Hair Loss: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments 2020

Hair loss is a common problem that affects many people at some point in their lives. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors. In this article, we will explore the causes of hair loss, the different types of loss of hair, and the treatments available to help restore hair growth.

Loss of hair, also known as alopecia, is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be a distressing and embarrassing experience, leading to feelings of self-consciousness and low self-esteem. In this article, we will examine the causes, symptoms, and treatments of loss of hair.

Causes of Hair Loss

Genetics: Hair loss can be inherited from either your mother’s or father’s side of the family. This type of hair loss, known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menopause, pregnancy, or thyroid disorders, can also cause loss of hair.
Medical Conditions: Medical conditions such as autoimmune disorders, fungal infections, and scalp conditions can lead to loss of hair.
Lifestyle Factors: Lifestyle factors such as stress, poor diet, and excessive use of heat styling tools can also contribute to loss of hair.
Androgenetic Alopecia: This is a genetic condition that affects both men and women, and is the most common cause of loss of hair. It occurs when hair follicles shrink, leading to thinning hair and eventually, baldness.
Telogen Effluvium: This condition occurs when hair falls out in large clumps due to stress, illness, medication, or pregnancy.
Alopecia Areata: This is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body.
Traction Alopecia: This condition occurs when hair is pulled too tightly, causing damage to the hair follicles and resulting in loss of hair.
Scarring Alopecia: This is a condition that occurs when the hair follicles are destroyed, leading to permanent loss of hair.

Symptoms of Hair Loss

The symptoms of hair loss can vary depending on the cause. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Thinning hair
Bald patches
Slow hair growth
Loss of hair along the hairline
A receding hairline
Complete baldness

Types of Hair Loss

Androgenetic Alopecia: This is the most common type of loss of hair and affects both men and women. It is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones and typically results in a receding hairline and thinning hair on the top of the scalp.
Telogen Effluvium: This type of loss of hair occurs when the hair follicles enter the telogen phase and fall out more quickly than they are replaced. It is often caused by physical or emotional stress, but can also be caused by medical conditions such as thyroid disorders and pregnancy.
Alopecia Areata: This is an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss on the scalp and other areas of the body. It is thought to be caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors.
Traction Alopecia: This type of hair loss occurs when tight hairstyles, such as braids or cornrows, pull on the hair and damage the hair follicles, leading to hair loss.

Diagnosis of Hair Loss

To diagnose loss of hair, a doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history. They may also perform a blood test to determine if there is an underlying medical condition causing the hair loss. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to determine the cause of the loss of hair.

Treatments for Hair Loss

There are several treatments available for loss of hair, including medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Some of the most common treatments include:

Medications: Minoxidil and finasteride are two medications that are commonly used to treat hair loss. Minoxidil is a topical medication that is applied to the scalp, while finasteride is a pill that is taken orally.
Surgery: Hair transplant surgery is a procedure that involves removing hair from one part of the scalp and transplanting it to the balding area.
Lifestyle Changes: Making changes to your diet, exercise routine, and stress levels can help to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth.

Minoxidil: Minoxidil is a topical medication that is applied to the scalp to help promote hair growth. It is available over-the-counter and is effective for many people with androgenetic alopecia.
Finasteride: Finasteride is a prescription medication that is taken orally to help reduce the production of the hormone that causes hair loss. It is effective for many men with androgenetic alopecia.
Hair Transplants: Hair transplants are a surgical procedure that involves removing hair follicles from one area of the scalp and transplanting them to another. This can help restore hair growth and improve the appearance of hair loss.
Low-Level Laser Therapy: Low-level laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level lasers to stimulate hair growth. It is available at many hair restoration clinics and has been shown to be effective for many people with hair loss.
Scalp Micropigmentation: Scalp micropigmentation is a cosmetic treatment that involves injecting pigment into the scalp to create the appearance of hair follicles. It is a good option for those with extensive hair loss who are not good candidates for hair transplants.

Natural Treatments for Hair Loss

If you are looking for a more natural approach to treating loss of hair, there are several options available to you. Some of the most effective natural treatments include:

Scalp Massages: Regular scalp massages can help to increase blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth.
Essential Oils: Essential oils such as rosemary, lavender, and peppermint oil can help to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss.
Herbal Supplements: Supplements made from herbs such as saw palmetto, biotin, and ginseng can help to strengthen hair follicles and promote hair growth.
Diet: Eating a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and vitamins B and D, can help to support hair health and prevent hair loss.
Stress Management: High levels of stress can contribute to hair loss, so it is important to manage stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga.

It is important to note that natural treatments for hair loss may not work for everyone, and results can vary. It is best to speak with a doctor before starting any new treatment, to determine if it is safe and effective for you. Additionally, it is important to be patient, as natural treatments for loss of hair often take several months to show results.

Foods That Can Help Prevent Hair Loss

A well-balanced diet that is rich in essential nutrients can help to promote hair health and prevent loss of hair. Here are some foods that can help:

Salmon: Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for hair health.
Eggs: Eggs are a rich source of biotin and protein, both of which are important for hair health.
Spinach: Spinach is rich in iron, folate, and vitamins A and C, all of which are important for hair health.
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a good source of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, a nutrient important for hair health.
Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds are rich in vitamins and minerals such as biotin, magnesium, and zinc, all of which are important for hair health.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin B5, all of which are important for hair health.
Oysters: Oysters are a rich source of zinc, which is important for hair health.

By including these foods in your diet, you can help to support your hair health and prevent hair loss. However, it is important to remember that a balanced diet is just one aspect of hair care, and other factors such as genetics and stress can also play a role in loss of hair.

Does hair loss treatment is expensive?

Yes, loss of hairs treatments can be expensive. The cost of treatment varies depending on the type of treatment and the severity of loss of hair. Some of the more expensive treatments include hair transplant surgery, which can cost several thousands of dollars, and low-level laser therapy, which can also be expensive.

In addition to these treatments, there are also less expensive options such as topical treatments and supplements, which can cost anywhere from a few dollars to several hundred dollars.

It is important to keep in mind that the cost of treatment is just one factor to consider when choosing a hair loss treatment. It is also important to consider the potential benefits, risks, and side effects of each treatment, as well as the experience and qualifications of the practitioner providing the treatment.

If you are considering a loss of hair treatment, it is best to speak with a doctor or a hair loss specialist to determine the best option for you, taking into account your individual needs, budget, and goals.

Conclusion

Hair loss is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be caused by many factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, and stress. Symptoms of hair loss can vary, but may include thinning hair, bald patches, slow hair growth, and complete baldness. There are several treatments available for hair loss, including medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes. If you are experiencing hair loss, it is important to speak with a doctor to determine the cause and receive the appropriate treatment.

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