Understanding the Causes Hair Loss
Here’s Some Help Understanding the Causes Hair Loss
Hair loss affects millions of people around the globe, so understanding the causes hair loss is important. The fear of losing your hair can be traumatic and many people worry that they will look old or ugly if they go bald or have thinning hair.
The hair loss industry is a billion dollar industry with products designed to cater to this desperate market. Everything from hair growth shampoos to hair supplements to proven drugs such as Rogaine, Minoxidil, Finasteride, etc. are on the market to help sufferers.
There are two camps as far as hair loss is concerned. One group believes that hair loss can be arrested and there is hope of re-growing lost hair. Another group believes that there is no hope for those who are balding.
Understanding the Causes Hair Loss
So who is right about understanding the causes hair loss?
They both are. It all depends on the type of hair loss. Most hair loss in women can be remedied. Hair loss in men can be remedied if the cause is something such as strong medication, stress, poor nutrition, etc.
If the hair loss in a male is due to hereditary reasons, then in most cases, you’ll be fighting a losing battle. Of course, you can slow down the balding process with the right treatments but the inevitable reality is that you will bald eventually.
There is no drug or treatment on the planet that can permanently halt male pattern balding. It has not been discovered yet.
Nevertheless, let’s not lose hope. Most hair loss can be halted or at the very least, slowed down, if you know the cause. So, let’s look at the causes.
First off, you need to know that hairs follow a specific repetitive cycle.
There is the anagen stage which spans from 2 to 7 years and grow at an average rate of 6 inches per year. Next is the catagen stage which is a transition phase. This period lasts about 2 to 4 weeks. During this period, the hair shaft gets detached and rises within the hair follicle.
Lastly, we have the telogen stage. During this phase, the hair will rest for about 2 to 3 months while the hair detaches and falls out.
At this point new hair begins to grow thereby repeating the normal cycle of hair growth. Unfortunately there are a few factors that may throw a spanner in the works and interfere with the natural hair growth process. This will lead to thinning hair or premature baldness.
One of the most common causes of hair loss is Androgenetic alopecia. That’s quite a mouthful. It is responsible for pattern hair loss in 95% of people regardless of gender. It’s usually part and parcel of ageing and progresses with the passage of time.
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”315″ identifier=”B005F8VHEA” locale=”US” src=”https://naturalhealthkingdom.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/31HVAL6UB3L.jpg” tag=”glocaszon-20″ width=”315″]Male hormones such as DHT and testosterone have important roles. However, they also cause hair loss when there is a high level of androgens. That is why men are more prone to balding. Men have much higher levels of androgens than women.
Another cause of hair loss is Alopecia areata which is considered an immune system disorder that causes follicles to stop producing hairs in patches on the head. In severe cases all hair on the head and even the body may be lost.
Telogen effluvium is another cause of hair loss. Common symptoms are thinning or shedding of hair. The process may last for a few months and is usually seen in people who have endured trauma. Other causes include childbirth, severe illness, major surgery, psychological stress and chemotherapy. There is some hope here.
The effects of telogen effluvium are temporary and reversible.
There are a few other less common causes of hair loss. Traction alopecia is the loss of hair due to constant pulling. This is often the result of hair styling. Hairs may also be broken hairs because of excessive styling or exposure to chemicals and the sun. This may lead to thinning of the hair.
Last but not least, severe illnesses or nutritional deficiencies can result in hair loss too.
These are some of the causes of hair loss. It would be best to consult a doctor if you notice that you are losing hair and it’s starting to get worrying. Your doctor will be able to guide you and prescribe treatment methods that are suitable. Alternatively, you may also use holistic remedies to try and solve your hair loss problems.
