Heredity and Family History
Hair loss has been a significant problem for many people across the world. However, not many of us are aware that it is caused by certain medical conditions, hormonal changes, stress, or genetics. One of the primary reasons for hair loss is heredity, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia.
If your family has a history of hair thinning, baldness, or hair loss, suffering from the same condition can be a probability. This is because genes determine hair density, texture, and growth phases, leading to hair loss instead of regrowth.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones play a vital role in human development and maintenance. Sometimes, due to the change in hormonal levels, hair follicles undergo changes that lead to hair loss. One such hormone is dihydrotestosterone (DHT) – a derivative of testosterone – which attaches to hair follicles that eventually restrict hair growth, causing severe hair fall.
Other hormonal changes relevant to hair loss cause alterations in thyroid levels in the body. The thyroid is responsible for regulating numerous hormones that support hair growth. An underactive or overactive thyroid can adversely affect the hair’s strength and density.
Mental and Physical Stress
Stress has become a common aspect of our lives, and let’s face it – it can be the cause of several chronic ailments. However, it also has a significant impact on our skin and hair health. Severe stress can induce inflammation and lower the blood supply to hair follicles, hampering hair growth and resulting in thin hair and hair fall.
The body becomes receptive to stress hormones, elevating hormonal levels and further worsening the hair loss condition. Sleep deprivation and unhealthy eating habits can also be the apparent effects of stress, and the underlying reasons for hair thinning and hair fall.
Nutritional Deficiency
Your hair’s texture and health are directly influenced by the food you consume. Nutritional deficiencies, especially of biotin, zinc, iron, Vitamin B6 & D, can cause hair breakage and hair fall. Along with these deficiencies, a diet low in protein also impacts the hair’s growth and further deteriorates the quality of existing hair.
It is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, including leafy greens, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, in your everyday meals. This supports the body’s and hair’s health, reducing the chances of hair loss and promoting hair regrowth.
Medical Conditions and Treatment
Medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Alopecia Areata, and Trichotillomania can cause hair loss. PCOS causes hormonal imbalances, and Alopecia results from the immune system attacking hair follicles. Trichotillomania is an obsessive-compulsive hair-pulling behavior that can lead to hair fall.
Additionally, treating medical conditions such as cancer and thyroid imbalance with extensive chemotherapy, radiation, and medication can cause temporary or permanent hair loss. The treatment can cause hair follicle damage and interrupt hair growth, resulting in thinning or balding in the affected areas.
The Role of Environmental Factors
Lastly, while environmental factors do not necessarily cause hair loss, they can aggravate or worsen existing hair loss issues. Air pollution and excessive sun exposure can penetrate the hair strands and harm the hair cuticles, leading to hair breakage and hair fall. Other environmental factors, such as salty water, hard water, and climate conditions, also determine hair texture, growth rate, and hair loss issues.
Conclusion
Hair loss can be a frustrating and worrying experience, and identifying the root cause is an essential step in addressing the issue. Dermatologists and Trichologists can provide a deeper understanding of the reason behind hair fall and guide us towards appropriate treatments and management techniques. Curious to learn more about the topic? We have you covered! Read this useful material, check out the external source for more in-depth information and fresh perspectives.
While several external factors contribute to hair fall, focusing on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, consuming a balanced diet and reducing stress can help maintain our hair’s quality and promote hair growth.
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