The Causes of Hair Loss - Oh, Let Us Count the Ways
Losing your hair is a big deal and chances are you are going to become well-versed in the reasons why hair loss occurs as well as possible treatment options to grow it back. There are a variety of causes of hair loss, some you can control and others you cannot. For instance, there is nothing you can do about your genetic history just as you cannot help growing older or becoming ill, just a few causes of hair loss.
Medications, your beauty products and how you deal with your hair also play a part in losing your hair. To give you an idea of the breadth of this hair loss situation, read on for information about the various causes of hair loss.
Androgenetic Alopecia
Heredity is the underlying root of Androgenetic Alopecia and it occurs primarily in men, but some women have been known to get it too. Research your genetic history and you will likely find a few family members who have gone bald. Please note that the age at which you start to lose hair as well as how fast and even the pattern of loss is all linked to heredity.
Alopecia Areata
Graded as an autoimmune disease, Alopecia Areata does not have any particular underlying cause to attribute to your hair loss and most people that develop it are in good health. Among the causes of hair loss, Alopecia Areata is the most puzzling and doctors believe that genetics do play a part. Like with mononucleosis and other illnesses, perhaps all this disease needs is a trigger like a viral infection. This condition likely will occur on and off a number of times, which is very frustrating because there is seemingly no rhyme or reason.
Miscellaneous Causes
Among the other causes of hair loss, various diseases such as diabetes and thyroid conditions are likely culprits as are certain medications for high blood pressure, arthritis, heart conditions and even birth control pills. Hormonal changes play a big part in some causes of hair loss in women such as menopause and childbirth, two major changes in a woman's life.
A poor diet lacking in proteins and iron can be a problem and usually is the result of silly crash dieting or the latest fad diet. Anorexia and bulimia, two eating disorders can also be counted among the causes of hair loss, as can unexpected illnesses like the flu or even high fever. Surgery and medical treatments like chemotherapy play a part in hair loss but luckily some of that lost hair grows back eventually.
Two more causes of hair loss to give some thought to include the brand of hair care products and chemicals you use in your hair or a scalp condition like ringworm. These two particular causes of hair loss are totally treatable and often reversible. As you can see, there are a number of possibilities to wade through so get your trusty detective hat on and get busy solving your hair loss mystery.
