Most people lose about 100 hairs per day, according to Drugs.com. During certain stages of life, you may lose more hair than usual. While men often experience male pattern baldness, women also may lose hair as they age. If you notice that you are suddenly experiencing hair loss, see your doctor to rule out or confirm medical problems. In some cases, treatments are available to stop or slow hair loss.
Hormones
FamilyDoctor.org states that hormonal changes are responsible for many cases of hair loss. In younger women these changes may caused by childbirth, but in older women, fluctuating hormone levels due to menopause may cause hair thinning or bald patches. Another cause for hormonal hair loss may be an over- or under-active thyroid. Your doctor may prescribe medication to regulate your thyroid. If you lose your hair due to normal hormonal fluctuations, it should begin to grow back within two years, says Drugs.com.
Heredity and Age
According to Drugs.com, you may begin to lose hair in your golden years due to heredity or the aging process. Typical female pattern baldness often consists of hair thinning at the crown, front and sides of the head. MayoClinic.com states that most women keep their hairlines and do not become completely bald. Minoxidil, an over-the-counter medication, may slow the rate of hair loss.
Illnesses and Medication
Illnesses such as ringworm and certain immune disorders may cause hair loss. Treatments include antifungal medications and corticosteroid injections or creams. Certain medications and medical treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, also can cause hair loss. When the treatment is discontinued, your hair should begin growing back, though it may look and feel different from your original hair.
Stress
Telogen effluvium is a temporary type of hair loss that often occurs after a stressful event or a stressful period of life, says MayoClinic.com. If you experience the loss of a spouse or some other devastating loss, or if you have a major surgery or illness, you may lose large amounts of hair. This type of hair loss usually results in overall thinning instead of bald patches. You may notice large amounts of hair in the shower drain or in your hairbrush. Another way that stress may contribute to hair loss is through the development of nervous habits. If you pull or twist your hair or rub your scalp when you are experiencing stress, you may cause some hair loss. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, the only treatment for telogen effluvium is time. After several months, the hair shedding should stop, and your hair will begin to grow back.
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