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Overview
Men often experience hair loss as they age although many find their hair thinning drastically in their late teens, twenties and thirties. Hair loss doesn't just affect men. Women also experience hair loss, although it is usually not as extensive as in men. While some hair loss is natural, there are many other factors that can cause hair loss.
Aging
As a person ages, hair begins to thin. This is a normal process that begins to take place in most people between the ages of 35 to 40 years. As aging occurs, the number of active hair follicles decrease. This is a common occurrence in both males and females. Even though women may not notice any visible hair loss, they often notice that their hair is not as thick as it once was when they were younger. In men, the effects of hair loss are usually much more noticeable.
Genetics
Besides the normal thinning that occurs with age, there are several other reasons why hair loss may result. The most common cause of hair loss is an inherited condition known as alopecia, otherwise known as male pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is most easily noted by a receding hairline and hair loss at the crown of the scalp. Although not as common, this condition may also occur in women, which is then referred to as female pattern baldness. The reason for this type of hair loss is genetic. Although it was once believed to be inherited from the mother's side of the family, it is now known that a person can inherit specific genes from either the mother, father or both parents that results in male or female pattern baldness.
Illness
Hair loss may be caused by certain health conditions such as ringworm. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that affects hair growth. Hair loss occurs in small circular patches. Hair loss may be the result of certain medications. If this is the case, it would be wise to speak with one's physician to see if another medication could be prescribed instead. Cancer patients who are treated with chemotherapy suffer from hair loss. Hormonal disorders such as an underactive or overactive thyroid may cause hair loss to some degree.
Stress
Stress can produce a host of physical symptoms as well affecting one's mental state. The more stress a person is under the more severe the symptoms may become. Chronic stress can cause hair loss. Although the amount of hair lost is usually not noticeable at first, it can cause significant thinning over time. There only cure for this type of hair loss is prevention through stress management.
Chemical Damage
Repeated use of chemicals can cause hair loss. Chemical treatment is one of the major causes of thinning hair in females. Women who repeatedly use chemical solutions to perm and/or color their hair may notice and increase hair fallout when combing or brushing their hair. After repeated use, the hair begins to become brittle, break off and fall out. This causes a noticeable thinning of the hair. Care should be used when treating the hair with chemical solutions. It is best to consult a professional for such procedures.
Diet
Diet can affect the condition of a person's hair. If proper nutrition is lacking the hair may become dry, dull and thin. People who suffer from a deficiency in iron may experience some hair loss. Those who do not consume enough protein in their diets may also experience hair loss and thinning. Hair loss often occurs in people who suffer from eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia. If hair loss occurs for no apparent reason such as chemical treatment, consult a physician to determine the cause and proper course of action.
