Reasons For Hair Loss

There are many reasons for hair loss. To begin with, there is some normal hair loss as we age. A large number of men begin to experience some degree of hair loss by the age of 30, and by the age of 60 most men experience significant hair loss. Women also experience normal hair loss as part of the aging process. Hair loss due to the aging process generally responds well to treatment.

Other reasons for hair loss include:

• Heredity - Baldness is often genetic. If your older family members lost their hair early, chances are you will, too. You can start using a hair loss shampoo preventatively, then begin other hair loss treatments when and if it is needed.
• Poor nutrition - Poor nutrition, too little protein in the diet, and vitamin deficiencies can be reasons for hair loss. Improving the diet and/or taking a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement can easily correct this problem. Many hair loss treatment products also contain vitamins that will nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair.
• Pregnancy - During pregnancy, hair tends to grow thicker and fuller than usual. This is due to the increase in estrogen in the body. Following pregnancy, due to the drop in estrogen, hair thins out. This is normal hair loss, and hair will regrow on its own without the need for treatment.
• Menopause - Many women experience some hair loss during menopause. This is due to the drop in estrogen in the body. A hair loss treatment may be indicated here. However, women who take estrogen replacement therapy may find that it helps with their hair loss due to menopause, and that they do not need a hair loss treatment after all.
• Surgery - A reaction to anesthesia can cause temporary thinning of the hair. This is a normal hair loss following surgery, and hair will regrow on its own in a couple of months without the need for treatment.
• Illness - There are many illnesses that can cause hair loss, including uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disorders, Cushing’s disease, kidney or liver disease, some autoimmune disorders, psoriasis of the scalp, lupus, and cancer. Treating the underlying illness will correct the hair loss.
• Medications - Hair loss is a side effect of certain medications, such as some medications used to treat cancer. If you are concerned that a medication may be causing your hair loss, talk to your doctor about it. Do NOT stop taking any medication without talking to your doctor first.

Regardless of the reasons for hair loss, treatment is generally the same. There are oral medications and nutritional supplements, topical solutions, and special shampoos and conditioners you can use. Many treatment providers offer more than one type of treatment, such as an oral supplement and a topical solution, which are meant to be used together for maximum effectiveness. Many hair loss treatments can be used preventatively as well as used to regrow hair.

Abnormal Hair Loss

If you suddenly begin losing large amounts of hair and don’t know why, or if you have red scaly patches where your hair falls out, this is not normal hair loss. You should see your doctor to find out the reasons for hair loss and to get proper treatment. Your hair loss could be due to an illness or other problem requiring medical attention.

Recommended Hair Loss Treatment

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Alopecia Universalis - Find out about this rare medical condition that causes a rapid loss of all body hair. Learn about the causes of AU, as well as the different treatment options.

Alopecia Areata Causes - Information about the causes of alopecia areata, how it’s diagnosed, symptoms, and treatment options.

Post Partum Hair Loss - Hair loss after giving birth (postpartum hair loss) is a normal and healthy occurrence, but there are ways to minimize it. See how to prevent and treat this common type of hair loss.

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Thyroid Hair Loss - Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can both cause hair loss. Information about the thyroid and hair loss.

Sudden Hair Loss - Information about rapid hair loss, and what you can do to prevent it. Follow this link to learn more about the causes of sudden hair loss.

Menopause and Hair Loss - Information about the causes of menopause hair loss. See if menopause or some other explanation is responsible for you hair loss.

Eyebrow Hair Loss - Find out about the causes of facial hair loss, and what you can do about it.

More than the reasons for hair loss on our hair loss treatment home page