Over 60 million Americans suffer from hair loss, according to Dr. Alan J. Bauman as reported in "Hair News Magazine." Although genetics and aging are the most common causes of hair thinning, other factors may be at play, including medical conditions, medications and stress. If you experience sudden hair loss, consult your doctor because it could be a symptom of a serious underlying condition.
Genetics
Androgenic alopecia--hair loss caused by genetics combined with the aging process and hormonal changes--is the leading cause of hair thinning. According to "Hairfinder," approximately 40 percent of both men and women experience some degree of hair loss by age 35. In men, hair loss can begin as early as the late teens or early 20s. The genetic thinning pattern appears differently in men and women. Men usually experience thinning first at the front hairline and the crown, while women experience general thinning all over the head.
Medications
Over 300 drugs can cause some degree of hair loss. With the exception of chemotherapy drugs, hair loss generally is an uncommon side effect. Classes of drugs that may cause hair thinning include oral contraceptives, anticoagulants and antibiotics. In some cases, hair loss may not become apparent until two to four months after you begin taking the medication. In most cases, hair will regrow after you stop taking the drug.
Pregnancy
Approximately 50 percent of women experience hair loss after pregnancy, a condition called alopecia partum, according to an article by Dr. Alan J. Bauman in "Hair News Magazine." The condition is caused by hormonal changes that occur during the pregnancy, but they don't manifest until three to nine months after the baby is born. The hair loss is sudden and sometimes so dramatic that it may be alarming. It may last up to three months, after which the hair usually returns to normal. This is not always the case, however, and the more children you have, the thinner your hair may be when it does grow back.
Endocrine Disorders
Endocrine disorders also can cause hair loss. Hypothyroidism, for example, may cause thinning of hair on the head and the outer edges of the eyebrows and diabetes may cause general hair loss. Women with high levels of testosterone or low estrogen also may experience hair loss. Polycystic syndrome often is the cause of unusually high levels of testosterone in women. Symptoms include irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, weight gain and increased facial hair.
Autoimmune Disorders
Alopecia areata is a condition where the immune system mistakes hair follicles for foreign bodies and destroys them. Researchers have not yet identified the cause of this condition, but genetics may play a role because many people who suffer from alopecia areata have a family history of this or other autoimmune diseases, such as cancer, diabetes hypothryroidism or rheumatoid arthritis. Stress also may be a contributing factor.
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