Hair Loss
Medical Dermatology
Overview
While many people think balding is a problem faced only by men, many women suffer from hair loss as well. Most people shed a substantial amount of hair on a daily basis, but to qualify as true hair loss, this must increase to an excessive degree of shedding which leads to thinning in the hair line and possible bald spots. To treat hair loss effectively, dermatologists will look into what causes each individual’s hair loss.
Pregnancy/Hormonal Changes
Temporary hair loss can happen when drastic changes in hormone levels affect an individual’s body. This common issue affects almost half of pregnant women. This is typically due to an underactive thyroid during or directly after pregnancy. Certain types of birth control can also cause hair loss in women. In both men and women, fluctuating thyroid levels are usually to blame for hair loss caused by hormonal changes.
Physical/Mental Stress
Hair loss attributed to stress is often temporary as well. Anxiety, recent surgery or illness, and poor diet are just some of the physical and mental causes of temporary hair loss, also known as telogen effluvium. By understanding the root causes of hair loss, dermatologists can asses the best course of action for an individual. The good news is that treatment may be more simple for this type of hair loss. Typically dermatologists will suggest rest and stress reduction along with other treatments to stimulate regrowth.
Genetics
The most common reason for hair loss is heredity. A combination of age, hormone levels, and genetic predisposition results in hereditary-pattern baldness. Fortunately, because this type of hair loss is so common, dermatologists have plenty of research to treat it. Whether it be topical creams or a different type of therapy, dermatologists can typically stimulate hair follicles in most men and women with the predisposition for hair loss.