatment for male pattern hair loss.

Inflammation of the scalp – Inflammatory skin conditions of the scalp like eczema and seborrhoea cause patches of hair loss and underlying redness of the scalp, resulting in alopecia. Conditions of the scalp such as fungal and bacterial infections can also lead to alopecia, if not treated properly.

Hormonal imbalance – Hormonal problems are also a reason for hair loss, both in men and women. Deficiency of thyroid hormone is a common cause of hair loss. Similarly, elevated levels of testosterone in men and women cause loss of scalp hair and promote growth of facial and body hair. Higher levels of insulin in diabetic patients are also a common reason for hair loss.

Stress and anxiety – Psychological factors like stress, anxiety and depression are common causes of hair loss and thinning, especially in women. Worrying about hair loss itself causes stress and anxiety in some people, leading to an escalating cycle of anxiety, which worsens hair thinning.

Illness and surgery – People who have gone through major illness or surgery often face hair loss several months after the incident. This is also true for pregnant women, who experience hair fall three to four months after they have given birth. This kind of hair loss is mostly temporary and proper care and recovery after illness ensures healthy growth of hair.

Use of medication – Certain medicines or treatments such as chemotherapy can cause major hair loss on different parts of the body, including scalp, face, body, underarms and also the pubic area. Hair usually grows back after the chemotherapy is complete, and can take 6 to 8 weeks to start growing. In women, use of birth control pills can lead to hair loss as birth control pills contain hormones which affect both hair growth and hair loss. In some women, hair loss has been known to continue even after they discontinue using the birth control pills.

Diet and nutritional deficiencies – An improper diet can lead to malnutrition, which can lead to hair loss. Reduced intake of protein in the diet also leads to hair loss, as the body uses any available protein to carry out functions of the body, instead of making it available for hair growth. Iron deficiency, also known as Anemia is also a common cause of hair loss in women.

No matter the reason or cause of hair loss, you should try to identify it, so you can take appropriate measures to prevent further hair loss. In extreme cases, you may be left with no other option than to go for surgical procedures such as a hair transplant to get your hair back.