6 REASONS BEHIND YOUR HAIR LOSS EXPLAINED
Hair loss is a natural phenomenon as part
of the hair’s life cycle. However, in some cases, hair loss occurs at an
alarming rate to an extent that you are left with bald spots or thinned out
areas. Unfortunately, most of those who are affected by it are often caught off
guard, not really knowing what is behind all this shedding. Let us uncover the
sneaky little reasons behind hair loss.
Stress
Stress is a constant in our everyday lives.
We can go through the whole spectrum, from positive to negative stress in a day,
which can create certain biological reactions. When our body is constantly
bombarded with negative stressors, or if it encounters a significant amount of
stress such as loss or physical trauma, the risk for hair loss increases.
Studies have
shown that certain chemicals released by the body as a response to stress can
affect the hair cycle. It can hamper hair growth and the formation of new hairs
which results in hair thinning or balding. There are three types of hair loss
that is associated with stress, telogen effluvium, trichotillomania, and
alopecia areata.
Fortunately, hair loss and stress don't
have to be permanent. If you can get your stress under control, there is a good
chance to grow your hair back.
Hypothyroidism
This condition occurs when the body produces
too little thyroid hormone. It is a hormone responsible for several body
functions, from your basal metabolic rate to the growth of your hair and nails.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include, fatigue, weight gain, constipation,
depression, and hair loss.
Individuals who suffer from this condition
notice that their hair starts to thin out on both sides of the head and the
frontal region. This can be a devastating symptom mostly because it is the most
obvious. Fortunately, hair loss caused by hypothyroidism can be reversed
through medications, such as Levothyroxine drugs.
Low Ferritin (Iron) Levels
Ferritin is the stored form of iron, and
having low levels of this mineral causes hair loss particularly in women. Low
ferritin levels also pose a problem for individuals with hypothyrodism. Just
like the latter, this condition can be detected through blood tests.
It may occur for several reasons, such as,
inadequate intake, nutritional deficiency, excessive loss, and malabsorption
due to a disease. Iron deficiency leads to anemia which places the body in
survival mode that causes accessory functions, like growing and maintaining
hair, to cease. Maintaining appropriate ferritin levels prevent the onset of
hair loss in some cases.
Iron supplementation can address problems
caused by low ferritin levels. It is evidenced by an improvement in hair
density and hair length. However, it is best that you consult your primary care
physician before you take iron supplements because certain instructions may be
necessary to avoid any discomfort.
Skin Conditions of the Scalp
A healthy scalp provides a healthy
environment for your hair to thrive in. When it is unable to provide
nourishment to your locks, hair loss could most likely follow. Understandably,
you can't have a healthy head of hair with a scalp riddled with problems.
Scalp dryness is the common culprit that a
lot of people suffer from. Dryness means it is replete with moisture that would
allow hair strands to thrive. It can also cause the scalp to itch more which
could trigger a person to scratch the area vigorously creating more damage.
The best way to address the problem is to
tackle the source of itching. Dandruff is often the culprit behind this concern.
It is a condition where the scalp becomes irritated causing the skin cells to
flake off while the area itches. To treat dandruff, experts recommend certain
shampoos, or even medicated ones for worst cases. Always seek professional help
to ensure that you manage this condition before it wreaks more havoc on your
scalp and hair.
Medications
Pharmaceutical treatments are created to
cure ailments and conditions, but as much as these promise relief, they also
come with drawbacks. Unfortunately, certain drugs have hair loss as one of its
side effects. WebMD
enumerates the type of drugs that causes drug-induced hair loss:
· Acne medications containing vitamin A (retinoids)
· Antibiotics and antifungal drugs
· Antidepressants
· Birth control pills
· Anticlotting drugs
· Cholesterol-lowering medications
· Hormone replacement therapy
· Mood stabilizers
· Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
· Steroids
· Anti-hypertensives
· Anticonvulsants
· Thyroid medications
· Weight loss drugs
· Drugs that treat breast cancer
If you are taking any drugs that fall under
those classification, it doesn't mean that you can just stop taking them at
will. Always consult your primary care physician and express your concern about
this particular side effect. In this way, you may be prescribed a treatment
that would be gentler on your locks.
Genetics
For some people, hair loss is
embedded in their genetic code, making it an inevitable occurrence at some
point in their lives. This condition is called androgenetic alopecia, or
pattern baldness, and it can affect both men and women, but it is more common
in males.
While hair loss is common in aging men, it
may start a bit earlier for some. Some who are in their twenties may even start
to experience hair thinning and hairline regression. It continues to shed in a
certain pattern, where some even go entirely bald over time.
Medications, hormone replacement therapy,
and laser are some of the treatments available today. But if you prefer a more
radical and long-lasting result, hair transplant surgery would be a promising
approach. It deters some hair loss sufferers because of its invasiveness, but
as the practice improved over the years hair transplant surgeons are now able
to deliver natural-looking results with less trauma as possible.
Fortunately, hair loss is a condition that
can be addressed from different angles. For this reason, it is important that
you consult a reputable doctor to help you in this process. If you wish to go
the surgical route, choosing the right hair transplant surgeon is a critical step
to ensure success.
If you have gleaned some information on
hair loss in this piece, take your research further and book
a consultation with Dr. Daood todayof the Sydney Hair Transplant Clinic.
Get the right help from people who are trained and experienced to deal with
your kind of problem!
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