Major symptoms and causes of hair loss
Hair loss is one of the most common physical conditions, especially in older men and women. On average, the adult head loses approximately 100 hairs every day. 90% of the hair on the scalp is growing at all times. There are a number of factors that might result in hair loss, including age, disease, and the like.
There are several types of hair loss, and the type depends on the cause, condition, area of the head on which there is maximum hair loss, age of an individual, and various other factors.
Symptoms
The symptoms of hair loss can tell a lot about the type of hair loss and how it might progress in the years to come.
- Gradual thinning of top of the head
One of the most common symptoms of hair loss, this affects both the genders, and is mostly age-specific. Hair begins to recede in men in a different way, and there tends to be a shape like a letter ‘M’. In women, hair loss is characterized by the broadening of their parting. - Bald spots
One might notice bald spots in circular shapes or in the form of patches. While it normally affects the scalp, it can also be noticed in beards as well as in eyebrows.
This might be due to internal factors like an emotional or physical shock. One might notice a handful of hair coming out while combing or washing. Hair falls, in this case, from the overall surface and not in small patches.
This is mostly a result of treatments, like chemotherapy for cancer. The hair will grow back in most cases if the loss is due to this reason.
If there is broken hair, redness, and swelling, this might be an indication of ringworm.
Causes
Hair loss might be due to multiple reasons. Let us identify the reasons causing hair loss:
- Heredity
There could be a family history of hair loss, and it’s usually associated with conditions called male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness. It’ll mostly happen as one will age and the pattern will be predictable. - Hormonal changes
This can be brought about due to medical reasons as well as life events like pregnancy, menopause, and more. Medical conditions include alopecia areata and scalp infections. - Medication
Hair loss is also a side-effect of many common medications, especially those for cancer, heart problems, and other such serious illnesses. - Radiation therapy
If one undergoes radiation therapy of the head, hair loss is going to be one of the probable side-effects. - Stress
A stressful life event can be one of the reasons for hair loss. The event can have physical or emotional consequences, due to which hair loss occurs.
Risk factors
Some of the factors that increase the chances of hair loss include family history, increasing age, sudden and significant weight loss, and stress. In addition, it could also be caused due to some medical conditions including, but not limited to, diabetes and lupus.
