Friday, May 3, 2024

Hair Loss Causes: Reasons It Happens in Women and Men

reasons for hair thinning in females

Alopecia means “hair loss.” There are many different types of alopecia, in addition to androgenetic alopecia. Treatment options for hair loss typically depend on the cause. They can also vary according to the pattern and location of hair loss. While most causes of hair loss are treatable, some may not be. A healthcare provider might recommend using minoxidil (Rogaine®). You can purchase the 2% or 5% solution over the counter (OTC).

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If you have a deficiency, your doctor may suggest multivitamins or supplements like iron and biotin. Don't take any supplement before checking with your doctor. They may interact with other medications or supplements you take.

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Wear a hat, scarf or other head covering when you’re in the sun, and apply sunscreen daily. Kaitlyn Phoenix is a deputy editor in the Hearst Health Newsroom, where she reports, writes and edits research-backed health content for Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day. She has more than 10 years of experience talking to top medical professionals and poring over studies to figure out the science of how our bodies work. Beyond that, Kaitlyn turns what she learns into engaging and easy-to-read stories about medical conditions, nutrition, exercise, sleep and mental health.

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Can thinning hair grow back?

A healthcare provider will do a thorough examination and take a detailed history to understand changes in your hair growth. Your provider will also ask about what medications or supplements you currently take. Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss caused by prolonged pulling or tension on the hair follicles. Constantly pulling on the hair follicles will damage them and lead to "thinning or bald patches" - especially where the hair is pulled too tightly, such as the hairline. Understanding the underlying cause of your hair loss is absolutely necessary in determining the best approach to halt and reverse any further damage to your hair and scalp.

Hormones

This condition is a type of hair loss that can be caused by "prolonged pulling or tension on the hair follicles". So, if you are a fan of a tight ponytail or intricate braids, then you may suffer from traction alopecia. Nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining healthy hair. Deficiencies in key nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamins D and B12 can lead to weakened hair structure and increased hair loss. Women are particularly susceptible to iron deficiency due to menstrual cycles and less meat consumption. Ensuring a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals can help maintain hair health and reduce the risk of balding.

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Other health factors can contribute to hair thinning, so discuss excessive hair shedding with your healthcare provider to rule out other causes. Studies indicate that this medication is effective in about 40% for women who have female pattern hair loss. In one study of 166 women taking spironolactone, 42% said they had mild improvement, and 31% reported increased thickness. Menopause, when the menstrual cycle stops, causes changes in estrogen and testosterone—hormones involved in regulating the hair cycle.

Performing a gentle scalp massage using essential oils could provide extra benefits. Hair growth may take 6–12 months to improve, but if a person stops using the treatment, hair loss will recur. In males, hair thinning tends to occur from the hairline to the back of the head and resembles an “M” shape. If your hair loss results from medication, hormonal imbalances, thyroid disease or diet, your provider will address the cause. Correcting the underlying problem is often all that’s needed to help stop hair loss. If you lose significant hair, it’s important to protect your scalp.

By definition, menopause occurs when menstrual periods have stopped for at least 12 months. However, the hormonal drops that cause hair loss can begin years before menopause is official (perimenopause) and last long after the change is complete (postmenopause). Many types of wigs, including ones that can be custom-made for you, are available. If you’re looking for a concealer, such as a spray or powder that can hide hair loss, you’ll find many products available online. With endless choices, it can be helpful to have a dermatologist guide you in selecting one. It’s essential that you not become pregnant while taking spironolactone.

When to see a doctor

You can have hair loss as a result of physical stress, like when you give birth or have surgery, or intense emotional stress, like a death in the family, divorce, or unemployment. Hair loss can happen a couple of weeks to 6 months after any stressful experience. This usually isn't noticeable because new hair is growing in at the same time. Hair loss occurs when new hair doesn't replace the hair that has fallen out. Male-pattern baldness typically appears first at the hairline or top of the head. Iron, folic acid, and zinc help hair grow thick and strong.

If you have hair loss that you find difficult to cover up (around 50% hair loss or more), or your hair loss is a result of cancer treatment, you may be eligible for a wig on the NHS. If hair loss is affecting your relationship with your partner, going to therapy or couples counselling may help. “As soon as you notice hair loss is happening, you should come in,” says Lauren Eckert Ploch, a dermatologist in Aiken, South Carolina.

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If a certain medication is causing the hair loss, your doctor may advise you to stop using it for a few months. If the stress stops, your body will readjust and the excessive shedding will stop. When the shedding stops, most people see their hair regain its normal fullness within 6 to 9 months.

With this in mind, one expert spoke with Express.co.uk about some of the causes of thinning hair. However, more serious hair loss can be upsetting for the sufferer and even an indication that something is wrong with your health. Losing a certain amount of hair everyday is considered normal. It is thought we shed around 50 to 100 hairs naturally throughout the day. A general practitioner has revealed the eight reasons why your hair may thinning over time as it can be linked to a women's immune system or even your diet. It's also important to address the psychological impact of hair loss.

reasons for hair thinning in females

In fact, around 40 percent of women aged 70 or over experience the condition in some form. GP Doctor Bhavini Shah, from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, revealed eight possible causes of thinning hair in women. Alopecia areata can affect people of any age and can come and go without any warning. Dr Shah did note that some people can see their hair grow back in the areas it was lost - while "others may not".

If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before taking minoxidil. It may be harmful to your unborn baby and can pass through breast milk to a nursing infant. For this test, they gently pull on a chunk of your hair to see how many strands come out. Your doctor may use a lighted microscope to look for any hair shaft disorders.

Having a deficiency in these vitamins may affect your hair growth. Most people can get the amounts of these vitamins they need by following a balanced diet, but in some cases, a doctor may recommend dietary supplements. Overall, smoking may worsen hair loss because of its inflammatory effects in the body. Researchers also believe that smoking can disrupt the growth cycle of your hair and even lead to color loss. "And then what happens is that density just simply decreases over time. And in extreme form, there can be absence of hair on the crown of the scalp." Nutritional supplements like vitamins, minerals, and others might be suggested by your dermatologist if your blood test indicates low levels of biotin, iron, or zinc.

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