Hair Loss Symptoms and Causes

It is considered normal for people to lose 50-100 hairs per day. If you ever lived with someone who has long hair, you are probably well aware of this fact. Hair Loss generally is noticed in one of two ways. With common pattern baldness, the loss is gradual. It can start as early as puberty, or very late in life. Sudden loss of hair, or loss in clumps usually indicates a different problem. This type of symptom could be caused by a number of factors, including hormonal changes, medications, thyroid problems, among others

In male pattern baldness, the hair loss generally is gradual.  The hair usually thins out first in the front of the scalp hairline and forehead and moves progressively to the back and top of the head. It tends to be progressive, and in many eventually, only hair around the ears, the sides, and back of the head remains, as an horseshoe-shaped pattern that leaves the crown of the head exposed.

The most obvious hair loss symptom is receding hairline, thinning hair, and hoarse-shaped pattern. While this symptom literally shouts at you, some people don't catch it until it turns worse. It is important to observe yourself for any changes in your hair structure. For women, balding comes from the crown rather than the hairline. The main hair loss symptom for children is sudden losing of patches of hair from anywhere in the head. Sudden hair loss is also characterized by hair shedding in which patches of hair just fall away. Other hair loss symptoms are dry hair, brittle hair, heavy head and body hair or hairiness, presence of dandruff, and greying of hair.

Hair loss Causes in Male and Female

Iron deficiency:  An Iron deficiency can sometimes produces hair loss. Such deficiency can be identified and corrected by medication.

Medication: For some people, prescription drugs can cause a  temporary hair shedding. Obviously, if you are taking any prescription drugs whether short term or ongoing then check with your health professional for advice.

Hair loss is a natural part of the body's process of renewal. As some hair falls out, new growth replaces it. However, this process may be accelerated by a number of conditions. Hormonal changes may contribute to rapid hair loss, such as during pregnancy or childbirth, or even when coming off the Pill. As these fluctuations in hormone levels drop off, the hair loss should clear up, so the condition is only temporary. In a recent study, hormone levels were studied in both male and female patients experiencing severe hair loss. The research points towards a complex interaction between sex and thyroid hormones that may lead to the condition.

Stress is another factor linked to hair loss. While it has not been proved definitively, emotional trauma has been loosely associated with hair loss, but milder strains and worries probably do the same thing. Stresses placed on the body may also cause a woman's hair to jump ship. For example, crash dieting, in which a woman loses a large amount of weight rapidly, may also cause her to lose her tresses, too. Since stress is often transient, if its cause clears up, the resultant hair loss should disappear as well.

It is generally thought that hair loss is an inheritance from the maternal side; however chances of such an inheritance are 50%. The actual causes of hair loss are varied and may range from anything like exposure to chemicals, poisons and some medical treatments like chemotherapy. Stress is also another reason for hair loss which may include emotional trauma and depression.