Genes
Although hair loss is often thought of as a male condition, women can be afflicted as well. According to the American Hair Loss Association, women make up approximately 40 percent of American hair loss sufferers. Androgenetic alopecia, also known as "female pattern baldness" is a cause of hair loss that occurs as a result of genetics. Women tend to lose their hair in a more diffuse pattern on the top and sides with this condition.
Hormones
Hair goes through three different stages. The anagen phase takes place when the hair is growing, the catagen phase takes place when the hair is at rest and the telogen phase takes place when the hair is shedding. Hormonal changes can cause hair loss to occur by interrupting this growth cycle. Specific examples of this can be seen with pregnancy, thyroid disorders, menopause or using birth control pills.
Medication
Pharmaceutical drugs are prescribed by your doctor to treat symptoms that occur from an underlying condition. They may be effective at doing that, but they can also come with unwanted side effects like hair loss.Medications for high blood pressure, gout, arthritis and depression are examples of these. This type of hair loss is temporary.
Cancer
Cancer is a disease that has no known cure but many treatment options. Chemotherapy and radiation are two treatments that are used to kill cancer cells and prevent it from spreading. Using these treatments can lead to hair loss, but hair can grow back several months after the treatments are stopped.
Treatments
Bleaching, dying, and coloring your hair are all done by way of chemical agents. When you use these on a consistent basis, your hair can suffer damage, become brittle and eventually fall out.
Traction
Pulling your hair back in different types of styles places a lot of stress on your follicles. This can lead to a condition known as "traction alopecia", which causes your hair to fall out. This is reversible, but if you let it go too long, your scalp can become scarred and the hair loss can be permanent. Ponytails, extensions and cornrows are all examples of hairstyles that can cause this.
Nutrition
Hair needs the proper nutrients to be healthy, just like the rest of the body. Going on severe calorie restricted diets can cause nutrient deficiencies and lead to hair loss. This can also be caused by eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia.
Member Comments