It’s no secret that hair loss is a common problem for both men and women in Downtown DC. In fact, according to the American Hair Loss Association, approximately 40% of men will experience some degree of hair loss by the time they reach the age of 35. And while women are not immune to hair loss, it tends to be more noticeable in men due to their typically thicker hair. Understand that there are many potential causes of hair loss, from genetics and hormones to stress and diet. A Downtown DC hair loss treatment specialist will guide you on these causes. Below are some of them.
Heritability
Anything in your DNA can potentially play a role in causing hair loss. For example, if your parents went through male pattern baldness (which can be attributed to the male hormone testosterone), then there is a good chance that you may go through male pattern baldness. This goes for women, too; if your mother had thinning hair, you might experience thinning at a younger age.
Autoimmune Causes
Autoimmune conditions that involve the body mistakenly attacking healthy cells in your body can also be a significant reason for hair loss. Lupus, for example, is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue in your organs and tissues, including follicles of the scalp.
On the other hand, if you suffer from alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss), your immune system may attack the hair follicles, causing them to become weak and eventually fall out.
Chemotherapy
Hair loss can be a side effect of chemotherapy, but there are ways in which you can prevent it or at least make it less noticeable. First, your doctor may prescribe a medication known as minoxidil to help stop the progression of hair loss and stimulate growth. Also, during chemotherapy treatment, you can wear hats or head coverings that match your style to conceal the hair loss if necessary.
Stress
While not everyone’s hair loss can be attributed to stress, it is well known that this condition can cause hair loss. Stressful life events can change the level of certain hormones in your body, leading to temporary or permanent changes in your hair growth. Hair loss caused by stress usually appears three months after a stressful event and leads to telogen effluvium.
Poor Diet
Not eating a well-balanced diet could be the reason you’re experiencing hair loss along with other symptoms, such as weakness, fatigue, low immunity, and digestive problems. The lack of nutrients in your body can deplete vitamins and minerals, crucial for healthy hair growth. Without these nutrients, you will notice thinning hair or even bald patches. Depending on the severity of your diet, it may take several months before you begin to see changes in your hair.
Hormonal Changes
While hormone changes can be attributed to hair loss in men and women, this is usually only the case if you have experienced abnormal levels of these hormones for a prolonged period. In women, pregnancy can cause hormonal fluctuations that lead to temporary hair loss throughout the entire head; however, it tends to grow back once she gives birth.
If you’re experiencing hair loss, knowing the potential causes is essential. By understanding the root of your problem, you can take steps to address it and hopefully see a return to healthy hair growth. A qualified dermatologist can provide you with individualized advice and treatment options that will get your hair growing back again.