Hair Loss Cause
Hair loss cause
Hair loss is a problem that worries many people. Contrary to popular belief, hair loss is not restricted to the later years in life. While it is true that most people experience hair loss more regularly when they are older, hair loss can affect people from a very young age.
Hair growth normally goes through a fairly steady progress of growing, resting, and shedding. It is said that at any moment, up to 90% of a person’s hair is growing and the other 10% is resting. As hair falls out, a new strand grows in the empty follicle, continuing the cycle. For some, the process is not quite as regular.
There are many factors that cause hair loss or thinning hair. One of the main causes is heredity. If hair loss runs in the family, the chances of a person experiencing hair loss increase dramatically.
Another reason for hair loss is stress and lifestyle. In today’s increasingly fast-paced society, the regular stress of day-to-day activities increases, as do the chances for experiencing hair loss.
Hormone imbalances are also a known cause of hair loss. In men, an abundance of the hormone known as DHT is known to cause problems with hair loss. As a man’s hair naturally sheds itself, what are known as DHT receptor sites build up in the follicles. The excess DHT builds up in the follicle and over time causes the follicles to shrink. With each hair cycle, the follicles get smaller. Eventually, the follicle is too small to let hair through, resulting in thinning hair and ultimately hair loss.
Women can also be affected by excess DHT in their bodies, but to a lesser extent. The presence of estrogen helps curb the effects of DHT.
Women are exposed to many other potential hormonal changes. Pregnancy or starting the birth control pill cause hormonal changes in women. For some, these changes are enough to cause hair loss. Many women experience hair loss after giving birth. During pregnancy, there are high levels of certain types of hormones. These hormones cause the hair to stay in the resting phase longer than normal. When the pregnancy is over and the hormones return to their normal levels, the extra hair falls out. While it may seem like hair loss, it is in fact a normal part of pregnancy.
Anyone who is experiencing sudden hair loss or thinning should consult a dermatologist. Sometimes hair loss can be the result of certain types of infections, like diabetes or lupus. In these cases, catching the disease early is very important.
Hair loss can be an embarrassing situation for anyone, young or old. But there are things that can be done to stop hair loss and even re-grow lost hair. If you find yourself experiencing hair loss, see your dermatologist.
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