Causes of Hair Loss 2021—And What You Can Do About It

+5Causes of Hair Loss 2021—And What You Can Do About It

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What causes hair loss ?

It's true that men are more likely to lose their hair than women, but thinning hair, shedding hair, and hair loss actually affects both sexes—and it's no more or less demoralizing for either. But here's the thing: there is no one reason behind hair loss—causes can range from the straightforward and temporary (like a vitamin deficiency) to the more complex, like an underlying health condition.

Luckily, there also are some ways to treat hair loss in both women and men (cause-dependent, of course) Here are some common and not-so-common reasons why you would possibly be seeing less hair on your head—and what you'll do about it.

*You've been super stressed or ill

Stress or illness (currently, ) can cause hair loss—it's a process referred to as telogen effluvium, or the excessive shedding of hair induced by stress, Michelle Henry, MD, a dermatologist based in ny , .

“Our bodies perceive mental stress an equivalent way it perceives physical stress, and any dramatic stressor on the body can cause hair growth to become arrested,” Dr. Henry said. “And when hair growth is arrested, it sheds.” Specifically, when the body is stressed it released the hormone cortisol, which may then affect the follicle and end in shedding or hair loss. That shedding typically occurs a minimum of three months following a stressful event, Angelo Landriscina, MD, a Washington, DC-based dermatologist, Health.

Of course, preventing stress is that the easiest method to assist prevent stress-induced hair loss—but that's not always a simple thing to try to to . If you experience hair loss of any kind, it's knowing sign up together with your dermatologist. Should they determine that your hair loss is stress-related, your derm may recommend a treatment called minoxidil, a vasodilator that improves circulation round the hair bulb at the bottom of the follicle , to assist grow hair back that you've got lost. Also important: having patience and allowing time for hair growth. 

* You're Pregnant

Pregnancy is one example of the sort of physical stress which will cause hair loss (that and hormones). Pregnancy-related hair loss is seen more commonly after your baby has been delivered instead of actually during pregnancy. “Giving birth is pretty traumatic,” says Dr. Glashofer.

If you are doing experience hair loss after pregnancy, rest assured that your hair will grow back during a few months. “It’s a traditional thing and it'll work its answer ,” Dr. Glashofer says.

* Your mom lost her hair too

“If you come from a family where women began to have hair loss at a particular age, then you would possibly be more susceptible to it,” says Dr. Glashofer. Unlike men, women don't tend to possess a receding hairline, instead their part may widen and that they may have noticeable thinning of hair. this is often also referred to as female–pattern baldness.

Women may enjoy minoxidil (Rogaine) to assist grow hair, or a minimum of , maintain the hair you've got , Dr. Glashofer says. Rogaine is out there over-the-counter and is approved for ladies with this sort of hair loss.

* Your Hormoes are changing

Just as pregnancy hormone changes can cause hair loss, so can switching or going off birth-control pills. this will also cause telogen effluvium, and it's going to be more likely if you've got a case history of hair loss. The change within the hormonal balance that happens at menopause can also have an equivalent result. “The androgen (male hormone) receptors on the scalp becoming activated,” explains Mark Hammonds, MD, a dermatologist with Scott & White Clinic in Round Rock, Texas. “The hair follicles will miniaturize then you begin to lose more hair.”

If a replacement Rx may be a problem, switch back or ask your doctor about other contraception types. Stopping oral contraceptives also can sometimes cause hair loss, but this is often temporary

* You lost alot of weight very quickly

Sudden weight loss may be a sort of physical trauma which will end in thinning hair. this might happen albeit the load lossis ultimately good for you. It’s possible that the load loss itself put unnecessary stress your body, or that not eating right can resulted in vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Loss of hair along side noticeable weight loss can also be a symbol of an disorder like anorexia or bulimia.

This type of hair loss, too, will correct itself once after a short time . "Sudden weight loss seems to shock the system and you’ll have a six-month period of hair loss then it corrects itself