The Cause of Hair Loss
Normally, about 10 percent of the hair on your head is resting
(not growing). After a few months, the resting hair falls out
and new hair begins to grow in its place. The growing phase can
last from 2 to 6 years. While in the growing phase, hair will
gain approximately 1 centimeter a month. It is normal to
experience hair loss every day as part of this normal
resting/growing cycle. Some people experience excessive hair
loss from a variety of causes.
The cause of hair loss is multi-variable. Most people
erroneously believe that hair loss is caused by things like bad
circulation, stress, sweat and dirt on the scalp, or wearing
hats. With the exception of stress, none of these factors has
been proven as a cause of hair loss. Stress is also not very
likely unless you have undergone extreme physical or
psychological torture. This hair loss is also temporary.
The real cause of hair loss lies with hormonal problems. Hair
loss occurs when male or female hormones (androgens and
estrogens) are out of balance. An imbalance of hormones is
usually a genetic trait that as of yet, cannot be cured. Male
and female-pattern baldness is the most common form of hair
loss. This is caused by a hormone called DHT, a naturally
occurring hormone that helps in sexual development. After
puberty, an increase in DHT causes an increase in binding at
hair follicle protein receptor sites which throws the process of
healthy hair growth off.
Other causes of hair loss may be medicine. Blood-thinners,
medicines used in chemotherapy, an excess of vitamin A, birth
control pills, and antidepressants have all been shown to
promote hair loss in certain people. Infections of the scalp can
cause hair loss as well as certain diseases like lupus and
diabetes.