There are many potential causes of hair loss, including:
- Hormonal changes and imbalances
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Scalp infections or other scalp disorders
- Certain medications
- Excessive stress
- Autoimmune disorders
- Thyroid conditions
- Getting older
Hair loss can be a frustrating and emotionally distressing experience, but it is important to remember that there are treatments available. If you are experiencing hair loss, speak to your doctor or expert hair loss treatment providers in your area.
Hormonal changes and imbalances
Hormonal changes and imbalances can cause hair loss because they interfere with the hair’s normal growth cycle. Hormones play a role in controlling the rate of hair growth and the shedding of hair, so when there is an imbalance, it can cause the hair to fall out more quickly than it grows back.
Some common hormonal causes of hair loss include:
- Menopause
- Pregnancy
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Thyroid conditions
If you are experiencing hair loss and suspect that it may be caused by a hormonal imbalance, talk to your doctor. There are treatments available that can help restore balance and improve your hair health.
Nutritional deficiencies
Poor nutrition can lead to hair loss because the hair needs certain nutrients in order to grow. When the body is deficient in these nutrients, the hair may become weak and brittle and fall out
Some common nutritional deficiencies that can cause hair loss include:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Protein deficiency
If you are experiencing hair loss, it is important to speak to your doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions. Once any medical conditions have been ruled out, you can work with a Registered Dietitian or another nutrition expert to develop a plan that will help improve your overall nutrition and address any specific deficiencies that may be contributing to your hair loss.
Scalp infections or other scalp disorders
Scalp infections or other scalp disorders can cause hair loss because they can interfere with the hair’s normal growth cycle. Infections can cause the hair to fall out more quickly than it grows back, and other scalp disorders can cause inflammation that leads to hair loss.
Some common scalp conditions that can cause hair loss include:
- Fungal infections
- Bacterial infections
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Seborrheic dermatitis
If you are experiencing hair loss and suspect that it may be caused by a scalp disorder, talk to your doctor. There are treatments available that can help improve your scalp health and promote hair growth.
Certain medications
Certain medications can cause hair loss because they can interfere with the hair’s normal growth cycle. Medications that can cause hair loss include:
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Beta-blockers
- Antidepressants
- Excessive vitamin A
If you are experiencing hair loss and suspect that it may be caused by a medication you are taking, talk to your doctor. There may be alternative medications available that do not have the same side effect as hair loss.
Excessive stress
Excessive stress can cause hair loss because it can interfere with the hair’s normal growth cycle. When we are stressed, our bodies go into survival mode and redirects energy away from non-essential functions like hair growth. This can lead to the hair falling out more quickly than it grows back.
If you are experiencing hair loss and suspect that it may be caused by stress, there are treatments available that can help. Talk to your doctor about ways to manage your stress levels, and consider seeking out counseling or therapy to help you cope with any underlying emotional issues.
Autoimmune disorders
Autoimmune disorders can cause hair loss because they attack the hair follicles, leading to inflammation and ultimately hair loss. Some common autoimmune disorders that can cause hair loss include:
- Alopecia areata
- Lupus
- Lichen planopilaris
- Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA)
If you are experiencing hair loss and suspect that it may be caused by an autoimmune disorder, talk to your doctor. There are treatments available that can help improve your condition and promote hair growth.
Thyroid conditions
Thyroid conditions can cause hair loss because they can interfere with the hair’s normal growth cycle. When the thyroid is not functioning properly, it can lead to an imbalance of hormones that can cause the hair to fall out more quickly than it grows back.
Some common thyroid conditions that can cause hair loss include:
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hashimoto’s disease
If you are experiencing hair loss and suspect that it may be caused by a thyroid condition, talk to your doctor. There are treatments available that can help improve your condition and promote hair growth.
Getting older
As we age, our hair follicles begin to shrink and produce thinner, shorter, and less pigmented hairs. This process is called “miniaturization” and it eventually leads to baldness. While this type of hair loss is natural and common, it can be frustrating and make you feel self-conscious.
If you are experiencing hair loss due to aging, there are treatments available that can help improve the appearance of your hair. Talk to an expert hair loss treatment expert in Australia about options like scalp micropigmentation, which can help you get started in your hair regrowth journey. You may also want to consider getting a wig or hairpiece to cover any areas of thinning hair.
Conclusion
Hair loss is a common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors, including nutritional deficiencies, scalp disorders, certain medications, and excessive stress. If you are experiencing hair loss, talk to your doctor to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan.
