Everyone experiences some degree of hair loss. In fact, you may lose anywhere from 50 to 100 hairs per day out of the 100,000 hairs on average you have on your head. However, signs of serious hair loss include thinning or balding.
There are various reasons that you could be experiencing hair loss. Hair disorders, stress, certain medical conditions or treatments, and nutritional issues can cause severe hair loss, which is known as alopecia.
What are some of the causes of hair loss?
Hair Disorders
Alopecia is the term used by clinicians to describe severe hair loss. Not all alopecia conditions are the same; indeed, they are broken down into separate categories. Some of these include:
Androgenic alopecia—Affecting 80 million people each year, androgenic, or hereditary, alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss..
Alopecia areata—This autoimmune disease that causes unpredictable hair loss affects as many as 7 million people per year. The body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing random, round patches of baldness on your scalp.
Cicatricial alopecia—Also known as scarring hair loss, cicatricial alopecia is a set of conditions that causes the destruction of cells and oil glands around the hair follicle. The follicle fills with scar tissue, permanently damaging the follicle and preventing any regrowth.
Stress
From traumatic events to the grind of everyday life, stress is an unavoidable part of our lives. Stress can cause hair loss, typically as a result of conditions such as:
Telogen effluvium—High stress levels can cause hair follicles to go into what’s described as a “resting” phase, meaning the hair follicles do not produce any new hair strands. As a result, hair can start falling out either on its own, or through upkeep activities such as brushing, combing, and washing.
Trichotillomania—If you ever felt the desire to spontaneously “pull your hair out” because you’re so stressed, this psychological condition could be as to why. In the midst of tension, stress, or anxiety, you will pull hair out of your scalp as a means to cope with these negative emotions.
Although alopecia areata has not been proven conclusively to be caused by stress, some clinicians believe it might be.
Hormonal changes, medical conditions, medical treatments, and supplements
Certain hormonal changes, medical conditions, treatments, and supplements can cause hair loss. This includes:
- Anemia
- Thyroid disease
- Autoimmune disorders
Treatments and supplements that can cause hair loss include:
- Radiation and chemotherapy
- Medications for cardiovascular issues such as heart disease and high blood pressure
- Arthritis treatments
- Gout medication
- Antidepressants
Other causes for hair loss
There are additional causes of hair loss that are not listed above. Additional causes could be hair follicles that may be damaged from certain hairstyles and hair treatments. Certain styling that results in hair being pulled tight can cause stress on hair follicles. Hot-oil hair treatments can potentially damage hair follicles, causing cicatracial alopecia.
Frequently Asked Questions about hair loss
How do I know what caused my hair loss?
During your consultation, Dr. Brickman will ask you questions about when you started to notice your hair loss and the characteristics of your hair loss. Is it gradual? In clumps? Thinning? He will also ask you about your current medical conditions, medical treatment, and nutritional choices that could be potential contributors.
Does the nature of my hair loss affect the treatment plan?
Yes. Your treatment options that are available to you can change based upon the condition(s) that cause your hair loss. This can be discussed further during an appointment.
Treatment for Hair Loss in Houston
Hair loss can have a substantial impact on your self-concept, self-esteem, and self-confidence. It’s understandable to be concerned about your appearance when it comes to your hair. However, technological advances have led to the development of accessible, minimally-invasive solutions for men and women experiencing hair loss.
Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Solomon Brickman offers technologically-advanced hair replacement therapy for men and women in the Greater Houston area at his office near the on FM 1960 West near US 290, just minutes away from Cypress, Jersey Village, Fairfield, Copperfield, and other Northwest Houston communities. Please schedule an appointment today.