Live Life Team
Although hair thinning and loss are often associated with aging there are numerous reasons why a person may begin to lose the hair on their head, or elsewhere on their body. Hair thinning and loss can affect all men, women and children, although some people may be more prone to the condition than others. Whether it begins to thin gradually or falls out rapidly, hair loss of any kind can be incredibly distressing – particularly when accompanied by other worrying symptoms, or a critical diagnosis. However, not all of its causes are permanent.
A medical condition
There are certain medical conditions that can cause hair thinning and loss, including alopecia areata, diabetes, lupus, hypothyroidism, vitamin B and D deficiency or an overdose of vitamin A. Anaemia, polycystic ovary syndrome and scalp infections, as well as some skin conditions can also cause baldness, hair loss and thinning. Many of these conditions are treatable, and even curable.
Hereditary hair loss
Perhaps the most common cause of hair loss in men and women is a hereditary condition called male, or female pattern baldness. Genes can affect the age at which a person may start to lose their hair, as well as the rate at which it might begin to thin.
Medication
Blood pressure medication, blood thinners, steroids, antidepressants, arthritis treatments and some chemotherapy drugs can cause hair thinning and loss. In some cases, such as chemotherapy, the hair loss may not be permanent. However, it can still be upsetting.
Hormonal changes or imbalances
Pregnant women, new mothers and women experiencing the menopause are prone to hair thinning and loss, as their bodies undergo huge hormonal changes. Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism can detrimentally affect hair, too.
Other factor
Hair thinning and loss can also be caused by poor nutrition and a lack of protein, physical and emotional stress, dramatic weightloss and psychological disorders like trichotillomania, which causes sufferers to pull out their own hair. Over-styling, chemical treatments and heat damage could also contribute towards sensitive scalps and thinning hair.
Unexplained hair thinning and loss at any age can indicate an underlying health condition. It is important that anyone experiencing worrying, or distressing symptoms seeks medical advice as soon as they’re able to.
