Hair loss is a devastating experience for anyone. Unfortunately, this common concern can affect both men and women of any age. Moreover, the severity can also vary from mild to severe depending on the cause.
As one of the most common problems seen by dermatologists, there are a few different treatment options available. Even so, it’s vital to get treatment early on and determine the cause.
So, we’ve listed the most prevalent causes of hair loss for both men and women.
Alopecia
While most assume that only men can suffer from alopecia, the medical term for hair loss, this condition also affects women. The signs of alopecia include hair thinning, which is often first noticed as a thinner ponytail in women. In addition, bald spots show growth over time, a receding hairline, loss of precise hairline edges, and a widening hair part.
It’s normal to shed roughly 50 to 100 hairs per day, although excess shedding is a concern that can spiral out of control. In some cases, specially formulated shampoos and specific vitamins are recommended treatments that can propel healthy hair growth. At the same time, in more severe hair loss cases, a hair transplant in Calgary is the most effective treatment option.
The following factors increase an individual’s risk of developing alopecia.
Age
Age is a significant risk factor involved in hair loss. Unfortunately, almost everyone notices hair thinning and some loss as they age. As we grow older, our cells start to die off faster than they can regenerate. The result of this is also seen in pigment loss.
Moreover, as we age, our scalps produce less oil, making hair weaker and more brittle.
If age is the only risk factor behind your hair loss, switching up your hair care routine with shampoos for hair loss and volume-enhancing serums and treatments is wise.
Genetics
Androgenetic alopecia is hair loss caused by genetics. This particular condition is connected to both age and genetics and is commonly referred to as male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness.
For males, hair loss starts at the temples and becomes more noticeable where hair is divided. There is also gradual thinning in the mix of things, and hair fall is also prominent. On the other hand, females will experience gradual thinning and noticeable thinning where the hair is divided. While the hairline might not recede, hair parting becomes dramatically wider over time.
In these cases, hair transplants are often a suitable solution.
Hormonal Changes
Individuals suffering from conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome or congenital adrenal hyperplasia tend to have higher androgen levels, increasing the risk of female pattern baldness.
If you are experiencing hair loss symptoms along with acne, excess hair growth on the body or the face, and irregular periods, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider to have your hormone levels checked.
If hormonal imbalance is behind your hair loss, hormone stabilizers and other treatments will support healthier hair growth.
Extreme Stress
Most of us have endured stress at one point or another. However, experiencing an extremely stressful life event is enough to shock your body into hair loss. In some cases, high and chronic levels of stress can cause gray hair.
Hair loss or color change won’t happen immediately, but rather three to four months after the highly stressful experience.
Fortunately, hair loss from stress will grow back. Of course, you will need to manage your stress and find effective coping methods. Nevertheless, no treatment is necessary for hair loss caused by high stress in most cases.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Specific nutritional deficiencies can also increase the risk of hair loss. Low iron levels, lack of vitamin D or B12, and low zinc levels are often linked to hair loss.
Fortunately, this can be corrected with dietary supplements and a balanced diet. More often than not, no additional treatment is required, and hair should regrow following an amended nutritional intake.
Other causes of alopecia can include autoimmune disease, infections, and even certain medications. Furthermore, traumatic hairstyling techniques can also cause hair loss.
Dealing with hair loss is understandably frustrating. Even so, it’s essential to consult your healthcare practitioner to determine the cause of your alopecia. Once you have determined the cause, your doctor can recommend the best treatments. Because there are various causes of hair loss, it’s essential to seek treatment with a professional healthcare provider. Unfortunately, self-diagnosis is never wise, as you may be overlooking an underlying health concern, such as a nutritional deficiency.