Why Am I Losing Hair? Common Causes & Solutions

Hair loss can be a frustrating and often distressing experience for many individuals, and understanding the root cause is essential in finding the right solution. Many factors, like genetics and lifestyle, affect hair health. Identifying the cause early can help prevent further hair loss and improve results with the right treatment.

This article will share some possible solutions that will shed light on the common causes of hair loss. The first step toward determining an answer to the problem is knowing the reason for your hair’s thinning or falling out. If it is stress, hormones, diet, or something else, being on the right track can help you encourage healthy growth and minimize loss.

1. Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as pattern baldness, is a frequent cause of hair loss and is often inherited. This condition affects both men and women but shows up differently for each.  In men, the hair loss tends to commence at the temples and at the top of the head. In women, however, the pattern of baldness takes the form of diffuse thinning over the scalp. 

Androgenetic alopecia can develop at puberty, but it is observed to become more pronounced with old age. In many cases, it has been seen to have some onset after menopause in women, suggesting possible hormonal implications. The treatments include minoxidil (Rogaine) to promote hair growth, which usually requires from 6 to 12 months for the results to become noticeable. 

Other treatment options like finasteride (Propecia) may also be used in men; in women, spironolactone (Aldactone), laser therapy, or platelet-rich plasma injection may be considered in conjunction with other therapies to control hair loss.  For those seeking professional solutions, hair transplant procedures in Austin may be an option, along with nutritional supplements to support hair health.

2. Heredity

As people age, it’s common for both men and women to experience a decrease in hair thickness and volume. This type of hair loss is usually not related to any disease but is linked to aging, genetics, and changes in hormone levels, particularly testosterone. 

Hereditary-pattern baldness usually affects more men than women. Men may begin losing hair in their teenage years, and by age 70, 80 percent of them have male-pattern baldness. 

3. Physical or Emotional Stress

Stress, whether physical or emotional, can lead to significant hair loss. This condition, known as telogen effluvium, causes a large portion of hair to shed, sometimes up to three-quarters of the scalp's hair. The hair loss often becomes noticeable when washing, combing, or running your hands through your hair, but it may take weeks or even months for the shedding to appear. Fortunately, telogen effluvium is usually temporary, with hair regrowth occurring over 6 to 8 months, though it can sometimes turn into a long-term issue. Common triggers for this type of hair loss include high fever, childbirth, major surgery or illness, severe emotional stress, crash diets lacking protein, and certain medications like retinoids, birth control pills, beta-blockers, antidepressants, and NSAIDs.

Treatment Options for Hair Loss

Various treatments are available for hair loss, and the best choice depends on the underlying cause of the condition. In most cases, medications, which can be topical or oral, are the first line of treatment.

Treatment methods include over-the-counter minoxidil topical cream, gel, and foam products, which are well-known hair growth stimulators. Finasteride (Propecia) may be prescribed for advanced hair loss in men. The medicine not only slows but also restores some hair. Corticosteroids are recommended if hair loss is associated with an autoimmune problem. 

Additionally, emerging treatments like laser therapy and micro-needling combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are being studied, although they require more research to determine their effectiveness.

For individuals considering professional hair restoration in Dallas, hair transplant surgery is another option for serious cases of alopecia. This procedure takes little pieces of skin with hair follicles from one area of the scalp and relocates them into a bald area. It can be beneficial for someone struggling with genetic baldness but may require several surgeries over time as hair loss continues. Again, it is important to clarify that hair transplants cannot be successful in patients with scarring alopecia.

When to See a Doctor for Hair Loss

You should contact a healthcare provider if you notice unusual hair loss patterns, fast hair loss, or hair loss at a young age (like in your teens or twenties). It's also important to get help if you're experiencing pain or itching with hair loss or if your scalp looks red, scaly, or abnormal. 

If you have bald spots on your eyebrows or beard, unexplained weight gain, muscle weakness, fatigue, or feel sensitive to cold, it's a good idea to seek medical advice. Finally, if you have any scalp infections, contact a healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, stress, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions. Losing some hair is normal with age, but understanding the root cause leads to finding the proper treatment. The available treatments include over-the-counter or prescription medications and more advanced solutions like hair transplants for slowing or reversing hair loss. 

If you're concerned about your hair thinning or shedding, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to identify the best course of action and to rule out any underlying conditions. Many people can manage or improve their hair health with the right treatment and care.