Causes of Hair Loss in Men and Women

Thinning hair is a common problem for both men and women, and there are many factors that can contribute to a sparser scalp. Some of the causes of hair loss are easy to recognize and treat, such as discontinuing particular medications that are contributing to a problem. Others, like male-pattern baldness are simply a part of the aging process, and there is little that can be done to stop it. However, if you experience any type of sudden and significant hair loss, it is important to see your doctor since this can be a sign of an underlying illness. Your doctor can help you find the reason why your hair is thinning and determine whether anything can be done to stop it.

Harsh Hair Treatment Hair that is treated right will reward you with a thick, luscious mane of tresses that is full of health and body. Hair that is over-treated – by a variety of chemicals and harsh hair processes may become brittle and thin when the treatments are done incorrectly or too often. These processes might include perms, color treatments and relaxers. You can also contribute to hair loss by frequently wearing pigtails or using tight rollers. This thinning is known as traction alopecia, and is the result of constant pulling on the hair from these types of styles. If the pulling is stopped early enough, hair can grow back. However, if scarring has already taken place on the scalp, the result may be permanent.

Autoimmune Condition There is another type of hair loss, known as alopecia areata, which is thought to be caused by an autoimmune condition. In this situation, the immune system actually creates antibodies to the body's own hair, which can result in a thinner scalp. This condition occurs in people who are in excellent health otherwise, and can be characterized by a smooth, round spot somewhere on the scalp. There are a number of possible treatments for this type of hair loss, including corticosteroid injections, topical medications or light treatment.

Hereditary Hair Loss This is the most common type of hair loss, and unfortunately, the one cause that has the least help available. Some people who are dealing with a thinning head have found success with either a topical remedy like Minoxodil, which can be purchased over the counter under a commercial name like Rogaine, or an oral prescription from their doctor, such as Finasteride. However, many others have found that their hair loss is simply a natural part of the aging process and have chosen to accept it rather than treat it.

If you are suffering from hair loss of any type, it is important to see your doctor to determine the cause and an appropriate treatment option. Your doctor can tell you whether the thinning scalp is a natural part of aging or whether there is an underlying medical condition that can and should be treated.