The Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss is medically termed Alopecia which means loss of hair from the head or the body. Hair loss occurs in both women and men and there has been and continues to be much research into finding the causes and the prevention of a stressful life situation. Hair loss can occur in a number of ways depending on genetics, environmental or medical factors. There has been much information and insight into hair loss remedy, but to really figure a solution that will work for an individual, one must look into, find out and fully understand the causes.

Trichotillomania is the compulsive urge to pull out ones hair which results in hair loss, social and functional impairment along with distress. Trichotillosis is classified as an impulse control disorder and is chronic and hard to treat. Trichotillomania usually has an age onset from about nine to thirteen and can be triggered by stress, anxiety or depression. Common areas for hair to be pulled out are the scalp, arms, hands, eyebrows and eyelashes. Preliminary data could indicate a genetic component, but the research is relatively new.
Hyperthyroidism is often referred to as an overactive thyroid, a condition in which the thyroid gland produces and secretes copious amounts of thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism has several causes, which can be, the entire gland overproduces the thyroid hormone, a single nodule could be responsible for the excess secretion or it could be Thyroiditis, inflammation of the thyroid. One of the side effects of hyperthyroidism is hair loss. There is medication to balance out the hormones, but the struggle with hair loss, especially for women can be debilitating.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to any event that results in physical and/or emotional trauma. This overwhelms the individuals ability to cope with everyday situations. This in turn makes the individuals stress level rise to heights where the physical body starts to respond in sometimes painful and depressing ways. One of those unwanted and frustrating ways that the body responds to trying to cope with the stress is with hair loss.

Excessive hairstyling can be a cause of some hair loss. Hairstyling routines such as tight ponytails, braids, frequent use of hair relaxer solutions and hot hair equipment like hair straightening irons and blow dryers can damage hair. Heat and chemicals weaken the hair causing it to break and then fall out. Usually a combination of excessive shampooing, styling, coloring and chemical treatments does the most damage.

Research has been done where a gene was identified to be responsible for hair loss in humans. There was a link found between androgenic hormones and hair loss and has a medical term of Androgenic alopecia. Other causes associated with hair loss are side effects from certain medications, chemotherapy and radiation therapy and anabolic steroids. Whatever may be the cause of hair loss being completely informed has enormous advantages when seeking out for hair regrowth treatments.

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