Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is the thinning of hair on your body, especially your scalp. It affects all genders but is more common in men. It is most common in older people, but anyone can experience this condition. Hair loss appears in different ways, depending on the cause. It can occur gradually or suddenly, affecting your scalp or whole body. You can talk to your doctor, New York bioidentical hormone specialist if your hair loss is persistent or causing distress. Various things can lead to hair loss, and here are some.
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is a condition that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Hair loss happens in any part of your body, including your scalp, inside your nose, and the ears. In some cases, you can lose your eyelashes or eyebrows.
Hormonal imbalance
Many factors can cause hormonal imbalance, but polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the leading cause in women. Stopping particular birth control pills can also lead to hormonal imbalance. If you develop a hormonal imbalance, you can experience hair loss on your scalp. Your doctor can recommend treatment to balance your hormones.
Age
As you age, you may experience hair loss resulting from slow hair growth. At some point in your life, hair follicles stop growing hair, which leads to hair thinning on your scalp. In women, the hairline naturally starts to recede. Early hair loss detection can be treated to promote hair regrowth in some people.
Scalp infection
Scalp infection can cause scaly or inflamed areas on your scalp, leading to hair loss. You may observe tiny black-like dots on your scalp. Some people develop bald spots. There are various treatments for scalp infection, and once it is clear, your hair will regrow.
Medications
Some medications can lead to hair loss. If such a situation happens, talk to your doctor immediately. If you suspect the medical drugs you are taking are causing your hair thinning, do not stop before talking to your doctor.
Sexually transmitted diseases
Some sexually transmitted diseases can lead to hair loss if left untreated. Syphilis is commonly known. Untreated syphilis can cause patchy hair loss on your scalp, eyebrows, and beard. Other sexually transmitted infections can also cause hair loss. Hair regrows after treatment.
Poison
Gradual poisoning can lead to hair loss. Poisons that can cause hair loss include arsenic, thallium, mercury, and lithium. If you take large amounts of warfarin, primarily found in rat poison, it can lead to hair loss. Too much vitamin A or selenium consumption is also toxic, leading to hair loss.
Cancer treatment
Most cancer cases require radiation and chemotherapy as treatment techniques. If these procedures are used on your head or neck, you may lose most of your hair. You will notice hair loss a few weeks after you start treatment. After treatment, your dermatologist can offer medication to help hair regrow quickly.
Doctors can successfully treat most conditions leading to hair loss, but the key to effective treatment is to diagnose the cause of your hair loss. Schedule an appointment at Liondale Medical for hair loss treatment to relieve your distress.
