Hair loss is due to various factors such as age, heredity, hormonal disorders, among others. We tell you what are the most common causes of this problem.
If you notice lately that you are losing hair, this could be due to different causes such as hereditary baldness, hormones, thyroid problems and other diseases.
This condition can appear suddenly or gradually, affecting only the scalp or the entire body. Some types of hair loss are temporary while others are permanent.
To learn more about it, we consulted information from the American Academy of Dermatology and found several factors that affect this problem. Below, we detail the most common for you to try to identify them.
Hereditary baldness
Hereditary baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is characterized by progressive hair loss that can start at any time after puberty, although it usually occurs much later.
As detailed in a study published in the American Family Physician, this form of hair loss is prevalent in men, although women may suffer from it as well, and many of them have a family history of this condition.
Currently, there are topical creams and oral medications that could help prevent, delay, or significantly decrease hair loss. These treatments should be used indefinitely since, as the study suggests, their suspension makes the problem appear again.
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that attacks the hair follicles of the body, responsible for holding the hair in place. Their presence could explain why you are losing hair.
People with this condition can experience hair loss on any part of the body, including the scalp, nose, and ears. Some people even lose their eyelashes or eyebrows.
Pregnancy
The hormonal disorder that occurs in pregnancy can trigger many conditions, including hair loss, which can occur at the beginning of it, but is more common in the weeks after delivery.
A study published in Biomed Research International suggests that during pregnancy there is an increase in the amount of hair. However, after delivery, the hair cycles return to normal and hair that was not lost during pregnancy is removed.
Female hormones
Just as pregnancy hormones cause hair loss, birth control pills can also have that effect. If you don’t use pills but are in menopause, you might still have this problem.
This is because the activity of the hormones weaken the hair follicle, facilitating its fall. If the problem is birth control pills, it is important that you look for alternatives with your gynecologist. On the other hand, if it is about problems related to menopause, the doctor is the one to give you the necessary recommendations.
Medicines
Being under treatment with some medications could be the reason why you are losing hair. This can occur due to the alteration in the hair growth cycle.
Although the symptoms may disappear at the time of stopping the medication, it is important that you do not stop before talking to your doctor. Stopping them without professional authorization could cause health problems.
According to a study published in The National Center for Biotechnology Information, although the diagnosis of drug-induced alopecia remains difficult, drugs that may have this side effect include the following:
- Anticoagulants and antithyroid
- Anticonceptive pill
- Cimetidine
- Retinoids
- Amphetamines
- Bromocriptine
- Levodopa
Thyroid
A person has hypothyroidism when his thyroid gland is not working properly. This organ is located in the neck and is in charge of producing hormones necessary for metabolism, growth and other vital functions.
If the thyroid does not work properly, there can be many misalignments; one of them is hair loss. Only the doctor can indicate the most appropriate treatment to return the thyroid to its normal levels.
Emotional stress
If you are going through a difficult situation on an emotional level, this can cause or accelerate hair loss.
A publication in The American Journal of Pathology suggests that stress could lead to significant changes in the proper functioning of hair follicles, causing them to not promote proper hair development.
- To combat stress, you can look for calming activities like walking, practicing yoga, or exercising.
What else can we do if we are losing hair?
The first thing is to talk to the doctor about the possible causes of why you are losing hair. Then, as the case may be, study the therapeutic options. Some treatments I may recommend include medications such as over-the-counter Minoxidil, hair transplant surgery, and laser therapy.