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Causes of Hair Loss

    It’s true that factors on the x-chromosome have been
    shown to influence hair loss, making the maternal side
    inheritance slightly more important; but a direct
    inheritance of baldness from the father can be observed
    as well.

    The reality is, hair loss is more complicated than pointing
    fingers at one source. Baldness genes may skip
    generations, are random in who in the family is affected,
    and may have different effects on siblings in the same
    family.

While many conditions can cause hair loss, the most common cause is androgenetic
alopecia, or male- and female-pattern baldness. This condition is responsible for
approximately 95 percent of hair loss in men and thinning in women.


Permanent Hair Loss Causes


Androgenetic Alopecia

Caused by a combination of genetics and hormones, androgenetic alopecia occurs
when hair on the top and front of the head is genetically programmed to thin and die
when exposed to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a breakdown of the
naturally occurring hormone testosterone. Unlike the top of the scalp, the hair on
the sides and the back of the head is genetically programmed to resist these effects
of DHT.














A history of the condition on either side of your family increases your risk of
balding. Genetics also affect the age at which you begin to lose hair, as well as the
speed, pattern and extent of your baldness. While androgenetic alopecia starts at
puberty, it may not be noted for many years.

The hair loss patterns that result can be classified in basic patterns of loss with
individual variations. The most commonly used hair loss classifications used to
describe pattern baldness are the Norwood Classification system and the Ludwig
Classification system.


Cicatricial Alopecia

    Lupus erythematosus  or lichen
    planus, both skin conditions, can
    cause Cicatricial alopecia, a type of
    permanent hair loss. This occurs when
    inflammation damages and scars the
    hair follicle, preventing new hair
    growth.

    In addition to permanent hair loss
    causes, there are a number of
    conditions that can cause what is
    typically temporary hair loss.



Temporary Hair Loss Causes


Hormonal Changes





    Changes and imbalances due to things like
    pregnancy or the onset of menopause can cause
    temporary hair loss. Correcting hormonal
    imbalances may stop or prevent hair loss.








Emotional or Physical Stress

Telogen effluvium, a type of hair loss, may occur after an emotionally distressing
event, like a death in the family, or may result from physiological stress, like sudden
or excessive weight loss. After several months, hair usually grows back once the
situation that caused it corrects itself.


Medications and Medical Treatments

Certain medications, such as drugs used to treat depression, arthritis and heart
problems, or medical treatments, like chemotherapy, may cause hair loss.
Chemotherapy in particular affects healthy, growing hairs, but once treatment ends,
hair typically begins to grow back.


Excessive Pulling of Hair

Traction alopecia, a type of hair loss, can occur when hair is pulled too tightly by
excessive hairstyling or hairstyles. Hair typically grows back as long as the pulling
stops before scarring of the scalp and permanent damage to the root is caused.

Trichotillomania, a type of mental illness in which people have an irresistible urge
to pull out their hair, leaves people with patchy bald spots. Causes of this illness are
still being researched.


Poor Nutrition, Disease and Illness

    Crash diets, poor nourishment and eating
    disorders may cause excessive hair loss.
    Having inadequate protein or iron in your
    diet is another possible cause.

    Diseases like diabetes, lupus and alopecia
    areata are also hair loss causes. Although
    classified as an autoimmune disease, people
    who develop alopecia areata are typically in
    good health, while the cause of it remains
    unknown. Hair generally grows back, but
    you may lose and regrow your hair a number
    of times.


Infections such as ringworm can invade hair and the scalp, leading to hair loss; but
once the infection is treated, hair usually regrows.

Getting a diagnosis from a hair restoration doctor, who will conduct a scalp
examination to determine the cause of the hair loss, is necessary before
determining next steps. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with Dr.
Gabel.
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