Hair Loss Causes

The follow information on shampoo for hair loss looks at the various causes of hair loss.

Hair loss causes can be:

• Temporary e.g. due to poor diet, or
• Permanent as with male pattern baldness.
• Gender specific e.g. Hyperandrogenemia and women, or
• Group specific in nature such as Dissecting Cellulitis in young adult African American males.

The numerous types and causes of hair loss are noted below:

Androgenetic alopecia – Genetics accounts for pattern baldness in up to 95% of male hair loss. Many people look to their parents and grandparents (in particular a mans father and grandfather and a womens mother and grandmother) as an indicator for when they will begin to lose their hair. However, the situation is more complex because the outcome is determined by the interplay of both parents genes. This type of hair loss can be treated with Minoxidil or Finasteride.

Alopecia areata – Associated with balding spots (mono or multilocularis) and can be associated with autoimmune conditions e.g. lupus, thyroid. Alopecia areata can be treated with cortisone injections into the scalp or by using Minoxidil.
Alopecia mucinosa – Typically hair loss on face and scalp but can affect body.
Alopecia totalis – Total loss of face and head hair.
Alopecia universalis – Typically resulting in hair loss over entire body.
Cicatricial alopecia – Group of conditions that is associated with inflammatory disorders and subsequent scar tissue issues causing hair loss. Examples include Tufted Follicultis (associated with scarring and doll-like tufted hair), Hoffman Disease or Dissecting Cellulitis (most commonly affects young adult African American males) and Pseudopelade of Brocq (developing irregularly shaped bald areas).
Traction alopecia – Hairline and nape of neck hair loss associated with regular hair pulling or use of harsh chemicals on hair.

Hair loss causes can also be linked to:

• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
• Hereditary disorders.
• Hormonal changes. For example, female hair loss associated with hyperandrogenemia can be treated with oral contraceptives.
• Lupus Erythematosus – Group of diseases that can affect various parts of the body.
• Medications. Numerous medications can effect hair loss, including :
  • Antibiotics.
  • Anti-cholesterol drugs.
  • Anti-depressants.
  • Anti-fungal.
  • Anti-malaria drugs.
  • Anti-seizure medication.
  • Birth control pill.
  • Certain blood thinning mediaction and NSAIDs.
  • HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) .
  • Hypertension medication
  • Some neurological treatments such as Levopdopa for Parkinson’s disease.
  • Steriods.
• Menopause – Hair loss at this stage of a womens life is typically more permanent in nature, as it is influenced by changing levels of endocrine androgen hormones. This may not only cause a loss of scalp hair but unfortunately, facial hair may become more noticeable for some women. Laser treatment or Estrogen/Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may prove helpful regarding this issue.
• Natural hair loss associated with aging and developing finer strands of hair.
• Physical trauma and subsequent scarring.
• Poisoning.
• Poor diet and iron deficiency.
• Pregnancy – Hair loss can continue through breast feeding, though most women will return to normal within six months following giving birth.
• Scalp infections.
• Smoking – Although the exact reasons are not fully understood at present, nicotine toxicity, liver function, and blood quality and circulatory supply to the scalp have all be suggested.
• Stress levels – The ability to deal with stress varies on an individual basis and can be triggered by various things such as being made unemployed, family or neighbor conflicts, bereavement or moving home. Hair loss due to stress is usually temporary in nature and can take several months to develop and a similar time to return to normal.
• Telogen Effluvium – Associated with intense stress, shock or inadequate dietary nutrition resulting up to 70% of hair prematurely entering the Telogen (resting) phase of the hair growth cycle.
• Thyroid Gland – Both over and under activity can affect hair loss.
• Trichotillomania – Compulsive disorder of hair plucking.
• Various viruses (e.g. AIDS), bacteria (e.g. Syphilis) or fungi (e.g. Ringworm).
• Vitamin A – Excessive intake particularly associated with retinoids. This can also be found in certain acne medication.

Hair loss causes are highly variable and although pattern baldness associated with Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form, should you be concerned in anyway (particularly if you suspect an underlying medical reason), always seek the advice of a medical practitioner.