Hair loss is often unavoidable and is often the result of age and genetics. Pattern hair loss—officially known as androgenetic alopecia—affects about 80 percent of the population and is common in both men and women. It may seem like a rare condition, but the truth is that the vast majority of people will suffer from hair loss at some point in their lives.
Although hair loss is often thought to affect just your scalp, it can impact the rest of your body as well. While it is normal to lose anywhere from 50 to 100 hairs a day, severe hair loss could be a symptom of a bigger medical condition. New hair typically grows to replace the lost hair. In some cases, the regrowth takes time, while in others, it is seemingly overnight. Hair loss can be either temporary or permanent. If you notice that you are losing more hair than usual, such as a large amount of hair in the drain or clumps in your brush, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Let’s go over a few common causes of hair loss as well as when you should be concerned.
Causes of Hair Loss
Hormonal changes can affect hair growth rates and cause more than normal to fall out. Here are a few hormone-related causes of hair loss:
- Menopause
- Childbirth
- Pregnancy
- Discontinued use of birth control pills
Medications can also affect the hair on one’s body. Below are a few common conditions that may require medications that have been known to result in hair loss:
- High blood pressure
- Heart problems
- Cancer
- Depression
- Arthritis
There are several specific medical conditions that can directly cause hair loss. Here are a few:
- Scalp infections, such as ringworm
- Alopecia areata (a kind of autoimmune condition that attacks the hair follicles)
- Thyroid disease
- Lichen planus that causes scarring, as well as some types of lupus, can also lead to permanent hair loss
Here are a handful of other conditions that can result in hair loss:
- Physical or emotional shock, such as a death in the family, high fever, or extreme weight loss
- Hair-pulling disorder or trichotillomania
- Lack of nutrients, such as iron or protein
- Hairstyles that put excess pressure on hair follicles
Now, let’s take a look at a few signs that your hair loss should be addressed.
3 Signs You Should Be Concerned About Your Hair Loss
Brittle Nails
When a body can’t produce enough red blood cells, it is in an anemic state, which is the result of an iron deficiency. If a person lacks iron, side effects such as hair loss or brittle nails normally occur. This condition can also make one feel weak and tired. Some symptoms may include cold hands and feet and chest pain. Iron supplements may help relieve the condition. Before medicating, however, speak with your doctor to determine the best treatment solution.
Hair loss on your eyebrow, eyelash, or other parts of your body
Hair loss is not limited to your scalp. Hair loss on other parts of your body is a clear indication of something serious. If you notice hair loss on your eyelashes or eyebrows, it could indicate that you have a serious case of the autoimmune condition alopecia. Certain types of alopecia, such as alopecia universalis or alopecia areata, as compared to androgenetic alopecia, can result in hair loss in large quantities and in other body parts. This is due to the fact that the body mistakenly thinks that hair follicles are toxic and attacks them. Other autoimmune conditions such as lupus and thyroid disease can also cause non-scalp hair loss. Consult with your doctor so that they can conduct blood tests and identify the exact cause of your condition.
Rashes on your body and the face
Another autoimmune condition with hair loss as a common symptom is lupus. Besides hair loss, lupus can cause full-body rashes as a response to inflamed body organs. In some cases, these rashes are only temporary, also known as “flares”. Other symptoms include joint pain and dry eyes. If you notice hair loss occurring along with these other symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
When to See a Doctor
Even temporary, non-severe hair loss can have an effect on your life. Whether your hair loss is genetic or the result of another condition, don’t let it ruin your confidence. Consult a doctor as soon as possible to figure out the underlying cause of your symptoms. Sudden hair loss, including on children, may indicate a serious medical condition. If you’re looking for a hair loss treatment in New Jersey, get in touch with us for the best possible treatment plan.
