Hair loss can affect people of any age. While losing some hair is normal, hair loss is a medical condition resulting from a significant loss of hair, balding, or measurable thinning of hair.
Hair loss can be hereditary, and it can also be caused by many other factors. Thankfully, many of the causes of hair loss can be treated or even stopped with help from a board-certified dermatologist. With specialized knowledge and training, a dermatologist can help you identify the cause of your hair loss and make recommendations for addressing it such as increasingly popular Greeley PRP treatments for hair loss.
Signs and Symptoms of Hair Loss
Because losing small amounts of hair is normal, people often don’t realize that they may be experiencing hair loss.
Typical signs of hair loss include:
- Change in hairline (receding hairline)
- Noticeable thinning of hair on the scalp, especially at the crown of the head
- Significant or excessive amount of hair falling out after showering or brushing
- Sudden loss of patches of hair
- Bald patches
- Complete baldness
- Loss of hair on other areas of the body
Hair loss can be troubling for a person of any age, but thankfully there are treatments available, and in some cases, hair loss can even be stopped. Before you can commit to a treatment plan, however, it is important to identify why you are losing your hair.
You can read more about who may experience hair loss and what causes it by clicking here. The following is a list of some of the most common causes for hair loss in both men and women:
Hereditary Hair Loss
The most common type of hair loss in both men and women is hereditary hair loss. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 80 million people in the United States experience hair loss due to a genetic predisposition. Hereditary hair loss is also known as male-pattern baldness, female-pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia.
Hereditary hair loss in men typically presents itself with a receding hairline or bald patches on the top of the head. Women will notice a significant thinning of their hair throughout the scalp, but particularly at the crown.
Alopecia
In addition to androgenetic alopecia, there are other forms of alopecia that lead to hair loss.
Alopecia areata is the most common. This disorder is believed to be an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its own hair and causes it to fall out in smooth, round patches. It can cause a loss of hair on the scalp as well as on other areas of the body. Dermatologists commonly treat this condition and in many cases have helped people achieve regrowth of hair.
Cicatricial alopecia is a rare disease that destroys the hair follicles of a person. Scar tissue then forms in place of the follicles preventing hair from being able to regrow.
Hormonal Changes or Conditions
Hormones are believed to play a significant role in causing hair loss, particularly in women. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, childbirth or menopause can cause temporary hair loss at varying degrees due to falling levels of estrogen. Hormonal conditions such as a thyroid disorder can also lead to thinning hair and hair loss.
Stress
Stress is a very common cause of hair loss in men and women. High levels of constant stress or stress following a traumatic event can cause general thinning of hair that, fortunately, should only be temporary.
Certain Medications
Hair loss is a known side effect of many medications used to treat medical conditions such as high blood pressure, arthritis, depression, cancer, heart disease, and gout. Other medications linked to hair loss include birth control pills, blood thinners, and anabolic steroids. People who get too much vitamin A can also experience hair loss.
Cancer Treatments
Hair loss, partial or full, is a well-known side effect of cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. This form of hair loss is temporary, however, and hair should grow back after treatment is completed.
Medical Conditions
Many medical conditions can lead to hair loss. In many cases, hair grows back once the condition has been treated. Medical conditions that can cause hair loss include diabetes, ringworm, lupus, thyroid disease, anemia, iron deficiency, and eating disorders. Trichotillomania is another medical condition that results in hair loss, and it causes people to pull out their own hair.
Treatments for Hair loss
If you suffer from significant hair loss, it may be time to see a professional dermatologist to see if PRP treatments or other treatment options could be right for you. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.