I often hear from people who want to know why their hair is falling out at an alarming rate. This correspondence comes from both men and women, but I find that women are often more concerned about and emotionally invested in their hair. That's not to say that men aren't concerned about hair loss. They certainly are. But there is a lot more literature and information about why men lose their hair. So, there are less resources available to women, (although it's becoming increasingly common for women to experience noticeable hair loss also.) Still, in the following article, I will go over some of the reasons that both men and women experience hair fall. And, I've explored many of these possibilities myself. (You can read more about my frustrating story here .)
Seasonal Causes:There are a couple of times per year when some people will notice accelerated hair fall. In general, this is the spring and fall, but every one is different. However, most of the time, people tend to have these seasonal sheds at around the same time every year. So, chances are, you already know when you will typically see this type of hair fall. And, seasonal shedding usually does not last for very long. Often, by the time you have noticed it, the loss has already begun to resolve itself.
Medical Causes And Medications:There are some medications that cause shedding or loss. Usually, you will see an indication on this with the literature that came with the medication. Your doctor might also mention this possible side effect to you. Also, sometimes starting or stopping a new medication can cause some shedding.
And, there are many medical conditions that can negatively affect your hair. Often, these conditions are autoimmune, metabolic, or hormonal in nature. Just some examples of these types of issues are menopause, hypothyroidism, lupus, diabetes, or alopecia areata. You will sometimes see information about vitamin deficiencies or anemia causing your hair to fall out, but in my observation, this is pretty rare, although it's a relatively easy fix.
Additionally, any time you have an illness or stress to the body, you can find yourself with a condition called telogen effluvium. With this condition, you can have very dramatic and sudden shedding that is nearly impossible to miss or ignore. Basically, you will see a lot of hair in your drain, on your clothing, and on your floor. This condition occurs for a variety of reasons. Examples of causes of TE are surgery, stress, illness, giving birth, or sudden hormonal or health changes.
Conditions Or Irritants Of The Scalp Or Hair Follicles:Sometimes, you will see dermatological conditions like psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, allergic reactions, bacterial infections, or yeast overgrowth. All of these things can cause inflammation which will often result in hair loss. Sometimes, you will see other things that are connected to the loss like pain or discoloration of the scalp. You can also sometimes see some flaking of the scalp (and also occasionally on the eyebrows as well.)
Hormonal Issues And / Or A Sensitivity To Androgens:It is said that the most common reason for hair loss is AGA or androgenic alopecia. This is often associated with either aging or genetics. But, I can't tell you how many people tell me that they have no family history of AGA and yet they have been diagnosed with or suspect it. Any time hormones or changing or lessening, you can see hair loss. This is especially true of those who are "hormonally vulnerable" or who have a tendency to notice skin or hair changes at different times during their hormonal cycles. (This has always been the case with me.)
This is why you will often see hair loss starting at middle age or as menopause approaches. It is also why you can sometimes see it at puberty or at the onset of or at the end of pregnancy. It's not uncommon for people to see hair loss when hormones are lessening due to illness like in cases of hypothyroidism. But, without a doubt, the most common hormonal issues associated with hair loss is the sensitivity to androgens.
People will often tell me that they have had blood work which shows that their androgens are low and yet they still have androgenic hair loss. It's important to understand that it's not always high androgens that are in play with AGA. The sensitivity to even a low amount of androgens can be just as devastating to your hair. That's why successful treatment will often focus on the sensitivity and the balance issues rather than trying to artificially rid or fortify your body of hormones, which, at least in my opinion isn't realistic and often isn't the best thing for your overall health.
