Why does hair loss or thinning occur?

Why does hair loss or thinning occur?

Although it is a problem that occurs more frequently in men, hair loss or thinning can also occur in women and children. It is normal for between 20 or 100 hairs to fall out each day (up to 200 in the fall), although they naturally recover. It is part of the tissue regeneration process that occurs throughout the body and, in fact, hair is usually renewed in its entirety every six months.

The problem arises when all the hair that falls out is not replaced, in such a way that it becomes less thick, gradually exposing the skin of the scalp, generating the appearance of entries (temples or crown) and even causing baldness (total hair loss in certain areas).

Hair loss or thinning can be a temporary process, but also continuous or recurring. And it can occur suddenly or occur slowly, almost imperceptibly. The important thing is to bear in mind that in more than a few cases it can be a symptom of the existence of specific diseases, so a specialist should always be consulted, specifically when the fall occurs drastically.

Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms that could indicate a hair thinning problem:
 

• An increase in the number of hairs that fall out each day.
• Changes in the quality of the hair, which becomes finer than before.
• Loss of volume.
• Some areas reveal the skin.
• Prominent inlets, especially at the temples, making the forehead look wider.

Causes of hair loss or thinning



There are numerous factors that can predispose to hair loss or thinning:
 

Genetics: Baldness can be an inherited problem especially in men.

Aging: age generally entails a gradual loss or thinning of the hair due to multiple factors: diseases, hormonal changes in women, use of certain medications, poor diet, etc.

Stress: One of the symptoms of excessive stress can also be unusual hair loss.

Bacterial or fungal infections: These types of infections can cause dry scalp skin, flaking, and hair loss or thinning.

Hormonal changes: it is one of the most common causes of alopecia in women, especially after menopause.

The use of some medications: hair loss is usually associated with chemotherapy that is used in the treatment of cancer, although once the hair is finished it comes out again. However, there are other drugs that can cause hair thinning: cortisone, drugs indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure, anticoagulants (heparin), cholesterol regulators (lipid-lowering drugs), tricyclic antidepressants, etc.

Certain diseases: Hair loss can be a symptom of certain diseases, such as lupus erythematosus or diabetes.

Poor diet: thinning hair may be the first sign of a nutrient-deficient diet, such as a lack of iron and the absence or shortage of protein or certain vitamins.