November 18, 2015 | Hair Transplant, Hair Treatment
The average person sheds 25 to 100 hairs each day. For those who suffer from significant hair loss, this can be devastating. Having good, healthy hair is seen as a sign of youth and attractiveness, and losing your hair may cause you to feel self-conscious. Here are some of the reasons why hair loss occurs and what can be done to restore your hair.
Causes of Hair Loss
Below are some of the common causes of hair loss in men and women.
Androgenic Alopecia (AGA)
Androgenic alopecia (AGA) refers to male or female pattern hair loss, although it is much more common in men. This genetically inherited condition is progressive and affects hormone levels and hormone sensitivity. As this hair loss is not temporary, consider undergoing hair restoration to restore your hair.
Hormone
Hormonal imbalances can cause hair loss. Changing or stopping birth control pills, menopausal hormonal changes, and polycystic ovary syndrome can all cause hair loss. Pregnancy-related hair loss is a fairly common condition that may arise after childbirth. As your hormone levels are brought back into balance, normal hair growth will stabilize.
Medications
Some medications, such as antidepressants, blood thinners, and cholesterol-lowering medications, can cause hair loss. Talk to your doctor about other options if you experience hair loss as a side effect of your medication.
Physical Conditions
Physical conditions such as hypothyroidism and anemia can also contribute to hair loss. Getting an accurate medical diagnosis and treatment, such as iron supplements for anemia and thyroid medication for hypothyroidism, can resolve the problem. However, other conditions such as lupus and trichotillomania may cause permanent hair loss. In these cases, getting hair transplant surgery may be a worthy option.
Stress
Stress levels are another cause of temporaryhair loss. By reducing stress and anxiety in your life, you can manage your emotions more effectively and reduce the likelihood of stress-related hair loss.
Diet
Diet mistakes such as overdosing on vitamin A, being deficient in vitamin B, not getting enough protein, and crash dieting are all potential causes of hair loss. Keep your vitamin levels balanced and consume a healthy diet of natural vitamin B and lean proteins to stabilize hair growth.
Over-styling Your Hair
Over-styling your hair causes hair loss over time. Excessively tight braids, cornrows, chemical treatments, and overexposure to heated tools can damage your hair even at the root. Minimizing heat treatments, using conditioner regularly, and treating your hair gently will help to prevent further hair loss.
Physical Trauma
Physical trauma, such as severe illness or infection, a car accident, or major weight loss, may shock the body and cause temporary hair loss. As your body recovers, your hair will begin to grow back.
Aging
Aging is the most common cause of hair loss in women and men, particularly over age 50. It is important to determine that there are no other causes related to your hair loss before assuming that it is age-related.
Hair Restoration
Hair restoration and transplant procedures can restore a full head of hair after hair loss. For some patients, medication or laser therapy may suffice for treatment. For other patients, surgical hair restoration with either Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) or Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is an excellent solution for restoring hair. However, surgery may not be appropriate for everyone. Prospective patients should accurately determine the cause of their hair loss before seeking treatment. Dr. Agullo will evaluate your condition to assess whether hair transplantation is right for you.
To find out more about hair restoration procedures, call (915) 590-7900 to schedule your personal consultation today with double-board certified plastic surgeon Frank Agullo, M.D. You can also reach us by filling out our online contact form.
