Hair loss: What everyone should know

So, when it comes to hair loss, it can happen to anyone, regardless of gender. Sometimes it can be temporary, or you may experience hair loss all the time. There are many reasons for this. Hereditary factors, hormonal changes, illness, and aging can all contribute to this. Although men are more likely to experience this problem, women are also affected.

Now, some people don't care much about their hair loss and just go for it. Others are a little worried and try to hide it by styling their hair and wearing hats. Still others go to doctors, take medication, and try to regrow their hair. So if you're thinking about taking medication, it's important to know exactly what's causing it and what treatments are available.

There are different ways to lose hair.

Now, the way hair falls out varies depending on the cause. Sometimes it can go away all at once, or it can go away gradually. It can affect hair all over the body, not just the scalp.

Thinning hair starting from the top of the head: This is the most common type of hair loss. It increases with age. In men, hair tends to recede from the forehead, similar to a receding hairline. In women, hair usually thins from the middle of the head to the sides. Nowadays, it is also common for older women to experience thinning hair from the forehead, which is called Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia.

Hair loss in patches: Some people lose hair in circles or patches on their scalp, beard, and eyebrows. Sometimes, the area itches and hurts before the hair falls out.

Sudden hair loss: Hair loss can occur suddenly, such as when you are feeling very sad or have a serious illness. You may lose hair in clumps when you comb it, take a shower, or even just touch it. But this usually only happens for a short time. After that, the hair gradually starts to grow back.

Hair loss all over the body: During treatments like chemotherapy for cancer, or when certain illnesses develop, hair can fall out all over the body. However, hair usually grows back after the treatment is over.

Scaly scalp: This is like a fungus, like a scab that falls off. This is called Ringworm. When this happens, the hair breaks off, the scalp becomes red, swollen, and sometimes pus can come out.

So when should you see a doctor?

If you feel like your hair is falling out in an unusual way, especially if it's on the forehead in women (called Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia), see a doctor right away. Otherwise, it could be permanent baldness.

Also, if your hair is falling out all at once, if it's in patches, if it seems like it's falling out more than usual, you should see a doctor. Because sometimes that can be due to another illness you have.

The main causes of hair loss

Now, it's normal to lose about 50 to 100 hairs a day. But because new hair grows in at that rate, it's not noticeable. We say hair loss is when the hair that falls out doesn't grow back as much.

Now let's see why this hair is going:

Heredity (genetic influence): This is the main cause of hair loss. As you age, your hair gradually loses its shape, depending on your genes. This is called Androgenic Alopecia, or Male-Pattern Baldness/Female-Pattern Baldness. This happens gradually. In men, the hair on the forehead gradually recedes and eventually the top of the head becomes bald. In women, the hair usually thins gradually from the middle of the head to the sides.

Hormonal changes and diseases: As you know, when women become pregnant, have a baby, or go through menopause , their hormones change dramatically. That's why hair loss can occur. Thyroid problems can also cause hair loss. There is also a disease called Alopecia Areata , which is related to the immune system . When it occurs, hair falls out in patches on the head. When fungal infections like ringworm occur, hair also falls out. There are also some people who have a habit of pulling out their own hair, which is a mental illness called Trichotillomania. That's why hair loss occurs.

Side effects of medications: Some medications given for cancer, arthritis, mental illness, heart problems, gout , and high blood pressure can cause hair loss as a side effect.

Radiotherapy: When you have radiation therapy to the head, your hair may not grow back the way it was before.

Stress: When you experience a lot of stress or trauma, your hair may thin out after a few months. However, this usually only happens for a short time.

Hair styles and types of hair treatments: Tight hair styles, ponytails, braids, hot oil treatments, and perms can also cause hair loss. If the scalp is damaged, hair may not grow back.

Things that increase the risk of hair loss

• If anyone in your family has baldness (either on your mother's or father's side)
• Getting old
• If you suddenly become very thin
• If you have diseases like diabetes or lupus
• Mental problems, stress
• If you don't eat properly (malnutrition)

How to reduce hair loss?

Now, most of the time, hair loss is due to genes passed down from generation to generation (Male-Pattern Baldness/Female-Pattern Baldness). We can't stop it completely.

But if you follow these tips, you can significantly reduce hair loss due to other causes:

Take care of your hair: Be careful when you comb your hair. Use a detangler. Be even more careful when combing wet hair. It is best to comb with a wide-toothed comb. Minimize the use of hot rollers, curling irons, hot oil treatments, and perms. Avoid tying your hair tightly with rubber bands.

Be careful about your medications and lifestyle: If you are taking any medication for a disease, ask your doctor if it is causing your hair loss. Wear a hat when going out in the sun to protect your hair from ultraviolet light. If you smoke, stop smoking, as some studies have found a link between smoking and hair loss.

People undergoing cancer treatment should also consider this: There is a 'cooling cap' that can help reduce hair loss in people undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. Ask your doctor about it.

A little more about Androgenic Alopecia

Androgenic Alopecia is a type of hair loss that is inherited. It can affect both men and women. It is caused by a male hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This DHT causes hair follicles to become thinner, shorter, and eventually stop growing.

Androgenic Alopecia (Male-Pattern Baldness) in Men: It usually starts with hair loss on both sides of the forehead. Then the top of the head becomes bald. Eventually, only the sides of the head may remain.

Androgenic Alopecia (Female-Pattern Baldness) in Women: This usually involves thinning hair on the top and middle of the head. Complete baldness is rare. With age, hair loss can also occur on the forehead (Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia).

Treatments for Androgenic Alopecia: It cannot be cured completely, but medication can help control hair loss to some extent.

• Minoxidil: This is a liquid that you apply to your scalp. It helps new hair grow.
• Finasteride: This is a pill. It reduces the production of the hormone DHT.
• Hair Transplant: This is done through an operation. Hair is taken from areas of the head where there is hair and transplanted to bald areas.
• Laser Therapy: Some people say that this can make hair a little thicker.

Other things to know about Androgenic Alopecia: This is very common. About 50% of men have it by the age of 50. It does not cause any damage to other parts of the body. So don't worry too much about it. You can get treatment if you want. Or you can just ignore it and be at a loss.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Care for a healthy life

You should not worry too much about your hair loss. If you want to know exactly what is causing it and what can be done about it, see a good doctor. Also, remember that to stay healthy, it is very important to eat a well-balanced diet, sleep well, and be happy. 😊

Also, don't forget to leave a comment with your thoughts on this article, and share this article to inform others about this.