There may not be a single cause of hair loss In many cases, but rather a number of factors can contribute to thinning or hair loss.

The following 13-point checklist will help you identify which causes of hair loss may apply to you. But first a word about hair growth cycles.

Hair growth cycles

Hair constantly goes through cycles of growth, rest and fall. When the hair that is lost is not replaced, or when more hair follicles enter the resting phase, the hair loss becomes noticeable.

While there is an ongoing debate about the causes of hair loss, the following list shows many of the common contributing factors:

# 1: aging

The period of hair loss is between 20 and 50 years. Some people reach the advanced stages of hair loss earlier than others, although it becomes more and more apparent as people age.

# 2: cosmetic chemicals

This can be an unrecognized cause of hair loss, especially bleaches, perms, and colorants.

# 3: Drugs / Medications / Radiation

This cause of hair loss may include blood thinners, antidepressants, birth control pills, amphetamines, some arthritis medications, some antibiotics, some blood thinners, gout medications, vitamin A derived medications, certain ulcer medications, beta blockers for high blood pressure. .

Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, stop the growth phase of the hair follicles, causing sudden hair loss, as all of those follicles lose their hair at approximately the same time.

# 4: inheritance

Androgenetic alopecia is the term used to describe a genetic predisposition in men and women to pattern baldness or pattern hair loss. Although there is a dominant tendency for male pattern baldness, female members of a family can also be transmitters.

# 5: hormonal imbalance

If male and female hormones, androgens and estrogens, are out of balance, hair loss can occur. Also, an overactive or underactive thyroid gland can contribute to hair loss.

# 6: serious illness and infections

These can include fungal infections of the scalp, thyroid disorders, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, diabetes, lupus.

# 7: immune system disorder

Alopecia areata is an immune system disorder that causes hair follicles to stop producing hair. Advanced forms of the disorder are identified by the terms alopecia totalis when all hair disappears, and alopecia universalis, which causes all body hair to disappear.

# 8: menopause

This can be one of the main causes of hair loss in women. Due to hormonal changes after menopause, some women find that their hair begins to thin.

There are a variety of treatments available including hormone replacement therapy (HRT). There may be side effects in some cases and experimentation under the guidance of a physician may be necessary.

# 9: poor blood circulation

Poor blood flow to the scalp, insufficient amounts of nutrients in the blood, or poor drainage of waste products through the lymphatic systems can all contribute to hair loss.

# 10: pregnancy

Three to six months after delivery, many women notice some degree of hair loss as the hair enters a resting phase due to the physiological impact of pregnancy on the body.

# 11: pulling

Traction alopecia is the term used to describe hair loss from constant pulling, as occurs with hairstyles with tight braids, such as ponytails.

Also, improper use of curling irons or curlers can pull on the hair and weaken it.

# 12: sebum build-up

A basic cause of hair loss is the accumulation of sebum in the follicles that attacks the hair bulb, the rounded area at the end of a strand of hair that is rooted in the follicle. The sebum causes the hair bulb to shrink, so the hair is not as well rooted.

After hair falls out, the new hair strand that grows in that follicle is weaker and thinner and the process repeats until the hair follicle is so damaged that it dies. (Sebum is a fatty substance secreted by the sebaceous glands, most of which open to the hair follicles.)

# 13: Stress and nervous disorders

Telogen effluvium is the term used for the slowing of new hair growth due to sudden or severe stress. Stress causes a large number of hair follicles to enter the resting stage, so a few months after the stressful event, those follicles lose hair at about the same time.

From the list above, you may be able to identify the main cause of hair loss in your case. Do not hesitate to seek medical advice if the reason is beyond your direct control. Early action can save a lot of anxiety later!