The causes of pathological hair loss

In a normal case as many as one hundred hairs are lost per day. Probably you generally do not count the hairs that remain in you comb, but if you observe more than the usual quantity, perhaps entire strands, it is worth consulting with you doctor, because a number of severe problems may be in the background of the symptom, from temporary vitamin deficiency, through genetics to prolonged or serious diseases. We have collected the most frequent causes with the assistance of Dr. Enikő Pető, a physician of HIMG Hair Treatment and Hair Implantation Clinic.

Male pattern balding

By the age of 60 two out of three men experience the signs of balding, in which genetics, hormones and age equally play a role. Androgenic characteristic, meaning hair loss caused by male sex hormone is responsible for 90-95% of hair loss affecting men, the result of which is the M shaped hairline along the forehead. Within the Hungarian population c.a. 40% of men over the age of 35 are affected, but in the case of men in their early fifties this number is as high as 55%. Male pattern balding primarily affects the front and middle part of the head, which is the most sensitive to the DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) hormone. In these areas the hairs become weakened, their structure turns finer and their growth stops. Since the sides and the back part of the head are resistant to the DHT hormone, therefore balding does not develop there.

F.U.E. hair implantation — Multiple European Truck Raciong Champion, Norbert Kiss at the pre-transplant consultation (March 2021)

For the alleviation of the problem creams used for local treatment exist, such as minoxidil, and medications for internal use, such as preparations with the active ingredient finasteride, which may stop hair loss, even facilitate hair growth. Of course, hair implantation or transplantation is also a solution - recommends dr. Enikő Pető.

Women’s hair loss

Hormones can be blamed for Women’s hair loss as well, beside genetics and age, however hair loss differs from that of men in its features of appearance. Hair loss caused by the female sex hormone characteristically starts with menopause, when estrogen levels are reduced in the body and hair follicles shrink. In contrast with male pattern balding, in the case of women although the hairs get scarcer and thinner, completely bald spots do not develop. Similarly to men, women may also use Rogain, which is available without a prescription and according to experience so far, it is effective for this type of hair problem – the expert explains. The precise cause of natural hair loss brought on by aging has not been proven yet, thus for the covering of scarce hair a kerchief, a wig or wearing a certain hairstyle remains the option, but of course there are multiple methods of proper hair treatment whereby hair loss at old age can be prevented or reduced.

The life of a hair

The lifecycle of hairs is under genetic and hormonal control. The phases of growth are the active growth phase lasting 2-6 years (anagic), and the two to three weeks long transitional (katagenic) as well as the rest (telogenic) phase, when the hair root’s functioning is suspended for months, the hair follicle becomes corneous and the hair falls out. These phases follow each other cyclically, but if the process is disturbed by anything, that may result in hair loss. This is the so-called telogenic effluvium, when for some reason the hair enters the telogenic phase prematurely. In most cases if we eliminate the factor that disturbs the healthy process or we supplement for the possible deficiency, growth may recommence, however this may take months – explains Dr. Enikő Pető.

Fungus infected scalp

The fungal infection of the hairy scalp primarily affects children, within that rather the age group under 10 years of age, where the body’s immune system has not completely developed yet. Most frequently the pathogens named Microsporum and Trichophyton are responsible, which are carried by our domesticated animals, but fungus infected people may pose the same risk factor. Since this is a contagious disease, it is advisable to treat the fungus infected scalp immediately with medications or preparations for local application.

Physical stress

Reversible hair loss is in most cases caused by a trauma to the body (accident, surgery, major infection, influenza). Hair loss does not commence immediately, rather c.a. 3-5 months later, but at that time suddenly and well-visibly. The good news is that as soon as the body recovers, new hair grows in the place of the lost hair. Pregnancy and child delivery are also such shock effects for a woman’s body, which as a result of the work of hormones cause large scale hair loss - the expert explains.

Deficient nutrition

Excessive amount of vitamin A: the recommended daily intake for women of vitamin A, which is among the group of fat-soluble vitamins, is 4,000 IU, for men 5,000 IU, however certain nutritional supplements contain an amount between 2,500 and 10,000 units. Since it is stored by the body, the consumption of vitamin A in excess of the recommended daily intake in the long term may lead to side effects such as headache, exhaustion, dry skin, hair loss or liver damage. It is more expedient to replace vitamin A with beta-carotene, since in this case the body only converts as much into vitamin A as it needs. The natural sources of vitamin A are liver, dairy products, or eggs, that of beta-carotene are dark-green or orange color vegetables and fruits.
Insufficient amount of vitamin B: even though this is not the most common cause, low vitamin B level can also lead to the weakening of hairs. Biotin (vitamin H) that is in the group of B vitamins, participates in the metabolism of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and it has a beneficial effect on the condition of the hair, skin and nails. If your diet is insufficient in vitamin B, there is a good chance that you will not only be depressed but unpleasant skin infections and hair loss may also make your everyday life miserable. In the interest of prevention it is advisable to consume a larger quantity of fish, brewer’s yeast, egg yolk, nut varieties, liver or starch containing vegetables. The recommended daily intake is 30 mcg.
Protein deficiency: Hairs are composed of protein in 98 percent, however in the absence of a sufficient amount of protein our body tries to conserve it by moving the hairs from their growth phase into their rest phase. Thus, you should not be surprised if after the passing of 2-3 months you can collect entire hair lumps from your bed-linen or your bath tub - writes Health magazine. The process is easily reversible or preventable with sufficient protein intake and a normal diet. Eggs, fish and other meat varieties are excellent protein sources, but for those who do not consume animal foods, it is advisable to include string beans, quinoa, seeds, leguminous and leafy vegetables, tofu, raw cocoa powder in their diets.
Sudden weight loss/extreme diet: Sudden weight loss is a form of physical stress, as a result of which the body does not obtain vital vitamins and minerals for a prolonged period, therefore the hair, skin and nails are quickly weakened and damaged. The combination of hair loss and weight loss may otherwise be a visible symptom of an eating disorder, most commonly anorexia and bulimia nervosa - warns Dr. Enikő Pető. If the extreme weigh loss diet is not a recurring problem and we return to a normal diet, the hair will be regenerated within half a month and the new hairs growing in the place of those that were lost will be healthy.

Anemia

Almost every tenth woman between the ages of 20 and 49 suffer from anemia caused by iron deficiency, which is an easily treatable cause of hair loss. A simple solution for this problem is iron supplementation, but it must also be considered that beside hair loss, iron deficiency has other symptoms, such as exhaustion, headache, dizziness, pale skin and cold hands or legs. It is not good news for vegetarians that iron is mostly delivered into the body by animal foods (meat, dairy products, eggs), but even for meat eaters it is advisable to provide it with nutritional supplements, and consume a lot of foods rich in vitamin C as well, since this assists in the absorption of iron in the intestinal cord. The recommended daily intake of iron is 15 mg for women, and 12 mg for men.

PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is caused by the imbalance of male and female sex hormones. An excess amount of androgens in the body leads to the development of cysts in the ovary, weight gain, diabetes, changes in the menstrual cycle, increased hair growth, infertility and the thinning of hairs. The treatment of PCOS (diet, exercise, contraceptives, medications for the prevention of infertility and diabetes) assists in the restoration of proper hormone functions and hair formation.

Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland produces hormones that are responsible for the proper functioning of metabolic processes, growth or development. The deceleration of this process, hypothyroidism, - which also leads to hair loss – affects an increasing number of people in Hungary. After the performance of a few tests, following the taking of hormone replacement medication recommended by a doctor, our hair can recommence growth - explains Dr. Enikő Pető.

Autoimmune diseases

The essence of the autoimmune skin disease called alopecia areata is that caused by an external or internal effect the cells of the hair follicles are modified, as a result of which the immune system identifies them as foreign material and destroys them by producing antibodies, thus the hair falls out in spots. Generally, smooth, scar free, round spots are visible on the scalp, from the edges of which the hairs can be easily pulled out. The process can be slowed down by steroid injections and Rogain, but the treatment is unpredictable, since the regrown hair may fall out again.
Lupus is a rare autoimmune disease which has varied forms of manifestation, it may affect every organ, one of its numerous possible symptoms is hair loss in spots. Since in this case balding involves scarring, new hairs do not grow in the place of those that fell out. As generally in the case of autoimmune diseases the treatment of lupus is mostly symptomatic, and it is based on the suppression of the immune system.

Chemotherapy

From taking certain medications used for the treatment of tumorous diseases the patient loses most of his hair. Chemotherapy does not only damage the fast proliferating cancerous cells but also the fast proliferating healthy cells, including hair cells. After the stoppage of the treatment, in nearly 100% cases, the hair regrows, but it is likely that in a different form (e.g. previously it was straight but the new hair will be curly), or it will have a different color. For the overcoming of such side-effects and the development of more targeted medications there is scientific research being conducted even currently.

Medications

The medications containing anticoagulants, antidepressants, methotrexate (against joint and skin problems), or lithium (bipolar disorder), as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen) also contribute to the development of balding. If the extent of hair loss is disturbing, it is advisable to consult with your doctor, to reduce the unpleasant side-effects by lowering the dosage or replacing the medication.
Anabolic steroids are primarily taken by athletes and bodybuilders for the purpose of fast and successful muscle building. These substances have the same effect on our bodied as PCO-syndrome – adds the expert. After the stoppage of steroid treatment hair growth regains its normal rhythm.

Excessively frequent hairstylist treatments

Excessively tight braids, straightening with chemical substances, or hot oil treatments all damage the hair follicles to such extent that the weakened, fallen out hairs will not necessarily regrow. We should have hairstylist treatments as rarely as possible, and after washing our hair we should allow it to dry on its own, thereby reducing the usage of a hairdryer, curling irons and other high temperature devices – recommends dr. Enikő Pető.

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is not simply a bad habit, rather a problem of psychological origins, a so-called compulsive disorder. Those who suffer from trichotillomania feel an uncontrollable urge to rip out their hair, and in many cases other compulsive symptoms accompany the problem: they chew their nails or pinch their skin. This disorder most commonly occurs under the age of 17, and in comparison with men, women are four times as susceptible to trichotillomania. Most frequently anxiety, a sense of shame, disappointment or an emotional shock is in the background, therefore the combined application of behavior therapy and treatment with medications is the most effective solution.

Low blood pressure

Dizziness, a sense of intoxication, vision disorders, fainting and headache are all the symptoms of low blood pressure, furthermore the episodes are accompanied by paleness, nausea and sweating, but the deterioration of blood circulation and low blood pressure may also lead to hair loss. In these cases the blood-vessels do not transport a sufficient amount of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, therefore their functioning slows down or stops completely, and the hairs fall out. Low blood pressure is often a symptom of other diseases (hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, heart related problem, diabetes), therefore if we know the cause it can be stopped by eliminating that. In general, for the reduction of the symptoms increased salt and fluid consumption is successful, while exercise improves blood circulation.

Emotional stress

Emotional crises cause hair loss more rarely than physical diseases, and thinning hair is not the consequence of every crisis situation, but a serious emotional trauma may aggravate an already existing problem. Just as in the case of hair loss caused by physical stress, the symptoms that develop by the effect of emotional problems are reduced with the passage of time. Even though it is unknown if as a result of conscious steps (exercise, hobby, therapy) balding will cease, it is advisable to do everything in the interest of dissolving anxiety.

Source: Dívány