Hair Loss Causes
Hair loss can occur in both men and women and is often considered part of the aging process. However, sometimes hair loss can be a symptom of a more serious health problem.
Common Causes of Hair Loss
Hair loss can have many different causes. Common causes include genetic factors, hormonal changes, stress, nutritional deficiencies and scalp infections.
- Genetic factors are more common in people with a family history of hair loss.
- Hormonal changes can cause hair loss, especially in women during menopause.
- Stress is another factor that can trigger hair loss.
- Hair loss can also be seen in nutrient deficiencies such as iron, zinc and B vitamins.
What is Hair Growth Cycle?
The hair growth cycle consists of three phases: anagen, catagen and telogen.
- The anagen phase is the active period when hair grows and usually lasts 2-7 years.
- The catagen phase is the transitional period when the hair stops growing and is ready to fall out.
- The telogen phase is the passive phase when the hair falls out and usually lasts 2-4 months.
This cycle repeats continuously and it is normal for people with a healthy hair cycle to lose around 50-100 strands of hair every day.
Is Hair Loss a Sign of Cancer?
Hair loss is not directly related to cancer. However, some methods used to treat cancer, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can cause hair loss.
Chemotherapy is a treatment with powerful drugs used to destroy cancer cells. Because the drugs target rapidly dividing cells, they can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
Radiotherapy is a treatment with high-energy rays used to kill cancer cells. Hair follicles exposed to radiation can also be damaged and hair loss can occur.
The hair loss caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy is temporary and the hair will start to grow again after the treatment is over.
Medical Conditions Causing Hair Loss
Thyroid problems can lead to hair loss. Hair loss can occur in cases of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland). In addition, autoimmune diseases, scalp infections, skin diseases affecting hair follicles, hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies can also cause hair loss.
Hair Loss Treatment Options
Hair loss treatment has many options. First, the doctor performs an assessment to determine the cause of the hair loss. If the hair loss is due to a hormonal problem, hormonal treatments may be recommended. Hormonal treatments can reduce hair loss by correcting hormone imbalance. Another treatment option is hair loss medication. Medications such as minoxidil and finasteride can stop hair loss and stimulate new hair growth. Surgical interventions such as hair transplantation are also among the options used in hair loss treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is hair loss permanent?
Hair loss can be permanent or temporary, depending on the condition. Genetic hair loss is a permanent condition, but some medical conditions or temporary factors such as stress can cause hair loss.
- How long can hair loss treatment last?
Hair loss treatment can vary from person to person. Hormonal treatments are usually long-term and the effects are seen within a few months. The effects of surgical interventions such as hair transplantation are seen within 6 months.
- Which doctor should be consulted for hair loss treatment?
People experiencing hair loss can usually consult a dermatologist or a certified hair transplant specialist. These specialists can determine the cause of hair loss and offer appropriate treatment options.
- What can be done to prevent hair loss?
To prevent hair loss, it is important to adopt a healthy diet, avoid stress, exercise regularly and keep the scalp clean and moisturized. At the same time, hair loss medications and other methods used to treat hair loss are also effective.
Contact our specialists for more information about hair loss or to learn about hair loss treatment options.
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