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What Causes Hair Loss?
If you've ever run your brush through your hair, only to find clumps of it coming out with each stroke, then hair loss likely is a significant concern.
The statistics on hair loss for men and women are alarming:
35 million men in the United States currently are experiencing some form of hair loss
21 million women in the United States currently are experiencing some form of hair loss
40 percent of men have experienced some form of hair loss by the time they reach age 35
65 percent of men will have noticeable hair loss by age 60
70 percent of men will suffer from hair loss by age 80
80 percent of men will exhibit noticeable hair loss by age 85
80 percent of all women will show noticeable signs of hair loss by age 60
Of those suffering from hair loss, over 800,000 will seek professional treatment to help reverse the trend.
But what causes hair loss in the first place? There are a number of causes for hair loss in both men and women.
Androgenetic Alopecia: This is the most common type of hair loss, often referred to as "male pattern baldness." While it mainly affects men, women also can suffer from this kind of hair loss. Androgenetic Alopecia is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones.
Telogen Effluvium: This type of hair loss is the second-most common experienced by both men and women. It is characterized by hair shedding in several areas that does not follow a specific pattern. It also tends to start suddenly and without any prior warning. This kind of hair loss often is the result of a metabolic dysfunction, hormonal stress or from using certain medications.
Anagen Effluvium: This kind of hair loss is very similar to telogen effluvium, except that it generally results in the loss of all hair, not just patches here or there. Anagen effluvium is most commonly suffered by those who are receiving treatment for various forms of cancer, including chemotherapy and certain kinds of drug cocktails designed to kill cancer cells. Another reason for this kind of hair loss would be the ingestion of a toxic substance.
Alopecia Areata: It is believed that alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which a person's own immune system attacks hair follicles, causing existing hair to fall out and no new hair to grow.
Scarring Alopecia: A person suffering from this kind of hair loss has his own hair follicles destroyed and replaced by scar tissue, which prevents the growth of new hair.
Congenital Hypotrichosis: This type of hair loss generally affects a person at birth and usually stays with them for the length of their lives. The majority of cases of this kind of hair loss are caused by genetic defects.
Infection: Sometimes hair loss can be caused by an infection, such as ringworm. It also can be caused by various fungi and viruses, which often are easily treatable.
Defective Hair Shafts: A final cause of hair loss can be a defect with a person's hair shaft. This damage can be caused by genetics, something in the environment, or inappropriate hair care. This kind of hair loss can't always be reversed.
The best course of action if you suffer from hair loss is to consult a professional, who can help to determine which type of hair loss is occurring, as well as the best methods by which to treat it.
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