Hair loss is a serious issue that many men and women face. They are losing their hair because of a variety of different causes. The causes could be inherited genes, a family medical history, hormonal changes in a woman’s body, thyroid dysfunction, medications, stress, and infection.
The cause of hair loss can be more damaging for the sufferer than the loss itself. Most people do not even know what is causing balding to occur. For example, when a woman experiences chemotherapy, her hair may fall out due to hair follicles being destroyed by the chemicals. Cancer sufferers may also experience severe hair loss as a side effect of the drugs they take.
Some health conditions that can cause baldness include tumors or cysts in the scalp. When these conditions are present, the hair follicles cannot grow hair. Cysts and tumors that spread to the scalp can sometimes go unnoticed for long periods of time.
Certain health conditions that can cause hair loss are also associated with poor health. Some medical conditions such as Crohn’s disease, arthritis, and hypothyroidism can cause extreme hair loss. If you are experiencing hair loss, make sure to get a doctor’s exam and test for this condition.
Some medicines have been known to cause hair loss. For example, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can cause hair loss as well as ulcers in the mouth, sinusitis, diabetes, and other autoimmune diseases. While it is not very common, other medicines and supplements have also been known to cause hair loss. The following are some of the most common and potentially dangerous:
Head lice are a major problem for those who have experienced hair loss. These nasty parasites love warm, damp areas of the scalp. This is where they lay their eggs. If you have head lice, it is best to use an over the counter medicated shampoo to get rid of them.
Herbal supplements can also cause long-term hair loss. Liver flushes, antioxidants, and ginseng can interfere with the immune system. Sometimes hair loss can be caused by these drugs.
Frequent use of suntan lotions or creams can result in problems in the scalp. When there is excessive use of topical creams and lotions, it can cause hair to break off and look unkempt. In addition, vitamin D can reduce hair growth as well as cause hair loss.
Occasionally herbal supplements can cause hair loss. The high levels of calcium and zinc in the supplements can sometimes cause hair loss. Also, higher amounts of vitamin B in some products can cause a variety of hair problems.
Some studies show that milk and dairy products can contribute to hair loss. It is believed that the high levels of estrogen found in dairy products and lactose (milk sugar) trigger the body to produce excess testosterone. This can in turn cause hair loss.
Menopause is the leading cause of hair loss. Women who experience this hormone-related change in the body may experience hair loss. Breastfeeding and allergies are also thought to be the causes of hair loss.
