It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp.
Both men and women tend to lose hair thickness and amount as they age. This type of baldness is not usually caused by a disease. It is related to aging, heredity, and changes in the hormone testosterone. Inherited, or pattern baldness, affects many more men than women.
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.
Nutritional deficiencies
Extreme diets that are too low in protein or certain vitamins, such as iron, can sometimes cause excessive hair shedding. A person should contact a doctor for a blood test to check whether they have a nutritional deficiency that could be causing their hair to fall out.
Most of the time when people are chatting about the big 3 for hair loss, they are referring to Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Ketoconazole (Nizoral) shampoo. Although, there are some who feel like the third component of the big 3 should be microneedling in place of Ketoconazole shampoo.
Anyone who is losing more than about 100 hairs a day or noticing large clumps of hair falling out could be experiencing excessive hair shedding. Hair shedding is not the same as permanent hair loss, which leads to the gradual thinning of the hair or a receding hairline. Shedding hair will regrow in the hair follicle.
It has been also proven that obesity can have a negative effect on hair. It can lead to hair thinning. Patients with obesity can undergo bariatric surgery if they meet the inclusion criteria.
Among the common causes are high fevers, childbirth, severe infections, severe chronic illness, severe psychological stress, major surgery or illnesses, over or under active thyroid gland, crash diets with inadequate protein, and a variety of medications.
Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse.
When deficiency disrupts vitamin D in your scalp, the anagen (growth) phase shortens. This prematurely pushes more resting follicles into the telogen (rest) phase. Excessive shedding occurs, resulting in thinner hair. Research clearly demonstrates this link.
This simple test measures the severity of hair loss. During a pull test, a dermatologist grasps small sections of hair, about 40 strands, from different parts of the scalp and gently tugs. If six or more strands fall out, you have what's known as active hair loss.
If you have a problem with your thyroid, you may see thinning hair. Some people notice that their hair comes out in clumps when they brush it. Is regrowth possible? Yes, treating the thyroid disease can reverse the hair loss.
Low iron levels can lead to hair loss. Iron deficiency can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, which increases hair shedding and limits hair growth. Iron deficiency hair loss can be reversed if you get your iron levels back to normal. Oral iron supplements can help replenish your body's iron stores.
A common symptom of an underactive thyroid is weight gain, often around the abdomen. However, the American Thyroid Association states that the weight gain may not necessarily be due to the build up of fat, but the accumulation of salt and water.
Menke′s syndrome and Elejalde disease are the two neurodegenerative disorders of dermatological interest. These patients present with characteristic hair changes which may be of diagnostic value in resource-poor setup where facilities for specific genetic analysis are not available.
If you have changes in heart rate, energy level, skin and hair texture, bowel movements, and mood, there is a chance you have a thyroid condition. More than one out of ten people in the U.S. experiences thyroid issues, and women are more likely to have a thyroid condition than men.
Family history (heredity). The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition that happens with aging.
No Visible Pattern. With stress-related shedding, hair falls out evenly all over your scalp instead of in a defined pattern. You'll likely notice more hairs than usual coming out while shampooing, combing, or on your pillow, clothing, and bathroom floor.
It's perfectly normal to lose a few stray strands when running your fingers, or a comb, through your hair. But if you notice increased hair being pulled out when you are being gentle, this can be a cause of concern that you should get checked over.
Therefore, while belly fat may not be directly responsible for hair loss, it can be a sign of an unhealthy lifestyle that can contribute to hair loss. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress levels can help promote healthy hair growth," said Dr Handa.
Unexplained weight gain and fatigue are common symptoms of many underlying health conditions. They can be caused by hormones, sleep problems, mental health issues, and other health issues. If you have unexplained weight gain and fatigue, see your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.