Hair loss can happen to anyone, at any time, and for all kinds of reasons. What’s often overlooked is that sometimes hair loss is a signal that something deeper is going on with your health. The causes are varied, but understanding them is the first step toward regaining control.
Interested in discovering more? Dr. Jae Pak has you covered. Read on to uncover the types of illnesses that can cause hair loss and how to get on the path to better hair health.
Hair loss, or alopecia, is when shedding exceeds the normal cycle of growth and replacement. It’s not just about losing a few strands here and there — when the balance is tipped significantly, that’s when you notice changes. So, how can you tell if you’re really experiencing hair loss?
Here are some signs:
Believe it or not, hair loss is incredibly common. In fact, it’s something that millions of people experience at some point in their lives. Whether it’s a receding hairline, thinning hair, or patchy bald spots, hair loss affects both men and women.
According to experts, male pattern baldness alone impacts up to 50 million men in the U.S., while female pattern baldness affects about 30 million women. But it doesn’t stop there — hair loss isn’t just genetic.
Hormonal changes, stress, and even medical conditions like thyroid disease or alopecia areata can lead to significant hair shedding. So, if you’re noticing more hair in the shower drain, you’re definitely not alone.
Now that we’ve covered what hair loss is and how common it is, let’s dive deeper into some specific medical conditions that might be behind it. While some hair loss is temporary, other times, it’s rooted in underlying illnesses that need to be addressed.
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss or distinct bald patches. This can occur on the scalp, and sometimes, it affects body hair and facial hair, too.
Treatments aimed at fostering hair regrowth include topical options like minoxidil. In some cases, a hair transplant may be considered to restore the affected areas.
Thyroid Disease impacts your hair due to its crucial role in regulating your body’s metabolism, including your hair growth cycle. Both hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can lead to thinning hair across the scalp.
Blood tests can diagnose these imbalances, and appropriate medical treatment for thyroid conditions often stabilizes hair loss and can gradually restore hair density.
Telogen Effluvium is a form of hair loss triggered by significant stress, shock to your system, or traumatic events such as surgery, severe illness, or even dramatic weight loss. These stresses can cause more hairs than usual to enter the resting phase, leading to widespread hair shedding.
This condition usually resolves itself once the triggering event is overcome, allowing the growth cycle to resume normal activity and your hair to begin growing back.
Tinea Capitis, commonly known as scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection that attacks the scalp, leading to bald spots and potentially scarring alopecia. This condition is notorious among children but doesn’t spare adults, causing itching, scaling, and, sometimes, painful lesions that result in hair loss.
Treatment typically involves antifungal medications that need to be taken for several weeks to ensure the infection is fully eradicated. Maintaining rigorous hair care routines can help prevent its recurrence and protect against the spread of the infection within households.
Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to pull out one’s hair, whether from the scalp, eyebrows, or other areas, leading to noticeable bald spots or thinning hair. This compulsive behavior can damage hair follicles, resulting in permanent hair loss if not addressed.
Managing trichotillomania often requires a combination of therapies, including behavioral strategies and counseling. These interventions aim to address the underlying emotional triggers and teach coping mechanisms to reduce or eliminate hair-pulling behaviors.
We’ve touched on specific illnesses, but what about other common conditions and factors that lead to hair loss? From autoimmune skin diseases to styling practices, several other elements can influence your hair’s health.
Now that we’ve explored various illnesses that can lead to hair loss, let’s pivot to proactive steps you can take to maintain healthy hair and encourage regrowth. Implementing the right hair care strategies can make a big difference in your hair’s health, texture, and growth.
Choosing the right shampoos and conditioners is crucial for keeping your hair and scalp healthy. Opt for products that are gentle and free from harsh chemicals that can strip your hair of its natural oils and irritate your scalp. These gentle products help protect the hair shaft from damage and can prevent breakage and excessive shedding.
Additionally, consider integrating supplements like biotin into your routine. Biotin is well-known for supporting hair strength and enhancing hair growth, helping to fortify your hair from the inside out.
Stress isn’t just a mental or emotional issue — it can also manifest physically, significantly impacting your hair growth cycle. Conditions like telogen effluvium are often triggered by stress, leading to noticeable hair thinning and loss.
Managing stress through regular exercise, meditation, proper rest, and a balanced diet can help stabilize your hair growth cycle and minimize stress-related shedding.
If you’re noticing signs of thinning hair or bald patches, it might be time to see a dermatologist. These specialists can provide valuable insights into the health of your scalp and hair.
They can perform blood tests to rule out underlying conditions and recommend effective treatments like minoxidil or finasteride. Getting professional advice is key to tailoring a treatment plan that suits your specific needs and maximizes your chances of regrowth.
Your daily habits play a crucial role in the health of your scalp and hair. Making simple changes in your lifestyle can have a big impact. For instance, avoiding tight hairstyles such as braids, ponytails, or perms that pull on the scalp can prevent traction alopecia, a form of hair loss due to strain on hair follicles.
Additionally, a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports hair strength and growth. It’s also wise to review any medications, including birth control pills, which can sometimes influence hair health due to hormonal changes.
Assessing your daily routine and making adjustments where necessary can help maintain the health of your scalp hair and reduce the risk of hair loss.
If you’re exploring options for addressing your hair loss, consider consulting with Dr. Jae Pak. An accomplished artist and engineer turned physician, Dr. Pak combines technical expertise with an artistic touch to offer superior hair restoration solutions.
At Jae Pak MD Medical, patients benefit from a blend of cutting-edge technology and personalized care, ensuring the best possible outcomes for hair restoration. Dr. Pak specializes in FUT, FUE, Scalp MicroPigmentation, and Protein Rich Support with Wharton’s Jelly, tailoring each approach to your unique hair loss situation.
Whether you’re dealing with pattern baldness, thinning hair, or more complex scalp conditions, Dr. Pak’s comprehensive approach addresses both aesthetic concerns and underlying health issues, helping to restore not only your hair but also your confidence.
Understanding the complexities of hair loss is the first step toward regaining control of your hair health. Whether you’re dealing with a temporary condition triggered by stress or a more permanent genetic issue, there are strategies and treatments available to help.
At Jae Pak MD Medical, we combine advanced technology with a personalized approach to address your unique hair loss situation effectively. If you’re ready to explore solutions and start on the path to regrowth, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Dr. Jae Pak is dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes with treatments tailored to your specific needs — from managing early signs of thinning to undertaking comprehensive restoration procedures.
Contact us today to begin your journey back to healthy, vibrant hair.
Sources:
Androgenetic alopecia | MedlinePlus Genetics
The Menopausal Transition: Is the Hair Follicle “Going through Menopause”? | PMC
Hair loss: Who gets and causes | American Academy of Dermatology
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