Causes of Hair Loss (Alopecia)

Hair loss (Alopecia) can occur for a variety of reasons. Aging, genetic factors, lifestyle and some diseases are the main factors causing hair loss. Understanding the underlying causes can help in finding the appropriate treatment and management strategy.

In most cases, hair loss can be managed with proper care and reversed via hair transplant.

Common causes of hair loss can be summarized as follows:

1. Aging: As people age, the rate of hair growth slows down, and hair tends to thin. This is observed naturally in all people. In most of the males, hair loss becomes visible after 30s or 40s. Usually women experience it later and less visibly.

2. Genetic Factors: This is the most common cause why some people start to lose hair at younger ages. While all people experience hair loss with age, some people tend to experience it earlier and faster than others. This does not mean that the person is unhealthy or treating his/her hair inappropriately.

3. Lifestyle: Not surprisingly, hair health depends on person’s lifestyle. And stress is number one on the list. Direct effects of stress or lifestyle changes related to stress adversely affect hair health. Smoking, alcohol abuse, sleep disorders, obesity and blood circulation problems make hair weaker and can accelerate hair loss. Another important factor is nutritional imbalances. Lack of protein, iron, and other nutrients can lead to hair loss. Improving lifestyle helps to stop hair loss. Keep in mind that hair health depends on your overall health.

4. Medical Conditions and Hormonal Problems: Certain diseases and medications used cause hair loss. Hair loss can be temporary or permanent. In this case, hair loss management heavily depends on those diseases/medications:

   1. Scalp infections such as ringworm can invade the hair and scalp, leading to hair loss.

   2. Conditions like alopecia areata (autoimmune disease), where the immune system attacks hair follicles, can cause hair loss.

   3. Some drugs used for cancer, arthritis, depression and heart/blood problems can cause hair loss. Excessive intake of vitamin A can also lead to hair loss.

   4. Radiation therapy to the head can cause hair loss.

   5. Hormonal issues like Thyroid problems and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can lead to hair loss.

   6. In women, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause can cause hair loss due to hormonal changes.

If you're experiencing hair loss, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or a dermatologist. If the underlying problem is not a specific disease or hormonal problem, hair loss can be managed and reversed with the combination of proper care and hair transplant.

If a disease or medical condition is the main cause, it is advised to address this issue first and then to consider treatments for hair loss.