Hair Loss and Its Causes
Hair loss is one condition dreaded by both men and women. This condition is commonly attributed to aging, but this is not necessarily true. Some younger people also experience hair loss, and that happens, questions arise.
What Causes Hair Loss?
It is normal for a person to lose between 50-100 hairs per day; this is part of the hair regeneration process. Most people though, experience excessive hair loss at one time in their life. There are various and differing reasons for this including medication, radiation, chemotherapy, chemical exposure, hormonal imbalance, nutritional factors, thyroid disease, certain skin diseases and stress. Some causes are temporary and only a few are permanent.
Hormonal
Hormonal changes are the most common reason for hair loss and this affects both men and women. Hormonal imbalance cause men to loose their in a specific pattern from the front part of the head to the crown, women on the other hand tend to loose their hair in no specific pattern at all.
Women usually loose hair after pregnancy; this is due to the hair the simultaneously entering the telogen stage. Hair loss starts within 2 to 3 months after giving birth and can last up to 6 months. This condition is caused by the normal hormonal changes that happen after the mother’s body recovers from pregnancy.
Another hormonal change than can cause hair loss is the one that occurs when a woman is taking birth control pills. Women with history of Androgenic Alopecia in their family should be advised not to take birth control pills if they do not want to suffer from excessive hair loss.
Disease or Illness
Although certain disease can cause hair loss, most times this condition is temporary and can resolve by itself. Though there are some underlying diseases like lupus and diabetes that really causes hair loss, usually hair loss is one of the early signs of a more severe disease.
Medications
Some medicines can also cause hair loss; this is the type of hair loss that will improve once the person stops taking the medicine. Drugs that can cause hair loss include anticoagulants or blood thinners, gout medicines, medicines for heart problems, birth control pills, antidepressants and too much Vitamin A intake.
Treatments for Hair Loss:
There are treatments available for hair loss, and they will depend on type and the severity of the condition. If it was cause by medication, the doctor can just prescribe another medicine. Corrections of the hormonal imbalance can also reverse hair loss and so is the proper treatment of the infection.
There are also some drugs that have been developed to specifically treat hair loss. But before taking one, you need to consult your doctor.
