Hair loss that eventually results in the appearance of thinning hair or bald patches can have a variety of causes, including age, genetics and certain health conditions. Even in instances where systemic illness does not accompany hair loss, its psychological effects can be very difficult in our beauty-obsessed society. Hair thinning can affect men, women and children of all ages. The good news for those seeking treatment for thinning hair is that a variety of options are available.
Causes
There are a variety of factors that may contribute to hair loss. Sudden physical or emotional stress, acute illness, surgery and hormonal imbalances, poor nutrition, some infectious diseases, certain medications and radiation therapy can all cause temporary hair loss that should grow back once proper health is restored. According to Medline Plus, the autoimmune condition alopecia areata results in temporary hair loss which may appear diffuse, in patches or may extend to the entire scalp. Thinning hair is also seen in those with androgenetic alopecia, the term for genetic male- or female-pattern hair loss, although in this case hair loss is permanent.
Hair Growth
According to Family Doctor, approximately 10 percent of scalp hair is in a "resting phase" at any one time, meaning that its growth cycle is finished and it will soon be shed. The average person loses roughly 100 hairs per day in this manner. Temporary hair loss will be replaced when a new growth phase is initiated in the hair shafts, within six months' time. Permanent hair loss, such as that resulting from genetic pattern baldness, is not caused by excessive hair loss but rather due to the scalp's inability to produce new hairs.
Treatment Options
Hair loss resulting from stress, illness, medications or nutritional deficiencies will re-grow on its own and does not require treatment. Hair loss due to alopecia, both androgenetic and areata, may be treated with minoxidil, which is designed to promote hair growth. In the case of alopecia areata, corticosteroids may also be prescribed. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMM, beta-sitosterol and saw palmetto supplements have been found to help promote new hair growth in male pattern hair loss. Surgical options such as hair transplants are also available.
Side Effects
Minoxidil solutions must be used continuously in order to retain new grown hair. While generally well tolerated, minoxidil side effects may include itching, rash, redness, abnormal facial hair growth, chest pain and fluid retention. According to Alopecia Areata Info, corticosteroid side effects may include skin atrophy, skin infections, hypertension and diabetes. Herbal supplements may cause drug interactions. Any medical treatment for thinning hair should be used under the care of a doctor.
Considerations
While temporary hair loss does not require treatment, patients may choose to wear wigs, hair weaves or scarves to disguise hair loss until new growth is achieved. It is not advisable to have wigs or weaves sutured directly into the scalp as this increases the risk of infection and scarring.
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