What Causes Hair Loss?

What Causes Hair Loss?

Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is typically a normal part of aging. However, there are several factors that can make people more susceptible to alopecia, or can bring it about prematurely.

Finding the Root Cause

In general, thinning locks tend to happen as we age, and family history tends to determine how early this begins. However, there are some other causes to consider, especially if you feel your hair is thinning and falling out sooner or more rapidly than would be expected based on your genetics.

Here are a few:

  1. Damage to the follicles or to the scalp, such as a burn or harsh chemicals.
  2. Hormonal changes. Sometimes the changes that occur in your body’s chemistry during things like pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause can be enough to trigger more significant alopecia.
  3. Stress, trauma, and illness. When the body’s fight-or-flight response is triggered, things like skin, hair, and nail upkeep are placed on the back burner.
  4. Thyroid disease. Your doctor may check your thyroid hormone levels to see if this could be a treatable cause of alopecia.
  5. Iron deficiency anemia. A complete blood count can help to tell if you are suffering from low iron levels in your blood, which could also be a contributor, and is treatable with diet changes or iron supplements.
  6. Low protein intake, such as with restrictive dieting or difficulty eating. Crash dieting or rapid, sudden weight loss are also common causes.
  7. Medications, especially such as chemotherapy or immune system suppressing medications.
  8. An autoimmune condition called alopecia areata. In this disease, the body’s immune system actually attacks its own follicles, perhaps due to stress. Typically, the problem is localized to a small area, and the hair re-grows within a year.
  9. Tight braids and ponytails that continually pull on the hair from the root, eventually causing it to fall out. The damage could be permanent if the tension isn’t released.
  10. Fungal infections of the scalp, especially in children. Avoid allowing your kids to use others’ brushes or combs, or to share hats.

Treating Alopecia

Though the potential causes of alopecia are plentiful, there are also a lot of different treatment options. If alopecia is caused or worsened by any of the factors mentioned above, such as a vitamin, mineral, or protein deficiency, stress, or an infection, start by correcting that problem.

If it is occurring as a normal part of aging, there are additional options for treatment. Medications may help to stop the thinning process and potentially even stimulate new growth. Alternatively, surgeries such as robotic hair transplant in Palo Alto can transfer a small strip of healthy follicles into a balding spot.

While alopecia is very common, it’s now more possible than ever to prevent and treat.

 

Disclaimer: We are unable to guarantee any result, even though most of our patients do see success. The results of our services will vary greatly to each patient’s level of commitment and compliance with the program.

KW: robotic hair transplant palo alto 

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