Did you know that up to 50% of people deal with Hereditary Hair Loss (androgenic alopecia)? It’s the top reason for hair loss¹. Hair loss can be complex and frustrating, with many causes. These include age, medical conditions, and even how we care for our hair. Knowing the reasons behind hair loss helps us find ways to keep our hair healthy and full.

This guide will cover different types of hair loss, their causes, and the latest treatments. If you’re facing thinning hair, a receding hairline, or temporary shedding, this article has the info and tools you need. You’ll learn how to take charge of your hair health.

Key Takeaways

• Hair loss can affect up to 50% of people, with hereditary factors being a major contributor.
• Age-related hair growth slowdown and medical conditions like thyroid disorders can lead to hair loss.
• Stress, nutritional deficiencies, and certain medications can also disrupt the hair growth cycle.
• Effective treatments include FDA-approved medications, hair transplantation, and low-level laser therapy.
• Understanding the underlying causes of hair loss is crucial in developing personalized solutions.

What is Hair Loss?

Hair loss, also known as alopecia, affects people of all ages and genders. It can show up in many ways, like thinning on the top or bald spots. Knowing the types and signs of hair loss helps find the cause and get the right treatment.

Types of Hair Loss

Common hair loss types include male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness. There’s also alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune condition, and traction alopecia from tight hairstyles. Scarring alopecia can lead to permanent hair loss². Each type has its own pattern, helping to figure out the cause.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs of hair loss include finding more hairs in your brush or on your pillow. You might also notice a wider part or a receding hairline³²⁴. Some people may feel itching, redness, or see scalp scaling, which could mean a skin issue or infection. Spotting these signs early can lead to quicker treatment.

“Approximately 90% of individuals with alopecia areata experience regrowth of hair within a few years.”³

Hair loss can be complex, and the type and pattern can hint at the cause. Knowing the different types and signs helps people take steps to keep their hair healthy and full.

Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss can be tough to deal with, but knowing why it happens is key to finding solutions. The main reason for hair loss is genetics, also known as androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness⁵. This issue affects both men and women. Men often see their hairline recede and lose hair on top. Women usually notice their hair thinning all over the crown⁵. Also, hair loss is a normal part of aging⁵. As we age, hair grows slower and follicles shrink, making hair thinner and finer⁵.

Hereditary Hair Loss

Hereditary hair loss, known as male pattern baldness in men and female pattern baldness in women, is the top cause of hair loss⁶. It shows up as a receding hairline, thinning at the crown, or overall thinning. It’s mainly due to genes⁵. The exact reason behind it is complex, but it’s linked to hormones like dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT makes follicles shrink and produce shorter, finer hairs over time⁶.

Age-Related Hair Loss

As we get older, our hair grows slower and follicles get smaller⁵. This can make hair look thinner and lead to more thinning, especially at the crown and temples⁵. Losing hair as we age is common and part of getting older⁶. Even though it’s hard to stop, knowing why can help manage it and find ways to keep hair healthy as we age⁵.

In summary, hereditary and aging are the main reasons for hair loss. Hereditary hair loss, or pattern baldness, is the most common type, affecting both men and women. Age also causes hair loss by slowing growth and making follicles smaller. Knowing these causes helps in finding ways to prevent and manage hair loss⁵⁶⁷.

Alopecia Areata: An Autoimmune Disorder

Alopecia areata is a puzzling condition where the immune system attacks the hair follicles. This leads to sudden and unpredictable hair loss in round or patchy patterns⁸. It can hit the scalp, face, and other body parts. The exact cause is still a mystery, but it’s thought to be due to a mix of genes and environment⁸.

Dealing with hair loss from alopecia areata can be tough, but it’s not contagious. Often, the hair grows back with the right treatment⁸. Most people start to see it in their teens, twenties, or thirties⁸. It doesn’t favor anyone, affecting both men and women, and all races and ethnicities equally⁸.

Having a family history of alopecia areata ups your chances of getting it⁸. People with conditions like psoriasis, thyroid disease, or vitiligo, or allergies, are more likely to get it⁸. Stress or illness might trigger it in some, but often, the cause is still a mystery⁸.

The hair loss patterns vary, with patchy being the most common type⁸. But, more severe forms like alopecia totalis or universalis can be just as tough⁸. Nail changes might also show up in more severe cases⁸.

Even with alopecia areata, hair usually grows back in a few months⁸. But sometimes, it doesn’t stop, needing ongoing care⁸. With help from doctors and understanding this condition, people can manage their hair loss and stay well.

Key Facts about Alopecia Areata
– Alopecia areata is the most common type of hair loss in children9.
– Approximately 1% to 2% of patients treated with the cancer drug nivolumab develop alopecia areata or alopecia universalis9.
– Cigarette smokers who have smoked for 10 years or longer and consume more than five cigarettes a day have a higher risk of developing alopecia areata9.
– Up to 46% of individuals affected by alopecia areata have nail involvement10.
– Alopecia areata totalis results in the complete loss of hair on the head, while alopecia areata universalis leads to hair loss over the entire body10.
– Treatment options for alopecia areata include corticosteroids, topical immunotherapy, and Minoxidil (Rogaine), with varying success rates10.

Alopecia areata is a complex condition that affects many. Understanding it, its causes, and treatment options helps people manage their hair loss and well-being. With doctor’s help and self-care, those with alopecia areata can face their challenges with hope and resilience.

“Alopecia areata may be unpredictable, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be unmanageable. By staying informed and seeking the right support, individuals can find the path to regrowth and renewed confidence.”

Cancer Treatment and Hair Loss

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can cause hair loss. These treatments target fast-growing cells, including hair follicles, making them fall out within a few weeks¹¹¹²¹³.

Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss

Chemotherapy is the most likely to cause hair loss. Complete hair loss is rare with other treatments¹². Hair loss starts slowly, usually within 2 to 3 weeks after starting treatment¹². Most people’s hair grows back after chemotherapy ends¹².

In rare cases, hair may not grow back with high doses of certain drugs¹². Hair thinning from hormone therapy may take time to recover¹². Hair may grow back during or after treatment with targeted drugs and immunotherapy¹². Most people’s hair fully recovers in 6 to 12 months after treatment¹².

It’s wise to consider getting a wig before starting treatment and cutting hair short¹². Tips for dealing with hair loss include using gentle hair products and protecting your scalp from the sun¹².

Radiation Therapy and Hair Loss

Radiation to the head or neck can damage hair follicles, leading to hair loss¹¹. Hair loss starts about 2 to 3 weeks after the first session¹¹. Hair may regrow in 3 to 6 months, depending on the radiation dose¹¹. High radiation doses may prevent hair regrowth¹¹.

Wigs, hats, scarves, or going without a head covering are common choices for hair loss¹². Stretchy tubes and headscarves are good for comfort and security¹². Choosing cotton over silk for scarves helps keep them in place¹². Start with simple scarf tying and move to more complex methods¹².

“No treatment guarantees prevention of hair loss during or after chemotherapy.”¹³

Minoxidil (Rogaine) may help hair regrow after chemotherapy, but more research is needed¹³. Wigs, scarves, or other head coverings are good during chemotherapy¹³. The Look Good Feel Better program offers free hair and beauty makeovers to women with cancer¹³. Avoid harsh hair treatments during chemotherapy to keep your hair strong¹³. Gentle hair care is important during and after chemotherapy¹³. Air-drying hair and using gentle shampoos are good practices¹³.

Dealing with hair loss during cancer treatment can be tough, but there are ways to manage it. Understanding the causes and solutions can help you take steps to keep your hair and overall well-being during your cancer journey.

Hormonal Imbalances and Hair Loss

Hormonal changes can lead to hair loss in both men and women¹⁴. For women, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cause hair loss due to too many male hormones¹⁴. Menopause also brings hair loss due to hormonal shifts¹⁴.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder in women that can cause hair loss¹⁵. It affects many women, with 79.4% of Indian women experiencing hair loss¹⁵. Women with PCOS often have too much hair growth, known as hirsutism, as seen in a study of 50 Indian patients¹⁵.

Menopause and Hair Loss

Menopause leads to hair loss due to hormonal changes¹⁴. It’s when a woman’s ovaries stop making estrogen, causing a drop in this hormone¹⁶. This hormonal imbalance makes hair follicles shrink, leading to thinning and shedding¹⁴.

Medical treatments can help fix hormonal imbalances and stop hair loss¹⁴. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) balances hormones and reduces hair loss, especially during menopause or after childbirth¹⁴. FDA-approved treatments that block dihydrotestosterone (DHT) also help with hair loss¹⁴.

Along with medical treatments, making lifestyle changes helps too¹⁴. This includes exercising, managing stress, and eating well¹⁴. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy can also help by making hair grow longer¹⁴.

“Hormonal imbalances can significantly affect hair health, causing shedding or thinning. Addressing these imbalances can help restore hair growth and prevent further loss.”

Condition	Prevalence	Treatment Options
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)	79.4% among Indian women15	Medications, lifestyle changes, PRP therapy
Menopause-related hair loss	Affects a significant percentage of women14	Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), medications, lifestyle changes
Androgenetic alopecia (female pattern hair loss)	Affects an estimated 30 million women16	Minoxidil, medications, PRP therapy

¹⁴¹⁵¹⁶

Stress, Illness, and Postpartum Hair Loss

Stressful events or serious illnesses can lead to hair loss, known as telogen effluvium. This happens when stress pushes more hair follicles into a resting phase. Later, you may see more hair falling out¹⁷. Postpartum hair loss is a common example, caused by the hormonal changes and stress of childbirth¹⁷¹⁸¹⁹.

After giving birth, hair loss starts a few months later and peaks at about four months postpartum¹⁸. Around 40-50% of women go through this type of hair loss¹⁷¹⁹. This shedding affects about half of the hair on your scalp¹⁷ and can last from six to 24 weeks¹⁸. In some cases, it can last up to 15 months¹⁸.

Fortunately, this hair loss is temporary and usually returns by the baby’s first birthday¹⁷¹⁸¹⁹. If it lasts over 15 months, seeing a dermatologist is a good idea, as it could mean an underlying health issue¹⁹.

Postpartum hair loss is usually not permanent¹⁷. Managing stress and helping your body recover can help your hair grow back¹⁸. Also, treating health issues like anemia or thyroid problems can help stop excessive shedding¹⁸.

“Postpartum hair loss is a temporary condition, and most new moms notice their hair returning to its pre-pregnancy fullness by their babies’ first birthday.”

Statistic	Source
About 40-50% of women experience postpartum hair loss	17
Postpartum hair shedding usually only affects about 50% of the hair on your scalp	17
Excessive shedding usually peaks around four months post-delivery	17
Postpartum hair loss can start anytime after childbirth but typically begins about three to four months after giving birth	17
Postpartum hair loss typically affects the scalp but can also affect eyebrows and eyelashes	17
Most new moms notice their hair is back to its pre-pregnancy fullness by their babies’ first birthday	17
Postpartum hair loss occurs because all of the extra hair that did not shed during pregnancy starts to fall out at the same time	17
Postpartum hair loss is temporary and does not typically cause permanent hair loss	17
Stress can contribute to hair loss	17
Postpartum hair loss is natural	17

This section covers the main points about stress, illness, and postpartum hair loss. Knowing the causes, signs, and timeline of these conditions helps manage hair health and get the right treatment if needed.

Nutritional Deficiencies and Hair Loss

Having a diet full of nutrients is key for healthy hair. But, many people lack the nutrients they need, leading to hair loss²⁰. It’s important to know how nutrients like biotin, iron, protein, and zinc help keep hair healthy. This knowledge can help fix hair loss and thinning.

The Role of Biotin, Iron, Protein, and Zinc

Biotin, or vitamin B7, is crucial for making keratin, a main protein in hair²⁰. Not having enough biotin can make hair brittle and thin²⁰. Iron is needed for making hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to hair roots²⁰. Not having enough iron can lead to hair loss and slow growth²⁰.

Protein is what hair is made of, and not enough protein can make hair thin and break easily²⁰. Zinc helps keep hair healthy by making scalp oil²⁰. Not having enough zinc can cause hair loss and slow growth²⁰.

Fixing these nutrient gaps with food or supplements can help hair grow well and stop more loss²⁰. Always talk to a doctor to find out why you’re losing hair and get a plan to help you.

“Achieving optimal nutritional status is crucial for maintaining healthy, vibrant hair.”

Being short on nutrients can affect more than just your hair health²¹. Signs of not getting enough vitamins and minerals include feeling very tired, losing weight without trying, getting sick often, feeling weak, having pain in bones or joints, losing your appetite, getting mouth sores, seeing poorly, and feeling moody²¹. Fixing these gaps with good food or supplements can make your hair and overall health better.

But remember, hair loss can also be caused by things like your genes, age, hormonal changes, and some health issues²⁰²²²¹. To really improve your hair health, you need to tackle all the possible causes.

Medication Side Effects and Hair Loss

Some medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, can cause hair loss²³. This type of hair loss is called medication-induced hair loss²⁴. It can happen in different ways, with telogen effluvium being the most common²⁴.

With telogen effluvium, people lose between 30% to 70% more hair than usual²³. This usually starts within 2 to 4 months after starting the medication²³.

Another kind of hair loss is anagen effluvium, seen often in cancer patients getting chemotherapy²³. This severe hair loss can affect the head, eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair²³. It starts within two weeks of starting chemotherapy and gets worse in 1-2 months²³.

Patients on more than one chemotherapy drug often lose more hair²³.

To lessen hair loss from chemotherapy, some use scalp hypothermia²³. This method uses ice packs on the head before and after treatment²³. It aims to lower blood flow to the hair follicles, reducing the effect of chemotherapy drugs²³.

After chemotherapy, hair usually grows back quickly²³. It might come back differently, and minoxidil can help²³. Low-level laser devices, like hats and caps, can also help by stimulating the scalp and improving blood flow²³.

Hair loss from medicines is usually temporary and stops when the drug is stopped²⁴. For hair loss during the anagen phase, like from cancer treatment, hair may regrow in 2–6 months after treatment ends²⁴. Vitamin and mineral supplements, minoxidil, and pumpkin seed oil can help with hair growth²⁴.

Talking to your doctor about hair loss risks from medicines is key²⁴. They might change your dosage or suggest other treatments to lessen hair loss²⁴. Most hair growth returns after stopping the medicine causing hair loss, usually in about 6 months²⁴. If hair loss lasts over 6 months, seeing a doctor to find other options is a good idea²⁴.

Medicines for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart issues, gout, and high blood pressure can cause hair loss²⁵. Telogen effluvium, a common hair loss type, can happen with oral retinoids like isotretinoin²⁵. Hair loss from antidepressants often stops when you stop taking the medicine, but bupropion is linked to a higher risk²⁵.

Anticoagulants, or blood thinners, can also lead to hair loss through telogen effluvium²⁵. Anticonvulsants like valproic acid and pregabalin, but not levetiracetam, have been linked to hair loss²⁵. Beta blockers for high blood pressure might cause telogen effluvium in some people²⁵.

Antithyroid drugs for hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss²⁵. Chemotherapy drugs like cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin can lead to severe hair loss through anagen effluvium²⁵.

Arthritis medicines like methotrexate and biological DMARDs can slow hair growth and cause hair loss²⁵. Allopurinol for gout treatment has been linked to hair loss in some cases²⁵. Levodopa for Parkinson’s disease and semaglutide medications like Ozempic can also cause hair loss, possibly due to rapid weight loss²⁵²³²⁴.

Hair Care Practices and Hair Loss

Your hair care routine can greatly affect your hair’s health and growth. Using hot styling tools too much, chemical treatments, and harsh products can damage your hair and lead to hair loss²⁶. Bad habits like over-coloring, using harsh products, tight hairstyles, and not eating enough nutrients can also cause thinning hair²⁶.

Damaging Hair Treatments

Using hot tools like blow dryers and straighteners too often can harm your hair and scalp²⁶. Chemical treatments like hair dye and perms can weaken your hair, causing breakage and thinning²⁶. To stop hair loss, use these treatments carefully and always protect your hair from heat.

Tight Hairstyles and Traction Alopecia

Styles that pull your hair tight, like ponytails and braids, can cause hair loss called traction alopecia²⁶. This happens because the constant tension damages the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. To prevent this, be gentle with your hair and avoid tight styles.

Dealing with hair loss can be tough, but knowing how hair care affects it can help you stop more damage and encourage healthy growth²⁶. By being gentle with your hair, choosing gentle products, and avoiding tight styles, you can lower the risk of hair loss and keep your hair healthy²⁶.

“Proper hair care is essential for maintaining healthy, strong hair and preventing hair loss. Avoid excessive use of hot tools, harsh chemicals, and tight hairstyles to protect your hair from damage.”

Damaging Hair Treatments	Tight Hairstyles and Traction Alopecia
Excessive use of hot styling tools (blow dryers, straighteners, curling irons) Chemical treatments (coloring, perming, relaxing)	Tight ponytails Braids Cornrows

To stop more hair loss, use these treatments carefully, protect your hair from heat, and avoid tight hairstyles²⁶. Being gentle with your hair and using gentle products can reduce hair loss risk and keep your hair looking great²⁶²⁷²⁸.

Scalp Conditions and Hair Loss

Some scalp conditions can lead to hair loss. Scalp infections, like fungal infections or seborrheic dermatitis, cause scaly, inflamed scalp areas. This can damage hair follicles and make hair fall out²⁹. Scalp psoriasis, a chronic condition, also leads to plaques and scales on the scalp, causing patchy hair loss²⁹. Treating the scalp condition can stop more hair loss and help hair grow back.

Infections and Scalp Psoriasis

Fungal infections, like ringworm, can affect the hair and scalp, causing hair loss³⁰. Seborrheic dermatitis, a common condition, makes the scalp shed with greasy, yellowish scales, leading to hair loss³⁰. Psoriasis, an autoimmune condition, causes thick white scales on the scalp, resulting in patchy hair loss³⁰.

It’s important to treat these scalp conditions with the right medical care. Many studies show the need for a healthy scalp environment. They highlight the importance of managing oxidative stress, bacterial density, and individual sensitivity to prevent scalp conditions and their effects on hair health³¹.

“Trüeb’s study on the value of hair cosmetics and pharmaceuticals in 2001 found significant insights on scalp conditions and hair loss.”³¹

Understanding and treating scalp conditions helps manage hair loss and keeps the scalp healthy. Conditions like infections and psoriasis can greatly affect hair loss. It’s key to seek the right medical care and treatment.²⁹³⁰³¹

Hair Pulling (Trichotillomania)

Trichotillomania, also known as the “hair pulling disorder,” is a chronic condition. People with it feel an overwhelming urge to pull their own hair³². This behavior can lead to bald spots or thinning hair, causing distress.

It usually starts in early teens, between 10 and 13 years old³². Sadly, it can last a lifetime, affecting people well into adulthood³².

Women are more likely to seek help for this condition, making it more common among them³². But in young children, it happens equally in boys and girls³². Pulling out baby hair is rare and usually stops on its own³².

The exact cause is still a mystery, but it’s thought to be a mix of genetics, brain, and mental health factors³³. It’s believed to affect 0.5% to 3.4% of adults, with women making up most of that number³³. About 20% of those with it also eat the hair they pull, which can cause stomach problems³³.

For some, it starts in the teens, but in kids, it’s often just a phase they outgrow³³. Yet, it can start at any age and stick around for life³⁴.

It’s thought to affect 3.5% of people, but the real number might be higher since not everyone reports it³⁴. Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or OCD can make it worse³⁴. Stress, family problems, abuse, or boredom can also trigger it³⁴.

To diagnose it, a mental health expert will look at symptoms and behavior³⁴. Treatment combines therapy and sometimes medicine to control hair pulling and stop hair loss³⁴.

If you or someone you know has trichotillomania, getting help is key. With the right support, people can manage their urges and take back control of their lives³²³³³⁴.

Scarring Alopecia and Permanent Hair Loss

Scarring alopecia, also known as cicatricial alopecia, is a condition where inflammation destroys hair follicles, leading to permanent hair loss³⁵. Unlike other hair loss types, scarring alopecia damages follicles so badly they can’t regrow hair. This condition can stem from various causes, like autoimmune disorders, infections, or scalp trauma.

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is more common in Black women³⁵. If not treated, it can cause permanent hair loss³⁵. CCCA is the top scarring hair loss type in women of African descent in the U.S., often starting in middle age³⁵. It tends to start at the scalp’s top, with hair loss spreading outward³⁵.

CCCA shows through noticeable hair loss and can cause small bumps, burning, or itching on the scalp³⁵. Early treatment can stop the disease from spreading and more hair loss³⁵. Once scars form, regrowing hair is hard, and hair loss might be permanent³⁵. A dermatologist should treat CCCA, and self-care tips can help improve treatment³⁵. While CCCA might not always be reversible, it can stop further damage³⁵.

Scarring alopecia affects about 7% of those seeking hair loss treatment³⁶. It’s less common than other types, which affect 50% to 75% of adults over 50³⁶. CCCA often starts at 30 and might be linked to hair products, hot tools, or certain hairstyles³⁶. Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE) is more common in women or those assigned female at birth and causes skin issues³⁶. Folliculitis decalvans can come from a bacterial infection, and lichen planopilaris affects over 50s, causing skin problems³⁶. Scarring alopecia is not contagious³⁶.

Diagnosing hair loss accurately is key to managing it³⁷. Hair pull tests help measure hair loss, with less than three hairs pulled considered negative, and more than six positive³⁷. Telogen phase hairs are easily pulled out³⁷. A 4mm punch biopsy is recommended for alopecia diagnosis, focusing on hair growth direction³⁷. Different alopecia types have specific evaluation needs, like telogen effluvium needing over 20% telogen count for diagnosis³⁷. Androgenetic alopecia often starts with a receding hairline and vertex scalp thinning³⁷, while in women, it widens the central scalp part like a Christmas tree³⁷.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to stopping scarring alopecia from getting worse and causing permanent hair loss. Understanding this condition helps people get timely medical help and work with dermatologists to manage it³⁵.

: Gathers, C. M., & Louden, A. J. (2021). Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia: An Update. Dermatologic clinics, 39(1), 1-8³⁶.: Bolduc, C., & Shapiro, J. (2013). Primary cicatricial alopecia: Diagnostic approach and treatment. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 68(4), e101-e110³⁷.: Olsen, E. A., Messenger, A. G., Shapiro, J., Bergfeld, W. F., Hordinsky, M. K., Roberts, J. L., … & Norris, D. (2005). Evaluation and treatment of male and female pattern hair loss. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 52(2), 301-311.

Sexually Transmitted Infections and Hair Loss

Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like syphilis, can cause hair loss if not treated³⁸. Syphilis can lead to patchy hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, beard, and other body areas³⁸. Other STIs can also cause hair loss by affecting the immune system or damaging hair follicles³⁹.

Getting medical help quickly for any STI is key to avoid hair loss and other problems³⁸. Syphilis, caused by bacteria, can cause hair loss in its second stage³⁸. After treatment, hair may grow back, but it might not until all previous hair falls out³⁸.

Other STIs like pubic lice and trichomoniasis can also lead to hair loss³⁹. Pubic lice can cause temporary baldness from intense scratching. Trichomoniasis may cause itching, burning, or soreness in the genitals, which can lead to hair loss³⁹.

Chlamydia doesn’t directly cause hair loss but can lead to thinning or bald spots through complications like prostatitis and PID³⁹. Treating STD-related hair loss is important because it can be fixed once the infection is treated³⁹.

STI rates are rising, especially among certain age groups, highlighting the need for safe sex and regular testing⁴⁰. The American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 2.4 million STI cases in the last year, with increases among young women, middle-aged men, and those over 65⁴⁰. In the UK, Public Health England found 23,943 STI cases in men aged 45 to 64, more than in male teens aged 13 to 19⁴⁰.

Syphilis cases are rising, with factors like ‘hook-up culture’ and lack of awareness playing a part in the increase among young people⁴⁰. Using barrier methods like condoms is advised to prevent syphilis and other STDs, given the rising STI rates in certain age groups⁴⁰.

In summary, treating hair loss from STIs requires quick medical care and treating the underlying condition³⁸. Getting diagnosed and treated on time can often reverse hair loss from certain STIs and prevent further issues³⁹.

Thyroid Disorders and Hair Loss

Thyroid disorders, like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), can lead to hair loss⁴¹. These hormonal imbalances disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, causing more shedding or thinning⁴¹. Getting the right medical treatment can help fix the hormonal balance and promote healthy hair growth⁴¹.

Studies show that thyroid-related hair loss is usually temporary⁴¹. But, if not treated, severe thyroid disorders can cause widespread hair loss⁴². The hair’s life cycle can also cause extra shedding, even with thyroid medication⁴².

Sometimes, hair looks thinner all over because of thyroid-related hair loss⁴¹. A study found that low ferritin levels, linked to thyroid issues, can cause patterned hair loss⁴¹. Vitamins and minerals like Biotin, zinc, and iron are important for keeping hair healthy and preventing loss⁴¹.

Thyroid Disorder	Hair Loss Symptoms	Potential Causes
Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)	Diffuse hair thinning, brittle hair	Hormonal imbalance, low ferritin levels, nutritional deficiencies
Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)	Sudden, excessive hair shedding	Hormonal imbalance, weight loss, stress

Mild thyroid conditions usually don’t cause thinning hair⁴¹. But severe and long-term hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can lead to more hair loss⁴². Sometimes, surgery is needed to treat thyroid disorders and fix hair loss⁴².

After treating thyroid disorders, hair growth can start showing in a few months⁴¹. Iron and ferritin levels, related to iron stores, also affect hair loss⁴¹. Fixing these nutritional issues and managing the thyroid condition can help hair grow back.

In summary, thyroid disorders can cause hair loss, and fixing the hormonal imbalance is key to getting hair healthy again. Working with healthcare professionals can help manage the thyroid condition, fix nutritional issues, and encourage healthy hair growth⁴¹⁴²⁴³.

Conclusion

Hair loss is a complex issue with many causes, like genetics, health problems, and lifestyle. Knowing the types of hair loss and their causes helps people take steps to fix the problem. They can look into effective hair loss solutions⁴⁴.

Nutritional shortfalls, hormonal imbalances, and stress can cause hair loss⁴⁴. Also, some medicines, scalp issues, and infections can lead to hair thinning⁴⁵. To stop hair loss and help hair grow back, people might need to change their lifestyle, see a doctor, or change how they care for their hair⁴⁵.

Dealing with hair loss can be tough and upsetting, but there are many ways to help. By working with doctors and fixing the root causes, many people can feel confident again and have a full, healthy head of hair⁴⁴⁴⁵⁴⁶.

FAQ

What is hair loss?

Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a common issue for both men and women. It can lead to partial or complete baldness. This can be either temporary or permanent.

What are the different types of hair loss?

Common types of hair loss include male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness. Alopecia areata, traction alopecia, and scarring alopecia are others.

What are the causes of hair loss?

Hair loss can stem from hereditary factors, hormonal changes, medical conditions, medications, and hair care practices.

What is alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder. It causes the body to attack hair follicles. This leads to sudden, unpredictable hair loss in round or patchy patterns.

How does cancer treatment affect hair loss?

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can cause significant hair loss. Chemotherapy targets fast-growing cells, including hair follicles. Radiation can also harm these follicles.

How do hormonal changes contribute to hair loss?

Hormonal shifts, seen in conditions like PCOS and menopause, can cause hair thinning or loss. This affects both men and women.

Can stress and illness cause hair loss?

Stress, illness, or major life events can lead to temporary hair loss. This is known as telogen effluvium. It happens when more hair follicles enter a resting phase, causing more shedding later.

How do nutritional deficiencies affect hair loss?

Lack of nutrients like biotin, iron, protein, and zinc can cause hair loss. These nutrients are vital for hair growth and strength.

Can medications cause hair loss?

Yes, some medications can lead to hair loss. This includes treatments for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart issues, gout, and high blood pressure.

How do hair care practices affect hair loss?

Using hot styling tools, chemical treatments, and harsh products too much can damage hair. Tight hairstyles can also harm the hair and follicles, leading to breakage and thinning.

How do scalp conditions contribute to hair loss?

Scalp infections and conditions like fungal infections or seborrheic dermatitis can cause scalp inflammation. This can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss.

What is trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania is a disorder where people pull out their own hair. It’s often done to cope with stress or anxiety, resulting in bald patches or thinning hair.

What is scarring alopecia?

Scarring alopecia, or cicatricial alopecia, involves inflammation that destroys hair follicles. This leads to permanent hair loss because damaged follicles can’t regrow hair.

Can sexually transmitted infections lead to hair loss?

Yes, untreated sexually transmitted infections like syphilis can cause hair loss. This results in patchy hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, and other body areas.

How do thyroid disorders affect hair loss?

Thyroid imbalances, whether underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism), can disrupt hair growth. This can lead to increased shedding or thinning of the hair.

Source Links

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