Hair thinning and hair loss are common occurrences that affect almost everyone. There are so many reasons why you may be losing your hair, from the normal process of hair growth to changes in your health.

Addressing the underlying source of your hair problems will provide lasting relief and prevent further hair loss from happening. For that reason, our team is committed to determining the cause of your hair concerns and, using our complete range of treatment options, helping you regain your confidence once again with restored hair and a healthy scalp. In the meantime we’ve created this overview of the five main causes for thinning hair and how our treatments can help you.

5 Main Hair Loss And Thinning Hair Causes In Men And Women

#1 Genetics

The majority of individuals who suffer from thinning hair may trace the problem back to their ancestors. Genetics have a significant effect in every aspect of your appearance, including your hairline. It is known as androgenic alopecia, although you may be familiar with the terms male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss to refer to hair thinning caused by heredity. If you have this genetic illness, you will notice that your hairline is receding and that your hair is growing thinner, particularly on your scalp and at the top of your head, over time. 

#2 Changes In Hormone Levels 

Hormones might be just as responsible for your thinning hair as heredity in certain cases. Thyroid issues and menopause, for example, are both common hormonal disrupters that can result in hair thinning and loss. 

Thyroid gland dysfunction and the hormones released by the thyroid gland might interfere with the proper creation and growth of hair at the root. Disorders of the thyroid are also strongly associated with alopecia, which is an autoimmune illness that manifests itself as patches of hair loss. 

Similar to this, women who are going through menopause may experience hair thinning. During menopause, your body stops producing the chemicals estrogen and progesterone, which are necessary for reproduction. Two crucial female sex hormones that affect everything from sexual health to whether or not your hair stays on your head are estrogen and progesterone. You’ll notice slower hair growth and thinning patches if you don’t take them. 

#3 Medications And Dietary Supplements

You take medications and supplements to treat ailments and to provide nutritional support for your body’s needs. Despite the fact that they have several advantages, they may also cause hair loss when used regularly. 

There are two forms of hair loss that may be caused by medications, vitamins, and other therapies such as radiation therapy: telogen effluvium and anagen effluvium. 

In this condition, your hair follicles are forced into the dormant phase of development earlier than it should be because of the medicine you are taking. You will go through this period when your typically fully grown hair starts to come out and the hair development process will begin all over again. After taking the drugs for two to four months, you may begin to notice a loss of hair in this area. 

Anagen effluvium is far more severe than alopecia areata because it affects the hair while it is still in the process of developing. As a result, the hair is unable to grow regularly and falls out. This form of hair loss manifests itself more quickly than telogen effluvium and will often manifest itself within a few days or weeks after the start of the condition. 

Many different medicines, including anything from birth control pills and acne meds to cancer and cholesterol medications, may have a detrimental impact on your hair. 

#4 Events That Cause Stress

All of these factors, as well as childbirth, starvation, serious illnesses, major operations, and even continuous stress, may have a negative impact on your hair. Because of your body’s reaction to perceived danger, your hair is thrown from its early growing stages of development into its shedding stages. Telogen effluvium is the term used to describe this dramatic transition. Stress-related hair loss often begins six weeks to three months after the stressful event that caused the thinning. 

#5 Hairstyles And Treatments

Sometimes you are the cause of your own hair loss. Traction alopecia is a kind of hair loss that occurs when hairstyles such as pigtails, high ponytails, and cornrows are worn for an extended period of time. Similar results may be achieved with other permanent or hot-oil hair treatments. Pulling and treating your hair on a regular basis may result in scarring, which may lead to irreversible hair loss. As a result, it is suggested that you cease treating your hair or doing certain hairstyles in order to discover whether this is the cause of your hair falling or thinning.

Additional Causes Of Hair Loss Male Or Female Pattern Hair Loss

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness by health professionals, is a hair loss condition caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal causes.

In the United States, it affects around 50 million men and 30 million females. The majority of individuals will suffer it at some time in their lives.

The health condition may affect people of any age, however it is more frequent in the following groups: 

  • Individuals 50 years and older, 
  • Females going through menopause, 
  • People who have close family who also have androgenetic alopecia. 

It is common for men to have hair loss that extends from their hairline to the back of their heads, forming a “M” shape. Females are more susceptible to this condition since it affects the crown of the head. Early intervention may often delay or even prevent hair loss. 

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a kind of hair loss that manifests itself as circular spots on the scalp. Aside from that, it may also affect the eyebrows, beard and other facial hair. It will affect around 2 percent of the population at some point in their life, and should be treated quickly if you notice any changes in your hair density. 

Although the risk of developing the condition increases with age, alopecia areata typically manifests itself in people between the ages of 25 and 36. Genetic factors may play a role, and there are ties to other autoimmune problems such as systemic lupus erythematosus, often known as lupus, and other autoimmune diseases. 

Unlike other types of hair loss, alopecia areata does not leave scars, and since the hair follicles are still living, new hair may emerge as a result of the condition. Alopecia areata may be treated with an injection into the scalp every 4–6 weeks for up to 6 months– if you are considered a candidate for this form of treatment. 

Diet 

Nutrients are required by the body– this is quite obvious as we all know. Having a healthy diet is a reliable source for the growth of new hair strands and the maintenance of healthy hair follicles. Inadequate diet, insufficient protein intake, and vitamin deficits may all increase the likelihood of hair loss. 

The following nutrients were shown to be in low concentrations in those who suffer from hair loss or other hair alterations: Protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B3, or niacin, fatty acids, selenium, vitamin D, and biotin. 

A well-balanced diet may aid in the development of thick, healthy hair. Supplements may be prescribed by a doctor in specific instances. 

Stress 

Telogen effluvium, as we’ve previously touched on, is a form of hair loss that does not leave scars. It is often acute, meaning that it strikes quickly and for a short period of time, but it may also be chronic, meaning that it lasts for an extended period of time. It is possible that it will occur many months after a traumatic incident. 

Telogen effluvium may be caused by a variety of physical or mental stresses, including: 

  • An acute febrile illness that manifests,
  • A fever,
  • A serious infection requiring surgical intervention, 
  • A severe injury of any kind, 
  • As a result of the drop in estrogen levels after childbirth, 
  • A crash dieting program with minimal protein and iron intake,
  • The administration of some drugs or medications, 
  • Emotional stress, such as that caused by the death of a loved one, a divorce, or a major relocation.

In most situations, hair regrows after an acute episode. However, even in severe situations, the shedding may continue for some time, but the individual is likely to keep a decent amount of hair.

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Hair Loss That Occurs All At Once Vs. Gradually 

Hair loss associated with age often occurs gradually, with changes happening over a period of many years. Hair loss, on the other hand, may occasionally occur more swiftly, over a period of months or even weeks. 

This may occur in the following situations: 

  • Chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer, 
  • Infections associated with alopecia areata, 
  • The use of some drugs may cause hormonal changes, such as those that occur after childbirth or due to a thyroid condition. 
  • Inflammatory alopecias, such as central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, which often affects women and men at the crown of the head. 

If a person has sudden and significant hair loss, they should seek medical attention from a doctor or our team of experts right away. It is possible that they need therapy for an underlying problem that has been undiagnosed or simply need guidance from our team in order to get back on the right path to a full head of hair. 

Taking Care Of Your Thinning Hair In NJ

We offer treatments for all phases of hair loss, whether you have a little amount of hair loss, are experiencing the early stages of hair loss, or have fully lost part of your hair, our team has a solution for you. 

Some of the treatments we suggest the most often are as follows: 

  • Hair Transplant Procedures 
  • Extraction of follicular units also known as the FUE method 
  • Medicine that promotes regeneration 
  • Supplements
  • Injection therapy
  • Support from our hair loss team. 

Your first appointment will be with our NJ board-certified hair loss surgeon, who will then perform a series of examinations and tests to determine the main cause of your hair issues and then develop a customized treatment plan for you. 

Our cutting-edge technology, along with our surgeons years of expertise, means there’s no excuse to go another day feeling anything other than your absolute best! Now is the time to come visit us to get started on your hair restoration adventure. Contact our helpful team or make an appointment online now to get started.  

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