What Can Cause Hair Loss?
Hair loss is a common concern, affecting about 80 million Americans. Approximately 80% of men and 50% of women experience some form of hair loss in their life. Hair loss is caused by a variety of factors.
Aging
One strand of hair has a lifespan of 2-7 years. As we age, the life cycle of our hair grows shorter and the hair fibers become thinner and drop out. In some cases, new hair growth occurs, but in others, hair follicles no longer function and stop producing new hair altogether. Without hair restoration treatments, they may never regenerate.
Genetic Predisposition
Genetic predisposition causes hair loss in a particular pattern. This is often referred to as male or female pattern baldness (MPB) and (FPB). The medical name for MPB and FPB is androgenetic alopecia.
MPB as early as the 20s and 30s, receding from the front of the scalp. FPB usually starts along the part line at the top of the head.
Medical Reasons
Medical reasons for hair loss vary. Hair loss can arise from a number of different conditions, including pregnancy. These conditions include the following:
- autoimmune diseases
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- psoriasis
- seborrheic dermatitis
- pregnancy
- anemia
Menopause and Hormonal Changes
As women hit menopause, the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone diminish. These hormones stimulate follicle fibers. As they diminish, hair growth weakens. Other hormonal changes that can cause hair loss include endocrine disorders and thyroid concerns.
Products and Styles
Harsh hair products, perms, curl relaxers, and chemical treatments can cause thinning hair. This damage can be permanent.
When it comes to hairstyles, anything that pulls hard on the hair, such as very tight buns, braids, or ponytails can cause thinning.
Nutritional Deficiencies
A low level of iron in the blood and deficiencies in riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 have been associated with hair loss. This type of hair loss is often reversible with a healthy diet, vitamins and nutrients. Once you regain nutritional stability for 6 months or more, your hair will likely grow back.
Stress
Stress can be a significant factor when it comes to hair loss. Enough stress will cause a large number of hair follicles to move into a resting phase. Luckily, this type of hair loss is usually only temporary.
Restore Your Thick, Full Head of Hair at the Center for Hair Restoration
You are treated as an individual at the Center for Hair Restoration, where we recognize that every patient is unique and has their own causes for hair loss. We never use a cookie-cutter approach to hair restoration. Instead, we take the time to understand why the hair loss is happening, and what the very best solution is to restore your thick, healthy hair or head again.
We provide minimally-invasive treatments, hair transplantation surgery, and medication to achieve hair restoration. The right treatment or combination of treatments for you will be determined based on your unique needs.
We welcome you to our comfortable, high-end clinic, where your treatments are given by Dr. Heil, a board-certified, renowned plastic surgeon and hair restoration specialist. He has a reputation as a top hair transplant surgeon. Call today for a consultation, and find out how to start your hair restoration journey with us.