There are a lot of factors that can cause hair loss in men, women and children of all ages. Hair loss may be attributed to pattern baldness, alopecia, accidents or chemotherapy. Alopecia, or pattern baldness, is a type of hair loss that occurs due to the decrease of the hormones called androgens. Alopecia is classified into various different types, namely; androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is further classified into two more types, alopecia areata monolocularis and alopecia areata multilocularis.

What is the normal cycle of the growth and the loss of hair?

The normal cycle of hair growth is usually between two to three years. Each strand of hair can grow up to a centimeter each month during this period. The growth of the hairs on your scalp is divided into two phases, the active phase and the resting phase. During the active phase, around 90% of the hair is continuously growing and only 10% is resting. Within three to four months, the hair in the resting phase falls out and the new hair growth will begin in its place.

Is it normal to shed hair every day?

Yes. The scalp can shed some strands of hair every day during its growth and loss cycle; however, there are some who experience hair loss in an excessive way, resulting in pattern baldness. This kind of excessive hair loss is most often noticeable in men, but women and children can also experience excessive hair loss.

What are the most common causes of hair loss?

There are many factors that can cause excessive hair loss. The stress that can be brought by serious illnesses and major surgeries is one of the most common causes of excessive hair loss. This type of hair loss is usually temporary, and you hair will grow back after a few months of rest. Hormonal problems, medication and other medical conditions are some other factors that can cause excessive hair loss.

What are the hormonal problems that cause hair loss?

Problems with your hormones can also result in hair loss. An example of this is an underactive or overactive thyroid gland. Hair loss that can be attributed to thyroid hormonal problems is usually treatable and may often occur if the estrogens and the androgens of women and men are imbalanced. Treatments and therapies to correct the hormonal imbalance are recommended by most doctors to stop this kind of hair loss.
There are also a lot of women who experience noticeable hair loss after having a baby. This type of hair loss is also related to hormonal imbalance. During the pregnancy period, some specific hormones stay in high levels, causing the body not to shed hair strands that should have already fallen out. After pregnancy, these hormone levels go back to normal and the hair strands that should have fallen out during pregnancy will fall out all at once, causing a noticeable hair loss.

What are types of medications that can result in hair loss?

There are certain types of medications that can lead to excessive hair loss. Hair loss may occur when you take medicines such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines used to treat gout, medications for heart problems or high blood pressure, antidepressants, contraceptives such as birth control pills and high doses of Vitamin A.

What are other medical conditions that can also contribute to hair loss?

Hair loss can be a small part of more serious underlying diseases, such as diabetes or lupus erythematosus. There are also some kinds of infections that can result in excessive shedding of the hair on your scalp. Fungal infections are the most common causes of excessive shedding on the scalp of your children. These infections are usually treated with the use of antifungal medicines.

What is androgenetic alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia, also known as pattern baldness, is a type of hair loss that may occur due to the decrease of the androgen hormones. Most often than not, this may mean total hair loss especially for men, however, not all men will have to experience this. Women can also be afflicted with pattern baldness, though it is not too common and not too noticeable.

What are the two classifications of alopecia areata?

First of all, alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that occurs in spots. Its two classifications are the alopecia areata monolocularis and the alopecia areata multilocularis. Alopecia areata monolocularis is a type of hair loss that occurs only on a specific spot. Alopecia areata multilocularis, on the other hand, occurs in different spots on the scalp and may even affect other parts of the body.

Are there any known treatments for any types of hair loss?

Yes, but what kind of treatment depends on the type of hair loss you are experiencing. If your current medication is the cause of the excessive shedding of hair on your scalp, you can consult with your doctor to have him prescribe you with an alternative medication. Hormonal imbalance is usually treated by correcting the main cause of the problem and may prevent further excessive loss of hair. Infections are usually treated easily, so make sure that you recognize what type of hair loss you are experiencing to prevent further damage to the hair on your scalp.

All in all, understanding that there are many factors that can cause hair loss should be your first priority. Make sure that you recognize the early signs and symptoms that may cause excessive hair loss. Consult with your doctor the best kind of path you should take for you to prevent and to avoid any unnecessary hair loss.