Most of us speak of our hair as our “crowning glory”. This is mainly the reason why a lot of people take extra care of their hair. Imagine yourself waking up one day to the sight of your head with very thin layers of hair. It can indeed be awful but excessive hair loss is very real.
Normally, hair continues to grow for about two to six years. Each month, a strand of your hair can grow up to approximately one centimeter. In any given time, about 90% of your hair continues to grow, while the remaining 10% falls into a “resting” stage. After two to three months, hair that has been in a resting stage will start to fall off and new hair will start to grow in their place. It is normal for hair to shed everyday as part of this cycle. As have been mentioned, there are people who experience excessive hair loss. This abnormal hair loss can affect anyone at anytime – may they be men, women, or children.
There are several factors that contribute to excessive hair loss. People usually experience this kind of malady after a major surgery or after they have recovered from a certain illness. Stress plays a big role in this type of hair loss. Nevertheless, hair loss due to a major surgery or disease is often temporary.
Hormonal problems can also cause hair loss. When the thyroid gland produces too much or too little hormones, hair might start to fall out. This type of hair loss can affect both men and women, when the androgens and estrogens in the body become out of balance. Correcting the hormonal imbalance can also help stop the hair loss.
Women usually experience hair loss three months after giving birth. This type of hair loss is also caused by hormonal imbalance. During pregnancy, females usually have higher levels of hormones that cause the body to keep hair that should be falling out. When these hormones go back to their normal levels, a large amount of hair falls out and the cycle of hair growth and loss will eventually go back to normal.
There are also medications that cause hair to abnormally fall out. These medications include blood thinners or anticoagulants, too much vitamin A, antidepressants, and birth control pills. Medications for gouts and chemotherapy also cause hair loss. One sure way to combat this type of hair loss is stopping the intake of such medications.
Infections also cause hair loss. Fungal infections in the scalp largely contribute to hair loss, especially in children. Using antifungal medications to address the infection can eventually correct the hair loss. Hair loss is also often part of a disease. Lupus and diabetes are two diseases that cause hair loss. Also, hair loss is often a symptom of several other diseases so it is important to have yourself checked if you think you are starting to loss hair excessively.
Moreover, improper hair care can also cause hair loss. Sporting hairstyles like tight pigtails and corn rows, and using tight rollers regularly can cause traction alopecia. This type of hair loss results from excessive pulling of the hair that causes scars on the scalp. Frequent hot oil and chemical treatments for the hair also cause hair loss. Hair loss occurs when the hair follicles swell and develop scars.
Losing hair is more than just a normal part of our lives. Illnesses, imbalances in the hormones, and improper hair care are only some of the factors that cause excessive hair loss. If you believe that you are starting to lose hair more than you usually do, better seek medical advice so you can better address the problem in the earliest possible time.
Article by F.L. Deguma
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