The Causes of Hair Loss

Some hair loss is an inevitable part of the aging process. As we grow older, our hair cycle begins to slow down and we may loose more hair than we replace. This happens to just about everyone. It's just nature taking its course. Others suffer from hair loss that is a result of some other condition then just the aging process. The causes of hair loss can be as extreme as a serious medical condition to as simple as stress with many reasons in between. If you find that you are suffering from hair loss, it is important to find the reason for it. Some of the causes of hair loss are reversible with proper treatment.

Let's first talk about the more common causes of hair loss. Male pattern baldness is the most recognized type of hair loss. Approximately 7 - 15% of males experience this condition by the age of 25. The percentage increases to a whopping 40% by the age of 35. This condition is caused when the body over produces the hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT inhibits the body's natural ability to reproduce strong, healthy hair. There are treatment options available to help improve this condition, although some of these treatments require surgical intervention.

Other causes of hair loss include stress, diet, illness, and medications. During times of prolonged stress your hair can begin to fall out at a faster rate than it can be replenished. Fortunately, this is a temporary condition and, with time, your hair should return to its normal state. Prolonged, chronic illnesses can also lead to temporary hair loss, particularly if the illness caused a high fever. Again, your hair should return to normal after a few months. One side effect of some medications is hair loss. This, too, is temporary. Once the medication is discontinued, your hair will begin to replenish itself. Diet also plays a major part in hair production. Diets low in iron and protein can cause your hair to prematurely thin. Maintaining a well balanced diet is the best way to avoid this problem.

Other medical conditions can be major causes of hair loss as well. Alopecia is one of the more common causes. Alopecia, thought to be an immune deficiency disorder, appears in the form of small, bald spots on the scalp area. It can strike anyone, man or woman, young or old. Many people suffering from Alopecia recover, but there are some who will continue to suffer from reoccurrences for good.

Over active and under active thyroids, as well as thyroid tumors, can also be causes of hair loss. Since these are medical conditions, they require immediate medical attention. If you are suffering from any type of hair loss, seek medical attention. Only a doctor can determine the causes of hair loss. If the cause requires medical attention, they can offer it to you. If it doesn't, they can offer you advice as to what treatments would work best for you.