What Are The Main Causes Of Hair Loss?
Hair loss is one of the most common problems faced by men and women. The hair is like a forest: it grows, lives and dies. Dead hairs fall and are replaced by young hairs. Losing 50-100 hairs per day is normal. Sometimes, the amount of hair lost exceeds the normal limits. Baldness occurs when the hair lost is not replaced by new hair. But what are the causes of hair loss?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hair loss causes can be divided in two categories: androgenetic alopecia (a form of genetic hair loss) and Telogen effluvium (temporary hair loss).
Genetic causes of hair loss are generally permanent, while non-genetic causes are temporary. We lose about 5-100 hairs daily. If we lose more than 125 hairs per day, then there may be a problem. The natural cycle of hair consists of a period of growth between 2 and 6 years, followed by a rest period. When the rest period ends, the hair falls.
If hair loss is genetic, then the cause could be the body’s inability to determine the growth of new hairs. Androgenetic alopecia is not caused directly by a disease; it depends on age, level of testosterone in the body or heredity. Rarely, alopecia can lead to baldness. In most cases, the effect of alopecia is a significant thinning of hair density.
If the causes of hair loss are not genetic, this condition is determined by the other two factors, Anagen Effluvium or Telogen Effluvium. In this case, hair loss is temporary. Anagen Effluvium can be caused by internal administration of drugs that cause the “poisoning” of hair follicles. This type of disease is similar to androgenetic alopecia, so only a dermatologist can establish the treatment.
Drugs that can cause hair loss are those used for gout, cancer, antidepressants, high doses of Vitamin A, medicines for blood pressure, and birth control pills.
Nutritional factors have a significant impact on hair. A diet poor in nutrients can cause hair loss. If your daily menu doesn’t contain enough iron and zinc, it’s recommended to take vitamins. Other causes and medical conditions that can cause hair loss ask include: physical or emotional stress, serious illnesses, birth, high fever, thyroid dysfunctions, problems of the scalp, weight loss, diabetes.
Keep in mind that it’s nothing to worry about. There are a many effective hair loss treatments on the market. You just have to choose the right solution for your needs.
What Are The Most Frequent Causes Of Hair Loss?
Hair loss (alopecia) is an extremely delicate condition that affects men and women worldwide. Stress, drastic weight loss diets and genetic predisposition may leave us without hair. Doctors say that it’s normal to lose every day between 50 and 100 hairs, but, sometimes, this limit is exceeded. There are some situations in which our hair falls in abundance, a sign that we have a health problem. First, we have to ask ourselves: What are the main causes of hair loss?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hair loss can be classified on two criteria: androgenetic alopecia or Telogen effluvium- a temporary condition.
Non- genetic causes of hair loss are temporary and can be treated by following a specific treatment. As long as we don’t lose more than 125 hairs daily, there’s nothing to worry about. The hair grows for 2- 6 years; this process is followed by a rest period, after which it falls, being replaced by a new hair.
Androgenic alopecia is a genetic condition, resulting in partial or complete baldness. Although it is more common in men, women can also be affected. Hereditary factors influence the age at which the hair begins to fall and the type of baldness.
If alopecia occurs because of non- genetic factors, (the existence of a condition such as anemia, stress, thyroid disease, deficiency of fatty acids or zinc), hair loss is reversible in most cases. Keep in mind that hair loss is also influenced by an internal administration of drugs that have a harmful effect on the body.
A poor nutrition, pregnancy, internal diseases of the scalp, hormonal disorders and the administration of certain drugs can cause hair loss.
If you don’t want to lose your hair, make sure that you eat as healthy as possible. Diets poor in nutrients have a negative effect on hair. Look at the hair of someone who follows a strict weight loss diet and you’ll notice the effects it has on the hair. Hair loss can be caused not only by a poor diet, but also by stress, thyroid dysfunctions, birth, diabetes, fast weight loss and problems of the scalp.
It’s difficult to find the right treatment for hair loss, because this a condition caused by multiple factors. The Internet is a great place to find information about hair loss and treatment options. We should be careful when choosing the right treatment, in order not to worsen this condition.
Reasons For Hair Loss
Losing some hair is normal, including the 100 to 125 hairs that leave every day as part of the body’s routine shedding process. When a hair’s growth cycle ends, it falls out. About 10% of the hair is always in the “resting phase” of the cycle, which lasts for 2 to 3 months, and afterward that hair is lost and replaced by new growth. However, sometimes people have an abnormal amount of hair loss.
Both women and men lose more hair as they age. That change is normal. Comprising 95% of all hair loss problems, it is known as Androgenetic Alopecia. The extent of this condition varies and it often affects more than one person in a family. It is called Male Pattern Baldness in men.
Common signs include developing a bald spot on top of the head and a receding hair line. Women can lose quite a bit of hair but may not become completely bald. In such cases, the loss is distributed throughout the scalp area.
Androgenetic Alopecia is dramatically affected by hormones. The production of testosterone occurs in both women and men. With the help of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, testosterone becomes dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When DHT shrinks the hair follicles, membranes in the scalp become thicker and less elastic, and blood flow decreases. The result is that the hair follicles degenerate. So when a hair falls out, no new growth appears.
Men have a greater chance of hair loss because they produce more testosterone than women.
There are other hair loss reasons, although Androgenetic Alopecia is the most prevalent. It can be caused by a medical condition such as a fungal infection, ringworm, or hypothyroidism. Other possible causes are sudden hormonal changes, use of an extreme diet, excess absorption of vitamin A, undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, and taking birth control pills, as well as side effects of some medications, including those to treat gout and thin the blood.
Sometimes hair loss is delayed, occurring 3 to 4 months after a stressful event like pregnancy, surgery, or an emotional disturbance. Stress can also force a greater number of hairs into the resting phase, which slows or temporarily ceases the growth of new hair.
Exterior stressors on the hair and/or scalp can also be hair loss reasons. Actions that pull on the hair can permanently damage the scalp and hair production, including using tight rollers, wearing cornrows, or putting the hair in a pony tail. Inflammation of the hair follicles, scarring, and subsequent hair loss can also be brought about by using some hair products, such as hot oil treatments and permanents.
