What
causes hair loss?
Although a certain amount of daily
hair loss is normal, excessive hair
loss may be the result of a person's
overall health, choice of hair style,
medications they take, or stress.
Other than daily shedding of hair,
the biggest cause of hair loss is
a condition known as androgenetic
alopecia. It accounts for 95% of hair
loss cases.
Common causes of hair loss include:
- age: The rate of hair growth slows
down as we age and the hair appears
thinner because new hair does not
grow as quickly.
- certain medications: Cancer chemotherapy
causes damage to hair follicles,
leading to hair loss. However, not
everyone who has chemotherapy experiences
hair loss. Hair typically starts
to grow after finishing the treatment,
and may even start to grow back
before treatment is finished. Other
medications that may cause hair
loss include isotretinoin and lithium
used to treat bipolar disorder.
Amphetamines, a chemical in diet
pills, can also cause hair loss.
- changes in hormone levels: This
change relates to androgenetic alopecia.
In men, hair follicles that are
sensitive to the male hormones may
fall out in patterns known as "male
pattern baldness." In women,
temporary hair loss may occur at
puberty, after pregnancy, after
menopause, or after completing oral
contraceptives.
- hairstyles: Pulling the hair into
tight ponytails and styling the
hair in braids or cornrows can permanently
damage the hair follicles. Hair
falls out and may not grow again.
This type of hair loss is known
as traction alopecia.
- medical conditions: Autoimmune
diseases that attack healthy hair
follicles and cause hair loss may
occur in both sexes, as well as
in any age group. Leukemia and lymphoma
are two other conditions that may
also result in the loss of hair.
- poor nutrition: Eating a balanced
diet is important for all functions
of the body - even the growth of
your hair.
Getting
to the root of the problem
The most important step is to talk
to your doctor to determine the cause
of hair loss. Your doctor will look
at your medical history to identify
the steps needed to reverse hair loss
or possibly correct a medical condition
that is the cause of hair loss.
To deal with hair loss, your doctor
may suggest:
- switching medications if a specific
medication is causing the hair loss
- waiting until after a stressful
event has passed to see if hair
grows again
- a prescription for a medication
that you apply to the scalp. Two
common topical medications include
minoxidil and finasteride. They
both help halt hair loss and stimulate
the hair to grow. Although minoxidil
is available for men and women,
only men can use finasteride.
- a wig or hairpiece. These tools
cover areas where hair loss is visible
and can come in a variety of styles
and colours to match your own hair.
In the case of hair loss due to
chemotherapy, some insurance plans
cover this cost if you have a prescription
from your doctor.
- improving your diet
- avoiding certain hairstyles that
pull the hair too tight
If you feel depressed about hair
loss, be sure to talk to a health
care professional. Your doctor or
Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist can discuss
possible treatments with you, but
only your doctor can prescribe medications
to help with hair loss.
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