About Hair Loss

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Hair Loss and Its Causes

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At any given time, approximately 90% of the hair on the scalp grows,

while the rest (~10 %) stays in a resting phase. The hair in growing

phase can last for 2-6 years, while the hair in the resting phase will

fall out replaced by new hair that starts to grow. During the growth

phase, each hair may grow about half an inch per month on the average.

Shedding a few hairs daily is therefore a normal event in light of the

hair cycle. However, an excessive, more than normal hair loss may occur

to some people. The medical term for hair loss is alopecia. The most

common type of hair loss is " androgenetic alopecia " or pattern baldness,

which is permanent, typically hereditary, and most popuar: about 95

percent of hair loss from the scalp is attributed to genetic factors.

What could be the causes of excessive hair loss and baldness? Drastic or

premature hair loss may be caused by:

# Stress and bodily weakness from overwork.

# Dietary imbalance or nutritional deficiency.

# Using abrasive shampoos, hair lacquers, dyes and bleaching, etc.

Improper care of hair often causes hair loss.

# Endocrine disorder. Hair loss may be caused by hormonal problems. For

example, overactive or underactive thyroid gland may cause hair fall

out, which could be corrected by the restoration of the normal thyroid

function. Hair loss may also occur in case male or female hormones

(androgens and estrogens) are out of balance. Restoring the hormonal

imbalance could halt hair loss.

# Genetic factors and ageing. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is formed from

testosterone as man age, and elvated level of DHT is a cause for both

prostate enlargement (BPH or benign prostatic hypertrophy) and hair

loss. The age of the onset of hair loss and baldness is manily governed

by genes, and varies greatly among individuals.

# Infectious diseases and excessive stress. Hair loss caused by illness

or stress is temporary. Certain fungal infection may cause children's

hair to fall out, which can be treated by antifungal agents. Hair loss

may occur due to underlying diseases such as lupus or diabetes. Hair

loss may serve as an early indication of a disease. It is important to

find the causative disease so that it can be treated.

# Hormonal or metabolic changes in lactating women. Many women

experience hair loss about 3 months after parturition as a result of

hormonal changes. Normal cycle of hair growth and loss resumes with the

regain of hormonal balance.

# Nutrient and protein deficiencies in the hair cells.

# Use of certain drugs and chemotherapy. Some medicines may cause hair

loss, which can be corrected by stop taking the medicines. Medicines

that can cause hair loss include blood thinners (a.k.a. anticoagulants),

medicines used for chemotherapy to treat cancer, excessive amount of

vitamin A, birth control pills, and antidepressants.