You might not think about it too often, but hair loss is one of the leading causes of worry for all people. This article provides a breakdown of the most common causes and symptoms. You’ll also find out how to prevent hair loss and what to do if you’re already experiencing significant hair loss.
How Much Does Hair Loss Cost You?
Hair loss in men and women can be caused by several things, from genetics to hormones. Here’s a look at some of the most common causes of hair loss in men and women, and how much it costs you.
What Causes of Hair Loss in Men and Women?
There are many different causes of hair loss in both men and women, but the most common culprits are genetics, hormones, and age. Other factors that can cause hair loss include stress, pollution, poor diet, and medications. For example, stress can result in breakage-induced shedding, or telogen effluvium. Hormonal imbalances are also a factor for both men and women. For instance, estrogen can cause a state called benign ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (BHSS), which is the most common cause of female hair loss.
Many women experience follicular miniaturization during the perimenopause or menopause stages resulting in the gradual loss of their hair. In normal cycles, an ovary releases one egg each month. During the perimenopause stage, there is a decrease in progesterone production in women that makes it difficult for an ovary to maintain its consistency throughout a 3-month cycle. As a result, hair loss will occur in those women who have naturally low hormone levels.
The onset of menopause is another factor that causes a sudden drop in estrogen levels. Menopause occurs when a woman has decreased ovarian function, causing her to lose her ability to produce estrogen and progesterone. The lack of these hormones can cause a significant drop in the production of hair throughout the body. Jaundice is a condition that affects many women as they age. To make a diagnosis, a physician will perform blood tests on the patient and may even do blood testing to determine if there is an infection present. Jaundice can be caused by various medical conditions, including liver disorders, hormonal imbalances, or heavy metal poisoning like lead.
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Inflammation and the Causes of Hair Loss
The most common causes of hair loss in both men and women are inflammation, genetics, and hormones. Inflammation is the root cause of many health problems, including hair loss. The inflammation process is caused by the interaction of the immune system and our cells.
The immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins that protect us from invaders such as bacteria and viruses. When the immune system is activated, it produces cytokines, which are proteins that help to communicate between different parts of the body. Cytokines can play a role in the development of hair loss.
Some of the factors that can increase your risk for hair loss include:
- Age – As we age, our hair follicles become less active and start to lose hair more easily.
- Gender – Women experience hair loss more often than men do due to hormonal changes associated with ovulation and menstruation. Menopause can also lead to hair loss.
- Race – Hairloss is more common in people of African descent than in those of other races. This may be due to variations in the genes that control hair growth or because African Americans have a higher level of inflammation throughout their bodies.
- Weight – Obesity can make it more difficult for the body to produce hair. Excess fat also increases inflammation which may cause more hair follicles to die.
- Certain medications – Certain medications can contribute to hair loss by increasing the risk of hair follicles dying or transplanted hairs falling out. For example, some antibiotics such as sulfa drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause hair loss in people who already have thinning hair.
The good news is that you don’t have to lose all your hair to experience this type of problem. As long as you are experiencing a noticeable change in your appearance, there might be other factors at play besides just genetics and medication that need to be addressed before considering permanent treatments for your
Genetics of Hair Loss
Many factors can lead to hair loss in both men and women. Some of the most common causes of hair loss in both genders include genetics, hormones, age, medical conditions, stress, and diet. While every person experiences hair loss differently, some general trends can be observed among those who suffer from hair loss.
For example, hereditary hair loss is a common causes of hair loss in people of European descent. This means that if you have a family history of baldness or other forms of hair loss, you’re more likely to experience it yourself. Another common genetic causes of hair loss is Androgenetic Alopecia (male pattern baldness). This is a condition caused by the hormone testosterone, which stimulates the growth of hair on the head but also causes the scalp to lose its density and thickness over time.
While genetics is one of the main factors that contribute to hair loss, other factors such as hormones and age also play a role. Hormones like estrogen and testosterone can cause your body to secrete more sebum (a substance that helps keep the skin lubricated), which can lead to Hair Loss. Age is also a major factor in causing hair loss
Hair Loss in Men:
There are a few causes of hair loss in men, including male pattern baldness (MPB), alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium. MPB is the most common causes of hair loss in men, and it’s caused by the progressive thinning of hair on the scalp. Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss that affects patches of skin on the head, while telogen effluvium is an excess of hair shedding that typically occurs during times of stress or change, like when a person transitions from being a child to an adult. All three forms of hair loss can lead to bald spots on the head.
Each form of hair loss usually lasts around two years before it progresses to full-blown MPB. However, there is no cure for MPB, so treatments include medications and treatments like surgery. Alopecia areata can be treated with topical medications, while telogen effluvium and MPB are generally treated with oral medications. For people who have not responded to medication, hair transplantation is a permanent option for treatment.
There are two types of hair transplantation: unit extraction and follicular unit scalp expansion. Unit extraction involves removing follicular units from the back of the head—typically the back portion of the temporal region—and placing them on the balding areas on the crown of the head. The procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting, so a person has minimal downtime after surgery. Follicular unit scalp expansion requires general anesthesia and longer-term hospitalization during which time surgeons perform multiple operations to place small grafts of hairs over smaller sections of the scalp
Options for Treating Hair Loss
There are many causes of hair loss in both men and women, but the most common one is age. As we age, our hair follicles start to shrink and produce less hair.
There are a few other factors that can cause hair loss, like hormones, genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors.
Whatever the cause, losing hair can make you feel self-conscious and sad. There are a few things you can do to try to treat your hair loss and feel better about yourself.
Here are some of the most popular treatments for hair loss in men and women:
Hair Loss Treatment for Men:
1. Minoxidil ( Rogaine ): This FDA-approved drug helps promote the new growth of healthy hair by inhibiting the production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone). It is available over the counter (OTC) as a topical solution or foam. Side effects include facial flushing, redness, itching, and dryness. Use caution when using this drug if you have any history of heart problems or liver disease.
2. Finasteride ( Propecia ): This drug works similarly to minoxidil by inhibiting the production of DHT. It is used primarily in men and women over the age of 18 who have received medical clearance under a doctor’s supervision. Side effects include excessive scalp-related flushing, depression, acne, and sexual dysfunction.3. Minoxidil & Finasteride ( Regaine ): This combination drug works similarly to minoxidil and finasteride. It also inhibits the production of DHT. However, it also improves hair density or volume by treating the underlying root causes of hair loss by increasing the blood circulation to the scalp and stimulating hair growth5. Saw Palmetto ( Serepra ): This herb increases testosterone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels in the body to improve hair reg
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