There are several factors that can cause hair loss. The most common is genetic. Since male pattern baldness is hereditary, and is the most common form of alopecia, this accounts for the main factor in hair loss.
Normally, most people lost 50 to 100 hairs on a daily basis, as a natural ‘shedding’ process. However, new hairs also grow that maintain the balance and prevent noticeable thinning of scalp hair. When this normal cycle of hair-fall and growth is broken or the hair follicle is damaged, hair loss occurs.
Understanding the exact cause of hair loss may be difficult because it is so diverse and may range from simple or temporary reasons to complex health conditions. However, it is normally associated with one or more of the factors specified below:
Hair Loss Causes
Hereditary A hereditary condition called male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss. It gradually occurs in a predictable patterns – a fade-out hairline and bald spot in men and thinning of the hair in women. It also influences the age at which one will start losing hair, the rate of hair loss, and the size of the baldness in men.
Hormonal Temporary hair loss can also be caused by changes and imbalances in hormones during pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause. As thyroid problems involve hormone levels, it can also be a cause of hair loss. This is often reversible.
Medical conditions When the hair follicles are attacked by the immune system of the body, a type of sudden hair loss called alopecia areata occurs that makes bald patches on the skin. Permanent hair loss can be caused by skin disorders that cause scarring alopecia, such as sarcoidosis, lichen planus, etc. Ringworm infections can also result in hair loss, but hair usually come back once the infections are treated.
Medication Certain drugs used to treat heart problems, cancer, depression, arthritis, etc, can also cause hair loss. Vitamin A in large doses may also lead to hair loss.
