Causes of Hair Loss

There are many causes for hair loss in men and women, including: disease, nutritional deficiency, stress, and hormone imbalance. However, the most common cause is called Adrogenetic Alopecia. Approximately 95% of all cases of hair loss are due to Androgenetic Alopecia, more commonly known as male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness. Time is also important because as people age genetic expression and the impact of androgens have their effect on the hair follicles.

Androgenetic Alopecia

95% of all people that suffer the loss of hair have Androgenetic Alopecia, otherwise known as male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness. This is the most common form of hair loss for men and is caused by hormonal changes, usually genetic in origin. One in five women have the same condition however in women it appears as diffuse hair loss or thinning over most of the scalp. ‘Alopecia’ in layman’s language simply means hair loss. ‘Androgenetic’ refers to a genetic predisposition to balding which includes the direct influence of androgens or male hormones in this type of baldness.

Hair loss can begin as early as the mid-teens. This type of hair loss can also occur for men who are taking steroids like testosterone to build their bodies. Going back in history it was long speculated that male hormones influenced hair loss. Hippocrates in 400 BC observed that castrated males did not become bald. Later in 1940 Dr. James Hamilton concluded that genetics along with the presence of the male hormone androgen were responsible factors causing the development of androgenetic alopecia.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata appears as patchy hair loss on the scalp. It usually starts with one or more small round bald patches and can progress to total baldness in a small number of cases. It affects both men and women and often begins at childhood. It can affect 1.7% of the population, which includes about 4 million people in the US alone. This occurs in various guises and is thought to be caused by autoimmune disorders (the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs in a person's body). Alopecia Areata often resolves without treatment and hair usually grows back in 6 months to 2 years, but not always.

Telogen Effluvium

This is characterized by massive shedding and can usually be linked to a recent traumatic event involving stress or serious illness. Events such as a high fever, thyroid disease, a severe illness, extreme stress, medications, hormonal imbalance or, in women, childbirth can cause this temporary loss of hair. A large number of hair follicles suddenly going into the resting phase is the cause of this loss and hair becomes noticeably thinner. Drugs such as chemotherapeutic agents to treat cancer, retinoids for acne treatment, anticoagulants and even oral contraceptives can all cause hair loss.

Anagen Effluvium

This is commonly associated with hair loss caused by drug therapy such as anticancer chemotherapy. Some cancers including leukemia and lymphoma can cause hair loss even before treatment is started.

Traction Alopecia

Results from long-term pulling of the hair. This type of hair loss can be caused by certain hairstyles, such as tight braids. The hair loss is usually reversible once the cause is eliminated.

Trichotillomania

Is a psychological disorder where people repeatedly pull their hair out. Areas of baldness are left plus damaged hair at different lengths. Treatment generally involves the help of a therapist.

Other Causes

Diseases such as diabetes, systemic lupis erythematosus, and disorders of the thyroid can cause hair loss and baldness. A hormone imbalance that occurs in polycystic ovary syndrome may cause hair loss in teen girls as well as adult women. Chemical treatments of the hair through coloring, bleaching, straightening or being permed can cause damage that may cause hair breakage or temporarily fall out. Skin damage and certain medications can cause hair loss while ringworm and fungal infection may sometimes cause balding in children. Delivering a baby, having surgery and even anesthesia can have a temporary impact on the hair growth cycle. Poor nutrition contributes to hair loss seen in people with anorexia and bulimia where the body is not getting enough protein, minerals and vitamins to sustain hair growth. Young teen vegetarians can lose hair when they are not getting enough protein from non-meat sources. Some athletes have hair loss because they are more likely to develop iron-deficiency anemia.

Although most cases of hair loss in men is related to Androgenetic Alopecia, it is important to accurately determine the cause of your hair loss. By contacting a physician you can arrange for several tests including a hair analysis and a hormone test. These tests will provide you the assurance that you will be using the correct products for the most effective results.