Jeanie Dassow, M.D.Q: What causes hair loss, and how can I prevent it?
A: Hair loss can occur for a variety of reasons. The first step to treating the issue is uncovering the cause.
Here are some common causes for hair loss:
* Stress. Typically, hair loss as a side effect of stress is due to physical stress rather than emotional stress. For example, if you undergo a surgical procedure or have a car accident, the trauma to your body may trigger hair loss.
* Heredity. This is the most common cause of hair loss and is passed down through generations. This type of hair loss occurs gradually as you age, usually resulting in a receding hairline in men and thinning hair for women.
* Pregnancy. Both the physical stress on the body and the hormonal changes typical during pregnancy can cause hair loss in some women.
* Thyroid issues. Hypothyroidism occurs when you have an underactive thyroid. This causes the body to produce less of the hormones associated with several bodily functions, including hair growth and development.
* Sudden weight loss. Losing weight too quickly can act like a physical trauma on the body. Losing your hair is also a common side effect of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.
* Cancer treatment. Both chemotherapy and radiation therapy have been shown to cause hair loss in many cases.
* Protein deficiency. If you are consistently not getting enough protein in your diet, your body may attempt to ration protein by stopping hair growth.
* Iron deficiency. If you're losing your hair due to an iron deficiency, you will commonly experience other symptoms, including extreme fatigue, headaches, dizziness, pale skin and cold hands and feet.
While many of the causes of hair loss are related to medical conditions or situations largely beyond your control, there are steps you can take to prevent some hair loss. They include:
* Avoid tight hairstyles like braids or ponytails.
* Don't twist or pull on your hair.
* Gently wash and style hair.
* Avoid harsh hair treatments like curling irons, curlers or chemical hair products.
If you are experiencing hair loss but you aren't sure of the cause, see your doctor to determine if there is an underlying medical condition to blame.
- Jeanie Dassow, M.D., Erlanger Women's Health Specialists; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society