5 Most common reasons cause to hair loss

There are many ideas on why hair loss occurs and it would seem that everyone you talk to has a reason for why it may be happening to you.  There are of course only a few scientific proven reasons for hair loss and many of the other reasons are just merely old wives takes.  The five most common reason for hair loss are:

1. DHT

The major cause of hair loss is of course DHT. DHT is a hormone. DHT is directly related to and affected by the level of testosterone in the bloodstream. DHT blocks the growth of hair in men and is the cause of most baldness. And even though this is a male hormone, women also have a small amount that runs through their blood, some higher than others. When a female inherits hair follicles that are supersensitive to DHT, they start to lose hair just like men do.  Men generally have hair loss concentrated in a specific pattern from the front through to the crown, while women have an overall thinning of the hair throughout the scalp. About half of all people have inherited hair loss by about 50 years of age.

2. Genetics

Although not the primary cause of male-pattern hair loss, genetics does have a significant role in male-pattern hair loss. It is unclear whether having an affected mother or an affected father predisposes descendants to greater risks. When hair loss is related to hormones (androgens) and genetics, it is known as Androgenetic Alopecia, or more commonly just balding. Androgenetic Alopecia is an extremely common disorder.

3. Poor Blood Circulation

Hair loss can be attributed to overall poor blood circulation. Studies have shown that the blood flow to the scalp of men and women suffering from hair loss was significantly lower than those not experiencing hair loss.

4. Environmental Pollutants.

Further studies have indicated that pollutants in the atmosphere have contributed to the production of "environmental hormones" which can also contribute to hair loss.

SUMMARY: As you can see there are many factors that can cause hair loss in both men and women but they all have one underlying theme in common, hair follicles that are affected by hormonal "clogging" agents and poor blood and nutrient circulation are less likely to experience a healthy growth cycle. 

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an acquired skin disease that can affect all hair-bearing skin and is characterized by localised areas of non-scarring hair loss. Alopecia areata, as a rule, is rarely associated with any other external or internal medical problems. Most often these bald areas regrow their hair spontaneously.

What is alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is a hair-loss condition which usually affects the scalp.  It typically causes one or more patches of hair loss. Alopecia areata can affect both genders.

An autoimmune disorder, in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, is believed to cause alopecia areata.

For most patients, the condition resolves without treatment within a year, but hair loss is sometimes permanent.  In some cases alopecia areata can be seasonal.

A number of treatments are known to aid in hair re-growth. Multiple treatments may be necessary, and none consistently works for all patients.

What causes alopecia areata?

Current evidence suggests that alopecia areata is caused by an abnormality in the immune system. As a result, the immune system attacks particular tissues of the body. In alopecia areata, for unknown reasons, the body's own immune system attacks the hair follicles and disrupts normal hair formation. Alopecia areata can occasionally be associated with other autoimmune conditions such as allergic disorders, thyroid disease, vitiligo, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. The diagnosis or treatment of these diseases is unlikely to affect the course of alopecia areata. Sometimes, alopecia areata occurs within family members, suggesting a role of genes.

What are the different patterns of alopecia areata?

The most common pattern is one or more well-defined spots of hair loss on the scalp. There is also a form of more generalized thinning of hair referred to as diffuse alopecia areata throughout the scalp. Occasionally, all of the scalp hair is lost, a condition referred to as alopecia totalis. Less frequently, the loss of all of the hairs on the entire body, called alopecia universalis, occurs.

Who is affected by alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata tends to occur most often in adults 30 to 60 years of age. However, it can also affect older individuals and rarely toddlers. It should be distinguished from hair shedding that may occur following the discontinuation of hormonal estrogen and progesterone therapies for birth control or the hair shedding associated with the end of pregnancy. There are a number of treatable conditions that could be confused with alopecia areata.

What is the treatment for alopecia areata?

There are a variety of treatments depending on the period of time of hair loss and the size area/areas effect.  Steroid injections, creams, and shampoos for the scalp have been used for many years and are known to be effective.   Advise from your GP should be sought as to what treatment is the right treatment for you.