What Causes Hair Loss? (Alopecia)
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, genetics, medication or medical treatments, or certain hairstyling habits. In most cases, hair loss cannot be reversed naturally, but there are treatments that can address hair loss and baldness regardless of the cause.
Heredity from Family
Genetics is the most common cause of hair loss. Hereditary hair loss that occurs with age is caused by a condition known as androgenic alopecia, also called male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness. The condition can often be visibly identified by the fact that it occurs in predictable patterns, usually affecting the hairline in men and the crown of the head in women.
Changes in Hormones
Major life changes that also cause hormonal fluctuations, such as pregnancy or menopause, or medical issues such as thyroid conditions, can result in hair loss. In addition, a condition known as alopecia areata can cause patchy hair loss, scalp infections such as ringworm, and trichotillomania, which is a hair-pulling disorder.
Medication Related
Some medications list hair loss as a potential side effect. Certain medicines used to treat cancer, arthritis, some heart conditions, depression, and high blood pressure may cause hair loss. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to advise whether any medications you are taking may result in hair loss.
Therapy with Radiation
If you are undergoing radiation therapy to the head or near the head, you will likely experience hair loss. In these cases, hair may grow back, but it may not grow back the way it was prior to the radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Stress and Anxiety
In some cases, individuals who have experienced sudden, stressful events or those who suffer from stress or anxiety over a long period of time may experience hair loss. Hair loss from stress can be caused by telogen effluvium, a condition that pushes hair follicles into a resting phase, or by alopecia areata. Trichotillomania, a hair-pulling disorder, can also be triggered by stress.
Hairstyling and Treatment
Some hairstyling practices, including tight braids or ponytails, or harsh chemical treatments, can result in hair loss.
What Are the Types of Hair Loss?
There are three types of hair loss:
- Anagen effluvium, which is caused by medications or medical treatments.
- Telogen effluvium, which is caused by an increase in the number of hair follicles reaching the telogen phase (the phase when hair falls out)
- Androgenetic alopecia/female pattern alopecia/female pattern hair loss (FPHL)/baldness, which is when hair thins on the top and sides of the head.
Prevention from Getting Hair Loss
In some cases, such as with genetics or necessary medical treatment, hair loss is not preventable. However, you can take steps to prevent or reduce receding hair or hair loss by reducing or eliminating harsh chemical treatments or styling practices, such as perms or tools like curling irons, protecting your hair from sunlight, and speaking with your doctor about supplements that may encourage hair growth.
Non-Surgical Solutions for Hair Loss
Here are some non-surgical options you can investigate.
Medication Treatment
Some prescription medications can help prevent or treat hair loss. These include minoxidil, a drug developed to treat high blood pressure that also stimulates hair growth and prolongs the growth period of hair. Minoxidil is most effective in individuals who are under 40 years of age. Because it is intended to treat high blood pressure, a prescription for hair loss would be considered an off-label treatment.
Finasteride (often sold as Propecia) is another medication that can be prescribed to treat hair loss, specifically male-pattern baldness.
Other non-prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements, such as biotin or Rogaine, may help address hair loss.
Wigs and Hairpieces
Wigs and hairpieces can be purchased to cover up baldness. In many cases, wigs can be custom designed to mimic your natural hair’s appearance and can be made from a variety of materials, including human hair.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Hair Loss?
At SpaMedica, the amount it will cost to address your hair loss depends on the treatment you choose. Contact us to get a quote.
Hair Loss Solutions at Spamedica
At SpaMedica, we offer a number of hair transplant solutions that can help restore your confidence and self-assuredness. Contact us to schedule a consultation for your hair loss treatment today.
