Q. How can I tell if I have a hair disorder or if my hair loss is natural?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Distinguishing between natural hair loss and a hair disorder can be challenging, but there are some key factors and signs that can help you determine the cause of your hair loss. Here are some steps you can take to assess your situation:
1. Assess Your Family History: If hair loss runs in your family, especially in patterns consistent with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness), it may be a natural genetic predisposition rather than a disorder.
2. Consider Age: Hair loss is a natural part of the aging process for many people. As you get older, hair may naturally become thinner or recede.
3. Look for Patterns: Androgenetic alopecia typically follows a distinct pattern of hair loss. In men, it often starts with a receding hairline and balding at the crown. In women, it may result in diffuse thinning. Other hair disorders may cause patchy or irregular hair loss.
4. Assess Hair Shedding: It's normal to shed some hair daily, but excessive hair shedding, such as clumps of hair coming out when you comb or wash it, may be a sign of a disorder or condition like telogen effluvium.
5. Examine Your Scalp: Check your scalp for signs of redness, scaling, inflammation, or bald patches, which can be indicative of certain disorders or infections.
6. Consider Recent Life Changes: Significant stress, dietary changes, or major life events can cause temporary hair loss, known as telogen effluvium.
7. Evaluate Your Health: Certain underlying medical conditions or medications can contribute to hair loss. If you have other health issues, it's essential to discuss them with a healthcare professional.
8. Seek Professional Guidance: If you are unsure about the cause of your hair loss or if it is causing you significant concern, consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough evaluation, potentially including blood tests or a scalp biopsy, to determine the exact cause.
9. Keep a Hair Loss Diary: Document the onset and progression of your hair loss, any associated symptoms or changes in your life, and any treatments or products you've used.
Remember that it's normal for everyone to lose some hair each day as part of the natural hair growth cycle. However, if you notice a significant change or pattern of hair loss that concerns you, seeking professional guidance is the best course of action. A healthcare provider or dermatologist can diagnose the cause of your hair loss and recommend appropriate treatments or strategies for managing the condition.