What Really Causes Hair Loss
Change is inevitable but not always welcome – especially when it comes to hair loss. Hair loss can be distressing and embarrassing. In many cases, the problem is androgenic alopecia, most commonly known as pattern baldness. Surprisingly this issue affects over half the American population in both men and women. Read on to learn more about what really causes hair loss.
Hair Basics and Growth Cycles:
Hair is made up of the protein keratin. It is produced in hair follicles and the outer layer of skin. When hair follicles produce new cells, the old cells are pushed out through the surface of the skin. This entire process plays out in three phases:
Anagen – active hair growth that lasts between two to six years
Catagen – transitional hair growth that lasts two to three weeks
Telogen – the resting phase which lasts about 2 to 3 months. As the resting phase finishes, the hair shed is replaced with new hair and the growth cycle begins again.
*On the average adult, about 90% of hair is actually in the process of growing.
Androgenetic Alopecia:
Androgenic alopecia is an irreversible condition that is inherited at birth. Because of its relationship with the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), hair loss can begin to occur as early as puberty. Though the factors of this issue are unknown, what is clear is its ability to affect both males and females equally.
Usually, hair grows and then remains in a resting phase. This process can take 2 to 6 years and only starts over when the hair falls out naturally. When your hair is exposed to DHT or other androgens, it spends more time resting than growing. Because balding doesn’t happen immediately, the balding process can take years, first thinning before it stops producing hair altogether.
Other Causes of Hair Loss:
They say you are what you eat. In this case, it applies to your hair. Overloading the body with saturated fats and neglecting vital nutrients can cause thinning hair, especially when you’re low in iron. When devoid of proper nutrition, your body instantly goes into survival mode and supplies oxygen to major organs rather than the hair.
Stress also plays a huge role in the health of your body. Too much of it and the body begins to function incorrectly. Hormone levels are significantly affected by high levels of anxiety, which isn’t good for hair growth. If you are suffering from anxiety or stress related hair loss, the good news is, more often than not, this type of hair loss is not permanent. Once the stress levels reside, often individuals will experience hair regrowth.
We understand the loss of hair can cause anxiety and worry, and we are committed to helping our patients feel comfortable with diagnosis and treatment. We use only the latest hair restoration techniques to assure the most natural looking results.
Call 615-329-3900 to book your consultation today. Our expert staff will assess your needs and help develop a plan to give you the best results!