Both men and women can experience hair loss. There are many reasons why you could be losing your hair, ranging from a vitamin deficiency to health conditions to heredity. Thinning hair and hair loss can be temporary or more long-lasting. If you are starting to notice your scalp is getting patchy or you are finding more and more hair stuck in your shower drain, know that you are not alone, and there are many reasons why hair loss could be happening. Here are a few of the more commons reasons why you could be losing your hair.
Heredity
Male-pattern baldness – for both men and women – can be caused by a combination of genes and male sex hormones. Both male and female pattern baldness and hair loss can be genetic. But just don’t just blame mom’s side – that’s a myth. If members of either side of your immediate family started losing their hair at a certain age, you may be more prone to it.
Physical injury, stress or trauma
Hair loss can be directly related to an injury, stress or trauma. When you have a physical or emotional trauma to the body, it can shock the cycle of hair growth and put the “shedding phase” of hair development into overdrive. This hair loss may be noticeable about 3-6 months after the illness or trauma. This type of hair loss is usually temporary and will correct itself as you heal.
Pregnancy
Everyone knows pregnancy can bring about a multitude of changes to a woman’s body. While some women experience thick, luxurious hair during their pregnancy, others experience hair loss. Hormones and the stress that a woman’s body goes through during pregnancy and delivery are to blame. Taking your pre-natal vitamins and solid nutrition may prevent hair loss during your term. The good news is that your hair should grow back 2-3 months after having your baby.
Female hormones
A change in hormone levels can also spark hair loss in women. These changes can be caused by menopause or by stopping birth control. The reason this happens is because male hormone receptors on the scalp become active, causing hair follicles to get smaller, triggering hair loss.
Lack of protein in your diet
Proteins are the foundation of your body, breaking down into amino acids that promote cell growth and repair. If you are not getting enough protein in your diet, then your body may ration the remaining protein by slowing down hair growth. Luckily, you can nosh your way to better health. Excellent sources of protein include meat, fish, and eggs. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, have no fear. Quinoa, peas, nuts, and beans are also excellent plant-based options.
Too many vitamins
Vitamins can be beneficial to your body and overall health, if you’re taking the right ones in the correct dosages. However, too much of certain vitamins can cause hair loss. For example, it has been shown that taking medications or supplements with too much Vitamin A can trigger hair loss. Thankfully, this type of hair loss is reversible, and once the excess vitamins are stopped, hair should begin to grow normally again.
Not enough vitamins
On the other hand, certain vitamins and minerals actually promote healthier hair, thereby preventing loss. If you are not taking Biotin, Vitamin C, B-Complex, Vitamin E, Iron, and other key vitamins and minerals, you could be cheating your hair out of some good growth food.
Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as anemia, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, or auto-immune diseases, can all cause hair loss.
Certain medications
Use of certain medications such as anabolic steroids, anti-depressants, blood thinners, beta blockers, and chemotherapy are also common causes of hair loss. In this case, hair tends to grow back after treatment is complete, but it may not grow back to the degree that it did before or the texture may change.
Damage from Over-styling
Most of us are guilty of abusing our hair over the years. From hair dryers and flat irons to perms and keratin treatments, your hair has probably been through a lot. Harsh chemicals and high heats can cause a great deal of damage. To avoid future damage to your hair, avoid over-styling, use natural conditioners after each shampoo, and let your hair air dry as often as possible.
Treatments for Hair Loss
Thankfully, there are excellent options available for treating hair loss. Topical creams, as well as oral medications and nutritional supplements can stop hair loss or even help new hair to grow. Northwest Hair Restoration offers surgical and non-surgical treatments such as hair transplants, and hair grafting, as well as exciting and proven treatments in the form of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and other nonsurgical therapies that use your body’s own natural healing processes to rejuvenate hair growth.
If you experience thinning hair or hair loss, the friendly staff at Northwest Hair Restoration welcomes your call and looks forward to serving you. If you have any questions about our surgical and non-surgical hair restoration services, please call our office at (253) 572-2949. To schedule an appointment, you can call us or use our secure online appointment request form.
