Hair loss is sometimes a matter of genetics, but can also result from a range of illnesses and deficiencies. Hair loss at the crown of the head is more common than hair loss at the sides or neck line. The average Caucasian person has between 100,000 and 150,000 hair follicles on the scalp. Average hair loss is about 50 to 100 strands per day according to the experts at Hair Loss Help, so some daily loss is to be expected. Sudden hair loss or hair loss at a young age should always receive an evaluation by a health care practitioner who can diagnose the problem and treat the disease.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hair loss sometimes indicates that your hormones have become unbalanced. This can result from a variety of factors, reports health care providers at the Mayo Clinic, including pregnancy, menopause and starting or stopping birth control pills. An over-abundance of testosterone will cause thinning of the hair at the crown, too, and is sometimes triggered by using birth control pills. An over-active and under-active thyroid can also cause hair loss. Correcting the underlying imbalance should restore hair growth.
Fungal Infections
A scalp infection such as ringworm can cause temporary hair thinning as the fungus takes over the scalp. Most infections can be treated easily with anti-fungal medications--both internal and topical--and once the infection is eradicated, the hair should grow back.
Lupus
Hair loss is a warning sign for lupus, according to the Lupus Foundation of America. About 45 percent of people with Lupus will experience hair loss and excessive hair on the pillow or in the shower signaling an early sign of the disease. Thinning can occur all over the scalp, at the crown or in large patches and, however with treatment for the disease, the hair usually regrows.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia occurs when a person pulls the hair tightly and continually away from the scalp such as in a ponytail or tight bun. The Mayo Clinic reports that hair will grow back, but only if the hair follicle hasn't become damaged. Hair loss of this type usually occurs at the crown of the head where the follicles experience the most tension.
Pattern Baldness
Both male and female pattern baldness begin with thinning of hair at the crown. Hair thinning of this type usually has a genetic component that makes the hair cycle much shorter which doesn't give the hair follicles enough time to root well, causing hair to fall out more easily. Topical preparations such as minoxidil have shown some success in regrowing and maintaining hair loss due to pattern baldness according to a Drugs.com article. Check with your health care provider to learn about the different preparations available for men and women.
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