Hair loss is usually a cause to worry for all sexes, it can occur in the form of baldness or hair thinning.
When it happens, physical deformation is not the only thing a person should worry about,
as Hair loss is caused by a lot of serious health conditions that should be remedied as soon as possible,
therefore, It is advisable to seek the attention of a dermatologist if one begins to notice these symptoms.
Below are some common causes of hair loss:
EXCESS ANDROGENS
Androgens are male sex hormones, such as testosterone and anabolic steroids.
They stimulate or control the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics in vertebrates.
Excess androgens and other hormonal imbalances can be regarded as the most common causes of hair loss, as these can lead to conditions such as ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA, baldness or deficiency of the hair which is related to androgenesis..
For example, an increase in an androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is mostly related to baldness or hair loss in the males.
DHT binds itself to hair follicles, stops hair growth and decreases a hairs life span generally.
While in female cases, hair loss may be aggravated during estrogen related changes like menopause or the use of birth control
Other medical conditions that are likely to cause this type of hair loss include high blood pressure, prostate cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome and heart disease.
PREGNANCY
There are uncontrollable hormone or steroid hormone fluctuations that occur during pregnancy and during postpartum
(the period, for a mother, after giving birth) which can also cause hair loss,
and this affects roughly 50 percent of women all over the world, who have recently given birth.
The steroid hormone in this case is Estrogen.
It is any group of steroids secreted by the ovaries that function as female sex hormones.
Estrogen levels maroon(shoot up) during pregnancy and alter hair growth for a period of time,
this leads to hair loss more rapid than normal.
Postpartum hair loss may occur six months after delivering the baby and its
symptoms may stretch out for a period of eighteen months or more.
Postpartum mother’s must keep in mind that hair thinning or baldness is not uncommon,
and it may get worse as the estrogen levels return to normal.
Losing hair during or after pregnancy is not exactly preventable, but the problem
can be managed by making sure the woman takes her prenatal vitamins.
EXTREME HAIR CARE
In a bid to make some stylish hairdos, a lot of damage and breakage can be done to the hair, often resulting in hair loss and thinning.
The usage of some hair products like relaxers, dyes, abrasive shampoos and processes such as frequent blow-drying,
tight ponytails, perms, stretching or vigorously rubbing the scalp can all contribute to damage Induced hair loss.
Mild shampoos and conditioners suited for the hair are advised, as well as protective hairstyles and adequate moisturizing.
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES
An autoimmune disease or disorder, is a condition where ones immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and lupus are other examples of autoimmune diseases other than Alopecia areata, that can cause hair loss. When a person experiences one of these diseases, the risk of having another Increases, therefore, one should seek a doctor’s advice once hair thinning is noticed.
Hair loss caused by an autoimmune disease is not always reversible, however, it can be treated with certain medications and safe surgeries to restore the hair.
BODILY TRAUMA
Serious physical stress, including any severe shock to the body like a surgery, an accident, a burn, serious illness, amongst others that shock the hair follicles can disrupt the natural cycle of hair growth and rest, this can result in hair loss often in the form of hair thinning out in clumps.
The kind of hair loss caused by physical trauma is commonly known as telogen effluvium which may last for up to the period of six months.
Infections like fungal skin infections, bacterial infections like syphilis, illnesses or a high fever can all contribute to hair loss.
Treating the infection or illness can remedy the situation and prevent future occurrences.
TRICHOTILLOMANIA
Trichotillomania is a mental condition in which the victim compulsively pulls his or her own hair out. Severe stress and anxiety may be associated with the disorder.
Research shows that other signs of trichotillomania includes feelings of relief after the hair is being pulled out. Most often, this compulsive hair pulling disorders develops between ages 10 to 13.
Although it is a chronic health condition, it can improve overtime with ample treatment.
There are many other causes of hair loss like nutrient deficiencies, thyroid problems and certain medications, amongst others. To know beforehand, the health status of the body and ones hair, frequent checkups should be employed.