Causes for Hair Loss

There are many possible causes for hair loss. People naturally want to know the hair loss cause when they begin to experience hair loss. The best way to find out what is causing your hair loss is to visit your doctor. He or she can help rule out any medical problems and can recommend a course of treatment.

Heredity

The most common hair loss cause is simply heredity. Known as androgenetic alopecia, it is responsible for about 95% of all hair loss. In men, it causes what is known as male pattern baldness. This is the characteristic receding hairline at the forehead and bald spot on the crown of the head. In women, it causes female pattern baldness. This is different than male pattern baldness. It is a general thinning of hair all over the head.

Androgenetic alopecia can kick in at any age, but generally begins after age 40. Many people think hair loss is simply an inevitable part of aging, but that’s not true. Hereditary hair loss responds well to hair loss treatment.

Surgery

Surgeries are temporary causes for hair loss. The anesthesia can cause a temporary thinning of the hair. Hair does not fall out right away; rather, some of your hair stops growing and then falls out a few months later. The hair will then grow back on its own.

Pregnancy and Childbirth

Childbirth is a common hair loss cause for women. During pregnancy, the increase in estrogen causes hair to grow thicker and fuller than usual. After delivery, though, the drop in estrogen will cause shedding of hair. This thinning of hair usually takes place a few months after delivery. The hair will regrow by itself within a couple of months.

Menopause

Menopause is another common hair loss cause for women. During and after menopause, there is a drop in estrogen levels, triggering hair loss. If you take estrogen replacement therapy, this may prevent or reverse hair loss. Talk to your doctor about whether or not estrogen replacement therapy is right for you. You can also try a hair loss treatment product; these are often quite effective.

Illnesses

Many illnesses are causes for hair loss. Anemia, autoimmune disorders, certain cancers, kidney and liver disease, lupus, thyroid disorders, and uncontrolled diabetes can all cause hair loss. Treating the underlying illness will usually allow hair to regrow. In the meantime, a hair loss treatment may or may not be helpful. Ask your doctor if a hair loss treatment will be effective for you.

Medication

There are a number of medications that can be causes for hair loss. You probably already know that chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer can cause hair to fall out, but other drugs can also cause hair loss. These include medications for high blood pressure, blood thinners, and antidepressants. If you think your medication is causing hair loss, talk to your doctor. Don’t stop taking any medication without talking to your doctor first.

Treating Hair Loss

Regardless of the causes for hair loss, most people want to do something about it. The best course of treatment may depend on the hair loss cause. Sometimes hair will regrow on its own, although a hair loss treatment product may help speed that process. In some cases, an underlying illness will need to be treated before a hair loss treatment product will be effective. In other cases, you can begin using a hair loss treatment right away.

Recommended Hair Loss Treatment Product

More than the causes for hair loss on our what causes hair loss page

Hair loss treatment home page