Do you also feel like you're losing a lot of hair? (Hair Loss) Let's find out everything about this!

Do you also feel scared when you wake up in the morning and see hair all over your pillow, or when you comb your hair with a comb? Do you ever think, "Oh, will all my hair go away?"? It is actually normal for a healthy person to lose about 100 hairs a day. Because it is part of our hair growth cycle. New hair grows in place of those hairs that fall out. But if the amount of hair that falls out increases unimaginably, and the growth of new hair decreases, we should be a little concerned about that situation. In medicine, this condition is called alopecia.

What are the main types of hair loss?

Hair loss is sometimes temporary, meaning it will grow back after a while. But some types can be permanent. Let's look at the most common types. I'll put this in a table like this to make it easier for you to understand.

Why does hair fall out like this? What are the reasons?

There is not just one reason for hair loss, there are many reasons that can affect it. Let's look at the main ones.

• Genetic influence: If someone on your mother's or father's side has baldness, you are more likely to have it too.
• Fungal infections of the scalp: Sometimes, fungal infections, which we call "ringworm," can also cause hair loss.
• Harmful things to do to your hair: Styles that pull your hair too tightly (for example, tight braids, tight ponytails) can cause hair loss if done for a long time. Also, chemical treatments (perms, bleach) can weaken your hair, cause it to break, and cause it to fall out.
• Hormonal changes: Hair loss is common in women, especially during pregnancy, after childbirth, and during menopause due to hormonal changes.
• Certain medications and medical treatments: Like the chemotherapy we discussed earlier, some other medications can also cause hair loss as a side effect.
• Nutritional deficiencies: If your diet doesn't contain enough iron and protein, it directly affects your hair.
• Mental or physical stress: A sudden major trauma, surgery, or prolonged stress can also cause hair loss.
• Thyroid disease: Whether thyroid hormone levels are low or high, it can cause hair loss.

What are the symptoms of hair loss?

The way hair falls can vary from person to person. It depends on the cause and type. But there are some common characteristics.

• Hair loss on both sides of the forehead: This is a common symptom in men. The forehead gradually appears to be getting larger.
• Loss of hair thickness throughout the head: The amount of hair visible on the scalp increases when combing the hair. This is common among women.
• Hair loss in circles on the head: It looks like empty spots the size of a coin.
• Hair loss on the head and body: In some cases, hair can fall out not only on the head, but also on the eyelashes, eyebrows, and other parts of the body.

Also, when you grow a lot of hair, your scalp is exposed. The sun in our country increases the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. So , when you go out, don't forget to wear a hat, a scarf, or apply sunscreen to your scalp as well .

How does a doctor find this?

Sometimes the cause of hair loss is very obvious, like when someone is undergoing chemotherapy. But other times, the doctor has to do some tests to find the cause.

The doctor who examines you may do the following:

• They ask about your family history: Does anyone in your family have this type of baldness, and at what age did it start?
• Your medical history will be reviewed: You will be asked about other illnesses you have and the medications you are taking.
• Blood tests are ordered: They will order a blood test, specifically to check thyroid hormone levels and iron levels in the body.
• Examines the scalp: A thorough examination is performed to check for any signs of infection or skin disease.
• Scalp biopsy: Sometimes, a very small piece of tissue from the scalp may be taken and examined under a microscope to determine the exact cause.

What are the treatments for this?

First of all, if your hair loss is due to a medication, hormonal imbalance, thyroid disease, or nutritional deficiency, your doctor will first treat the underlying cause. In most cases, once the cause is corrected, the hair loss will simply stop.

Conditions like androgenetic alopecia often require special treatments. Here are some of them:

• Medications: There are some medications that are injected into the scalp (e.g., Minoxidil). These are often the first ones used. There is also a pill that is recommended for men only (e.g., Finasteride). Do not use any of these medications without the advice of a doctor.
• Hair transplant: This involves taking hair from a thick area of ​​your head (usually the back of your neck) and replanting it in areas where there is no hair.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: This involves separating platelets from your own blood and injecting them back into your scalp. This can help control hair loss and stimulate new hair growth.

Can't you stop hair loss?

It's not possible to prevent all types of hair loss (for example, hereditary hair loss). But there are things we can do to keep our hair healthy and minimize unwanted hair loss.

• Eat a well-balanced diet: Eat a balanced diet that contains enough calories, protein, and iron.
• Manage stress: Find ways to reduce stress. Things like meditation, exercise, and engaging in a hobby can help.
• Manage other diseases: If you have another disease that affects hair loss, such as a thyroid disease, follow your doctor's instructions and manage it well.
• Wear hair-friendly styles: Avoid styles that pull your hair too tightly.
• During chemotherapy: If you are undergoing such treatment, ask your doctor about a cooling cap.

When should I definitely see a doctor?

If you have these symptoms, in addition to normal hair loss, you should definitely see a doctor.