Q. What are the common causes of hair loss?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Hair loss, or alopecia, can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the common causes of hair loss include:
1. Androgenetic Alopecia: This is the most common cause of hair loss and is often referred to as male or female pattern baldness. It is primarily genetic and related to hormonal changes.
2. Alopecia Areata: This is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss in small, round patches.
3. Telogen Effluvium: Hair loss caused by stress, illness, or significant changes in the body, which leads to more hair follicles entering the resting (telogen) phase.
4. Anagen Effluvium: Typically caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy, this type of hair loss affects actively growing hair follicles.
5. Traction Alopecia: Hair loss resulting from the constant pulling and tension on hair, often due to hairstyles like tight braids or ponytails.
6. Scarring Alopecia: This is caused by inflammation and damage to hair follicles, often resulting in permanent hair loss.
7. Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients, especially iron, zinc, and biotin, can lead to hair loss.
8. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders, can contribute to hair loss.
9. Medications: Certain medications, like those for cancer, arthritis, depression, and high blood pressure, can cause hair loss as a side effect.
10. Medical Conditions: Conditions like lupus, diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can be associated with hair loss.
11. Infections: Scalp infections, such as ringworm, can lead to hair loss.
12. Trichotillomania: This is a psychological condition in which individuals compulsively pull out their hair, resulting in hair loss.
13. Hair Styling and Treatments: Excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, and hair dyes can weaken and damage hair, causing it to break or fall out.
14. Aging: Natural aging can result in reduced hair thickness and density.
15. Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to hair loss by disrupting the normal hair growth cycle.
Identifying the specific cause of hair loss is crucial for determining the most appropriate treatment or management strategy. If you are experiencing significant hair loss, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and guidance on the most suitable treatment options.