Hair loss affects more people than you might expect and there are many possible causes of the condition. It can develop gradually over years or happen abruptly. It can also be either temporary or permanent. Hair loss is often nothing to be worried about, but it can be unsettling and upsetting for those who experience it. Here’s an overview of the main causes.
What to look out for
On average, we lose between 50-100 strands of hair from our head a day when they are at the end of their growth cycle. These are then replaced by new hairs. However, if you notice yourself losing significantly more than this or if it is not growing back, it could be a sign that you are experiencing hair loss. Other symptoms to look out for are bald spots or thinning patches of hair. If either applies to you, it’s a good idea to speak to a doctor or a specialist clinic such as hshairclinic.co.uk regarding possible treatments.
Causes of hair loss
There are numerous causes of hair loss and knowing the reason behind yours is important when it comes to seeking treatment. Firstly, there’s genetics. Inherited predispositions to hair loss are a common cause of male pattern baldness, as well as the lesser-known female pattern baldness.
Aging is another frequently seen reason behind hair loss. As we get older, our hair naturally gets thinner and finer and sheds more easily. Hormonal changes from events such as pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause may also cause an increase in hair loss. In addition, it can be a side effect of another health disorder, such as thyroid disease, or the medication used to treat cancer and other conditions.
Sometimes hair falling out is a reaction to a change in the body. For example, dramatic weight loss often results in excess hair shedding due to nutritional deficiencies. Even without losing a lot of weight, a problem with your diet can manifest in hair loss. Protein and certain vitamins and minerals such as B12 and iron are vital for healthy hair, and a deficiency in them can result in losing more hair than usual. Hair loss can also be triggered by emotional stress, such as divorce or a death in the family.
Finally, the way you treat your hair can damage it and hence increase the risk of hair loss. For example, wearing your hair in a tight hairstyle or using a lot of bleaching agents or coloring products can all cause harm.
Treatment of Hair Loss
Luckily, there are several options for the treatment of hair loss which can be roughly divided into two categories: medication and surgical treatment. Both over-the-counter medications and prescription medications are available but do check the potential side effects before taking any. Alternatively, you could look into whether you would be a good candidate for a hair transplant. Depending on the cause of your hair loss, you might be able to reverse it through a change in diet, by taking nutritional supplements, improving the way you treat your hair or removing the source of stress.
