Although it can be alarming, losing hair doesn't necessarily mean that you are balding. Each of your strands of hair lasts about four and a half years before it falls out naturally, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Genetic baldness results when your body fails to grow enough new hair to replace the strands you shed.
Types
Androgenetic alopecia, or pattern baldness, is the most common type of hair loss, according to Columbia University Health Services. Male pattern baldness usually manifests as a receding hairline and thinning hair on the crown, which may eventually lead to bald spots. Women tend to lose hair all over their heads. Age, genetics and testosterone levels cause pattern baldness, which does not necessarily indicate an underlying condition or illness.
Hair loss due to excessively stressful events or physical trauma is called telogen effluvium. Major surgery, illness, childbirth, divorce or other similar events may lead to weeks or months of hair loss, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Traumatic alopecia sometimes results from trauma to the scalp. Pulling hair into tight braids or hairstyles, chemical treatments and heat damage can damage the scalp or cause hair breakage.
The usually hereditary condition alopecia areata can cause round patches of hair to fall out of the scalp, eyebrows and beards. Although this generally happens to adolescents or young adults, it can occur at any age, reports Columbia University Health Services.
Other Causes
Certain drugs and medical treatments can cause hair loss. Cancer treatments, birth control, hormone replacement, anabolic steroids and amphetamines have all been linked to hair loss. Other medications inconclusively linked to hair loss include high blood pressure, depression, ulcer, glaucoma, epilepsy and acne medications, reports Columbia University Health Services.
Fungal infections on the scalp, such as tinea capitis or ringworm, can cause hair loss. Symptoms include flaky, itchy and scaly skin at the infection site.
Nutritional deficiencies, particularly low-protein crash diets, may also contribute to hair loss. In addition, hair loss can signal an underlying condition such as diabetes, lupus or thyroid disease.
Time Frame
Men with male pattern baldness may start losing hair as early as their 20s, and approximately 25 percent of men start going bald by the age of 30. By 60, two-thirds of men either have a balding pattern or have gone bald. Thinning hair affects far fewer women than men, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. But some women may see thinning hair between the ages of 30 and 60.
Misconceptions
Some myths about hair loss include notions that it is caused by a gene from your maternal grandfather or wearing a hat too often, says the Ohio State University Medical Center. Furthermore, dandruff, poor scalp circulation and vitamin deficiencies do not cause hair loss.
Solution
The prescription medication finasteride and the over-the-counter medication minoxidil are the only two Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment options for male pattern baldness. Finasteride can slow or stop hair loss in some men and may facilitate new hair growth The topical application of minoxidil brings about hair growth, but discontinuing its use will result in hair loss. Only minoxidil has been FDA approved to treat hair loss in women.
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