Hair loss can affect both men and women and everyone who experiences hair loss reacts to it differently. Women, especially, can feel anxiety and worry when it comes to hair loss. Below are some common reasons for hair loss.
Hormonal Factors—Hormonal changes are one of the most common reasons for hair loss. While more common among men, hormones can produce male-pattern and female-pattern baldness as early as the teen years. For women, the hair loss can be temporary, such as during pregnancy, stopping the use of birth control pills.
Thyroid Problems—The thyroid helps to regulate hormones throughout the body. If the gland isn’t functioning properly, it affects the release of and use of hormones, causing hair loss.
Scalp Infections—There are a number of scalp infections that can lead to hair loss. Ringworm is caused by a fungus and can occur anywhere on the body. On the scalp, it appears as pimples that can expand in size, which leave large scaly patches on the scalp. Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles that often causes the hair to fall out and a fungal infection of the hair fiber itself, called Piedra can also lead to hair loss. Seborrheic Dermatitis is a skin condition that is not well-understood, but it can include infection and temporary hair loss.
Alopecia Areata— Its a disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the hair follicles, leading to widespread hair loss over the entire body.
Medications—Certain medications can cause temporary hair loss, including drugs to treat cancer, heart problems, high blood pressure, arthritis, and depression.
Hair Pulling Disorder—Mental illness can lead to a person pulling their hair out. This results in bald patches all over the scalp.
Stress—The stress or anxiety as the result of a physical trauma, or long-term illness can trigger the body to shed hair.
There are some treatments changes that can aid in hair loss and in some cases, regrow hair.
Medications—Minoxidil or Rogaine is an over-the-counter solution to treat hair loss. The liquid or foam is applied daily to the scalp to prevent further hair loss and eventually regrow hair. This treatment may take weeks to produce hair growth and the side effects can include scalp irritation and hair growth in areas of the skin adjacent to the scalp on the face and forehead.
For scalp infections, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics or anti-fungals to treat the cause of your hair loss. Once treated, the health of the scalp should return to normal.
Surgery—Hair transplants take tiny plugs of skin with hair from the back of the scalp and inserts them into bald areas of the scalp. This is usually done through multiple procedures over a period of time.
Home Remedies—For stress-related hair loss, you can practice relaxation techniques and follow a healthy diet. Over time you should see your hair return. You should also avoid tight hairstyles such a ponytail and braids.
