Hair loss can impact psychological and social well-being. Males and females of any age can experience hair loss, according to the journal "American Family Physician." Normally, approximately 100 hairs are lost from the scalp each day. Hair loss can increase due to normal hormonal changes, hormonal abnormalities, emotional stress, chemotherapy or other medications, genetics, infection, and tightly pulled-back hairstyles.
Trichotillomania
Sufferers of trichotillomania describe overpowering urges to pull out their own hair, and feelings of pleasure and relief after they do. It is a poorly understood disorder, according to an April 2007 article by Samuel R. Chamberlain, M.A., and colleagues in "American Journal of Psychiatry." Trichotillomania causes repetitive hair pulling that results in obvious hair loss. It is believed that trichotillomania may have a genetic link. It is also considered by some to be a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Stress may play a role, because patients report that hair pulling soothes them. Treatment includes behavioral therapy and medication.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata, or AA, is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the hair follicles, explains the American Academy of Dermatology. It causes hair loss in small, round patches, most commonly on the scalp. Hair may fall out and regrow repeatedly, and total loss of scalp and body hair can occur. AA has no known cause and no cure. Treatment includes corticosteroid medications and topical medications to promote hair growth. Some people with AA choose to wear hats, wigs or scarves. Hair loss from AA can be emotionally challenging.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium causes hair loss by changing the normal phases of hair growth and loss, according to MayoClinic.com. Physical or emotional shocks to the system can cause this condition. Hair follicles are pushed into the resting phase, causing hair loss. Commonly, hair will begin to grow again in one to two months. Psychological stress, surgery, high fever, extreme diets and sudden weight loss can be followed by telogen effluvium. Hair loss can also result from a serious disease or toxic exposure and should be carefully evaluated by a physician, warns an article in the April 2007 issue of "American Family Physician."
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