ALL ABOUT HAIR LOSS

What Causes Hair Loss?

The Role of DHT:  While there are many factors that contribute to hair loss, one culprit, and the most common, that causes male and female pattern hair loss (also known as Androgenetic Alopecia) is a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is a naturally occurring hormone, which assists with sexual development. The problem occurs when testosterone and an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase combine to form DHT. An overabundance of this DHT metabolite of testosterone causes an imbalance. For people who are genetically predisposed, DHT is highly attracted to hairs on the scalp (not the small hairs on arms or legs). DHT causes the hair follicles to shrink and the hair shaft to weaken. It is estimated that about 30 to 40 percent of adults are affected by this condition. 


Detrimental Scalp Residue:  Sometimes scalp pores can get clogged with dead skin cells and sebum (solidified scalp oil). Harsh hair care products can contribute to this residue. Bacteria can grow on these deposits which can cause the scalp to be unhealthy and inhibits hair growth. Fortunately, this condition is reversible with the right treatment.

The Role of Circulation:  Hair loss can also occur because of poor blood circulation to the roots of the hairs. Growing hair requires a lot of nutrients. These nutrients are transported by the blood. If the roots of your hair do not have a proper supply of blood, hair follicles stop growing hair.

Poor circulation can happen for many reasons. As people age, the vascular tissue can deteriorate, capillaries can constrict and prevent ample blood flow, and stress can work with DHT to tighten the scalp.

Hormonal Changes:  In both men and women, the role of hormones in causing hair loss is clear. Hair loss in women is often caused by changes in their hormones. Commonly, women going through menopause experience thinning hair. The erratic hormone levels can result in higher levels of testosterone that can then be converted to DHT which can contribute to hair loss.

Other hormonal conditions that can trigger hair loss include thyroid problems, pregnancy, and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), a condition that affects many women in their reproductive years and causes high levels of testosterone.  Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy may also be a factor in hair loss.

Medications:  Certain medications can cause hair loss, such as chemotherapy drugs. Others, such as blood thinners, gout medications, birth control pills and some anti-depressants can contribute to this problem. Be sure to check with your doctor if you are concerned that your medication could be causing hair loss.

Severe Illness or Excessive Stress:   Severe physical or emotional stress can damage hair follicles, halting hair growth. People often lose hair for two or three months after a major illness or traumatic life event. This type of hair loss is called teleogen effluvium. After recovering from the illness or stress, hair is likely to grow back within a few months, even without treatment. While this can be a cause of hair loss, it is not a common cause.

Harsh Hair Treatments:  Overuse of harsh chemicals to perm, straighten, or color hair can damage it and cause it to break off. Hairstyles that pull the hair too tightly, such as braiding in cornrows, can cause it to come out at the roots.When the follicle becomes damaged, you will lose hair. This us usually temporary, but if the problem goes on long enough, the hair follicles can become scarred and the damage may be permanent.

Poor Nutrition:  If you are not getting enough protein or iron in your diet, along with other essential vitamins, you may experience hair loss. Eating disorders can also cause inadequate nutrition, which can contribute to hair loss.