CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS
Hair loss may be due to:
- Genetic Factors
- Severe Acute and Chronic Illness
- Diet Based Causes
- Behavioural Factors
- Hormonal Changes or Imbalances
- Medicinal Side Effect
Genetic Causes of Hair Loss
Genetic tendency to baldness normally shows by about
age 30 and is characterized by overall thinning of hair.
Androgenetic Alopecia
Alopecia Areata – this type
of hair loss can occur during excellent health and at
any age, resulting in totally smooth, round patches
around 2-5cm. In rare cases in may result in complete
loss of scalp and body hair. In most cases, the hair
re-grows on its own.
Illness, Disease and Surgery
Severe cases of Fever, Infection or Flu –
Illnesses can force hair into a resting phase, with
excessive hair loss 4-12 weeks following illness. Hair
re-grows normally.
Thyroid Disease - Both an over-active
thyroid and an under-active thyroid can cause hair loss.
This is easily reversed with treatment.
Major Surgery/Chronic Illness - hair
loss is often noticed within 1-3 months following surgery,
and reverses itself within a few months. Those with
severe chronic illnesses may continue sheding hair indefinitely.
Diet Based Causes of Hair Loss
Inadequate Protein in Diet - The
body will attempt to save protein by shifting growing
hairs into the resting phase. Massive hair shedding
can occur 8-12 weeks later. This condition can be easily
reversed and prevented by eating the proper amount of
protein, especially when dieting.
Low Serum Iron - Iron deficiency
occasionally produces hair loss. Low iron can occur
in women who have heavy menstrual periods, but can be
easily corrected by taking iron pills.
Fungus Infection (Ringworm) of the Scalp -
Caused by a fungus infection, ringworm begins with small
patches of scaling that can spread and result in broken
hair, redness, swelling, and even oozing. Most common
in children and curable with oral medication.
Behavioural Causes of Hair Loss
Hair Pulling (Trichotillomania) –
hair pulling and twisting is a trait common to both
children and adults. Mostly it is just habitual, almost
as a comfort gesture, however it may also be a coping
response to unpleasant stresses and should be evaluated
for other than hair loss treatment.
Stress and Lifestyle - emotional
events can cause health complications which result in
hair loss. Lack of cleanliness of the scalp and excessive
dandruff problems can also cause hair loss.
Hair Loss Due To Hormonal Changes and Imbalances
Excessive DHT in men, changes in contraceptive pills
or pregnancy in women can cause hair loss.
Birth Control Pills - Women with
inherited tendency for hair thinning, can experience
hair loss due to taking certain forms of birth control
pill. The hair begins shedding 2 - 3 months after stopping
the pill; and continue for six months when it usually
stops.
Alopecia Areata Childbirth –
is a temporary condition occurring with pregnancy, when
hair growth is stimulated. After child birth, the hair
will typically then enter the resting phase. Within
two to three months, excessive hair loss is noticed;
lasting up to six months.
Hair Loss Due To Medication Side effects
Some prescription drugs may cause temporary hair shedding.
For instance, medicines used for: gout, arthritis, depression,
heart problems, high blood pressure, or blood thinner.
The following is a possible list of medicines and drugs
that could cause hair loss. Not all forms of these drugs
cause hair loss.
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs
- Ulcer drugs
- Anticoagulants
- Agents for gout
- Drugs derived from Vitamin A
- Anticonvulsants taken for epilepsy
- Antidepressants
- Blood thinners
- Anabolic steroids
- Cancer Chemotherapy - can cause hair to become
thin and break off; normally 1-3 weeks after treatment,
and can result in 90 percent hair loss. The hair will
re-grow after treatment ends.
- An excessive intake of some nutrients such as Vitamins
A and E can actually promote hair loss.
For details on treatments for
hair loss
Hair
Loss Treatment Products
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