Noticing the part of your hair getting wider every day is enough to add to your stress. The bald patches peeking through hair strands can make anyone look aged and unattractive. A common misconception is that hair thinning is a men’s problem, but a high percentage of women experience this problem at some point in time. That means hair loss has become one of the most common concerns of people worldwide regardless of age or gender. Both men and women can typically experience hair thinning due to many reasons.
According to Dr. Deborah Scott- professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, it is essential to determine the processes that are going on in your body to deal with hair loss issues. Everyone loses some amount of hair because of the natural hair growth cycle. Although it is nearly impossible to count the number of hair you lose every day, if you’re losing more hair than you usually do, it may be an indication of some underlying causes.
It is also important to discuss this problem with your dermatologist as only a professional can help you determine the causes of your hair loss and recommend appropriate treatments.
Here is a rundown of some common hair loss causes that can become severe if you overlook the symptoms.
Why Do You Lose Hair?
Hereditary Hair Loss
Let’s admit we all know how important the role of genetics in our lives is. From your color, complexion, body mass, features to habits, everything involves genetics. And your hair is no exception.
Put simply; hereditary hair loss is one of the vital factors many people experience hair thinning. Your genes decide how susceptible you are to disease like male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia. However, you need to understand that these genes come from both maternal and parental side.
The latest study has found that more than 287 genetic regions in your body contribute to male or female pattern baldness. That means if you’re noticing the symptoms of pattern baldness, you must look into your family history to check for hereditary hair loss. No doubt why so many men complain about hair fall these days.
Fortunately, however, some medications are available to help these hopeless adults control their hair fall. Those really concerned can consult a doctor. Based on the lineage, physical condition, and similar other elements, the medics can prescribe a Finasteride or medicines, with similar composition. The patients then can buy finasteride online or procure it from their local pharmacy.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalance is another common cause you may experience hair thinning at any age.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), for instance, is a common medical condition caused by hormonal imbalance. Many women with this hormone disorder experience symptoms of female pattern hair loss. If PCOS persists, it may lead to cysts in the ovaries, along with several other side effects, including hair loss.
Moreover, when women start or stop birth control pills, it causes a temporary hormonal imbalance. The hormonal imbalance in the body can develop hair thinning or hair loss.
Male hormones can also have a hand in hair loss. For instance, an abnormal level of androgens -hormones that influence the male reproductive system and its development can cause hair loss.
Pregnancy
Some women also experience excessive hair thinning shortly after they give birth. Although there is no significant health issue behind this, it happens due to decreased estrogen levels. This hair loss condition is not only temporary but also reverse within months or years.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions are also responsible for causing hair loss in people. These conditions may include diabetes, anemia, eating disorders, lupus, iron deficiency, and thyroid problems. But the good thing is that hair returns to its original state once symptoms subside.
Medicines
Certain medical treatments or medication causes side effects that can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle. This can lead to two types of hair thinning “anagen effluvium and telogen effluvium.”
Telogen effluvium, more common in the two types and may cause the hair follicles to resume their resting (telogen) phase. The state can further cause hair to fall out prematurely.
Drugs and medications that cause telogen effluvium may include beta-adrenergic blockers and blood thinners to control high blood pressure. Some birth control pills can also be the cause of telogen effluvium.
Anagen effluvium is a condition that mostly affects cancer patients taking chemotherapy drugs. The condition takes place when hair is in an anagen phase (active growth phase). It typically inhibits the function of matrix cells and tissues which produce new hair.
Diet
Diet is another prominent reason that may affect your hair health. Like other parts of your body, your hair needs an adequate amount of essential nutrients to grow and improve its condition. For instance, if you don’t consume a sufficient quantity of iron or vitamin D in your food, you will not obtain enough Ferritin, a type of protein your body needs to store iron.
As a result, it will affect your body’s ability to produce hair naturally. Meanwhile, fluctuation in your body weight may also impact hormones, which may lead to hair loss. In short, taking a balanced diet is vital to avoid hormonal imbalance and medical conditions that cause hair loss.
How to Treat Hair Loss
Hair loss can be a medical condition, but it doesn’t mean that you need to live with it. As you can treat other disorders, there are many ways you can treat or address hair thinning problems.
So what can you do if you’re suffering from hair loss?
Use a Laser Cap
Laser caps are FDA-cleared medical devices that use low level light therapy to stimulate the hair follicles and scalp tissue to produce new and healthy hair. These caps have no known side effects and are used by both men and women looking to improve the overall health of their hair and produce new growth in problematic areas.
Laser caps are the most convenient hair growth treatment option on the market today and are gaining approval from medical experts and scientists all over the world. These devices can be used in the comfort of your own home at a time that is convenient for you.
Seek Professional Help
If you notice unexpected hair loss, consult an expert to figure out its possible underlying causes. Remember that the earlier you determine the problem, the more chances you will have to reverse it.
Explore the Best Treatment Options
Depending on what has caused your hair loss, your dermatologist can recommend treatment options. It is always best to choose a treatment with no side effects, such as laser light treatment. Many people opt for this advanced method to treat hair thinning as it is effective and has zero side effects.
Bottom Line
In a nutshell, hair loss can take a toll on your mental health and affect your confidence level. Also, it can be a sign of an underlying health condition. That is why identifying and addressing the underlying problem of hair loss is essential even if you take cosmetic treatment. Thus, the given details will you understand the possible causes of hair loss.
