Causes for Hair Loss

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Causes for Hair Loss

Although the most common cause of hair loss in men is Male Pattern Baldness, there are many other ailments and conditions which cause or contribute to premature hair loss and substandard appearance of hair in both men and women.
These conditions can be genetic, environmental, or biological in origin.

Aging
Heredity
Hormones
Poor circulation
Acute illness
Surgery
Radiation exposure
Skin disease
Sudden weight loss
High fever
Iron deficiency
Diabetes
Thyroid disease
Drugs such as those used in chemotherapy, antidepressants, etc.
Exposure to chemicals such as those used to purify swimming pools, bleach, dye, and perm hair.
Burns
X-rays
Scalp injuries
Poor diet
Vitamin deficiencies
In women following child birth
Stress

Some scientists believe that the body's immune system mistakes hair follicles for foreign tissue and attacks them. Many suspect a genetic component.

Diagnosing Hair Problems

Flaking scalp. Likely cause: Dandruff
Men's hair receding at the temples. Likely cause: Male-pattern baldness
Generalized thinning of women's hair, often starting 3-4 months after the birth of a baby. Likely cause: Hormonal changes
Patches of complete hair loss, in men or women, often with very short hairs visible. Likely cause: Alopecia areata
Generalized thinning and dry hair. Likely cause: Underactive thyroid gland.

Source: Michael Van Straten, "Home Remedies"

Temporary hair loss can occur in conjunction with a high fever, a severe illness, thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, general anesthesia, drug treatments, hormonal imbalance, or extreme stress, and in women following childbirth. In these conditions, a large number of hair follicles suddenly go into a resting phase, causing hair to thin noticeably.

Drugs that can cause temporary hair loss include:

Chemotherapeutic agents used in cancer treatment
Two or more aspirin a day
Anticoagulants
Amphetamines
Retinoids used to treat acne and skin problems
Beta-adrenergic blockers used to control blood pressure
Diet pills
Cortisone - Cortisone can make hair grow on the face and fall out of the head.
Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
Some anti-depressants

Hair loss can be caused by burns, x-rays, scalp injuries, and exposure to certain chemicals. In such cases, normal hair growth usually returns once the underlying causes are eliminated.
Hair loss may also originate from major shock such as a serious accident, or stress such as prolonged illness, divorce, death of someone close, or liver disease caused by years of heavy drinking. If the situation is remedied and the stress brought under control, the hair loss usually is not permanent and can be reversed.
Women who suffer from very heavy periods, may experience losing hair. This could be a sign of iron-deficiency.
Hair loss is natural in the spring, autumn, and for new mothers.
Too-frequent washing, permanent waves, bleaching, and dyeing hair can contribute to overall thinning of hair by making hair weak and brittle.
Severe damage to the hair or scalp sometimes causes permanent bald patches.