3 Common Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss occurs in both men and women but men see it happen earlier than men. When men have reached their 30’s their hairline will begin to recede. Hair loss in men is caused by several factors that include age, heredity, hormones, and lifestyle.

Here are the four most common causes of hair loss.

1. Androgenic alopecia - This is the most common form of hair loss in men. Generally androgenic alopecia begins when men are in their 20’s and this pattern occurs when the male hormones, called androgen, increases their sensitivity to various areas of the scalp. The male hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) will slowly decrease the hair follicles, which will cause them to halt the production of healthy hair. Even though it is the case that the follicles are still living it does not perform in the proper way and it leads to the problem of male pattern baldness. It will begin with a receding hairline and then will grow to all areas of the scalp. Androgenic alopecia is hereditary.

2. Traumatic events and stress - These events can lead to hair loss in both men and women. This problem is called Telogen Effluvium and it is only a temporary phase. When men are stressed they will release both chemicals and stress hormones, which will cause the body to function improperly, especially the formation of healthy hair. The first sight of hair loss due to stress are waxy strands or dullness of hair or scalp, which is caused by an increase of the sebaceous glands. Trauma to the head that results on scarring on the scalp can also cause hair loss, as there is damage to the hair’s follicles. Illnesses such as cancer, thyroid problems, and an imbalance of hormones in the body can also add to the problem in hair loss in both men and women.

3. Lifestyle - When a person lives a healthy lifestyle it will show in the natural glow of the skin and the quality of the new hair that is produced. A healthy head of hair is typically seen in those that live a healthy lifestyle. Smoking and drinking are a factor if a person is not living healthy and it will show in the production of new hair. Eating the right foods keeps the body healthy, therefore the healthier the body is the healthier the hair will be and the more likely it will be that new hair growth will occur. There are also medications such as diet pills having amphetamines, medications that have isotretinoin, and drugs for chemotherapy that will cause both men and women to experience hair loss. This will depend on the dosage amount of these types of drugs.

If you experience hair loss you can do something about it and seek out help for the problem. The loss of hair may not only be a sign if getting older or not being healthy enough but it also can be a sign of health problems such as cancer or problems with the thyroid. If you are finding you are losing your hair find out the reason by visiting a physician that specializes in hair loss.