What Causes Hair Loss?
People suffer from hair loss or thinning hair for various reasons, including stress, hormonal fluctuations, genetics, natural aging, or even accidents. Illnesses and vitamin and nutrient deficiencies can also contribute to hair loss.
In men, male pattern baldness, known as androgenetic alopecia, results from genetics or a family history of baldness. While most people assume only men seek hair loss treatments, many women struggle with hair loss too. Although women do not typically go completely bald, they can experience thinning, brittle hair that breaks easily and sheds more than usual.
- Hereditary factors can cause hair loss in both men and women.
- Hormonal imbalances due to pregnancy or menopause can cause temporary or permanent hair loss in women.
- Certain medical conditions, such as alopecia areata, scalp infections, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune diseases, can cause hair loss.
- Some medications, including chemotherapy, cause hair loss as a side effect.
- Lack of essential nutrients, such as iron, zinc, and biotin, can cause hair loss.
- Emotional or physical stress can cause hair loss as the body diverts resources to deal with it.
- Certain hairstyles, such as tight braids and ponytails, and hair treatments like bleaching, hot oil treatments, and chemical treatments can cause hair loss or breakage over time.