7 Factors that Contribute to Hair Fall
Hair loss might occur due to genetics, hormones, or autoimmune disorders. Irrespective of the reason, understanding the root cause helps you identify if FUE hair transplant is the best choice or you need any other approach.
Here are some of the major reasons behind hair fall:
When someone is genetically disposed to hair fall, their hair follicles become increasingly sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). As a result, miniaturization occurs which leads to shortened growth cycles.
Hormonal change is another major reason for hair loss, especially in conditions that involve increased androgens (male hormones), like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.
Hair loss also occurs during postpartum. While a woman is pregnant, the higher estrogen levels keep hair in their anagen (growth) phase, which results in thicker hair. However, after childbirth, it drops, which causes many hairs to enter the telogen phase and cause increased shedding of hair.
Multiple autoimmune conditions like Lupus Erythematosus, Lichen Planopilaris, and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis also lead to uncontrollable thinning of hair. In such conditions, the body’s immune system starts attacking the cells within hair follicles as if they were foreign invaders. This disrupts the normal cycle of hair growth.
If your nutrient intake is not adequate, especially iron, vitamin D, zinc, and protein, you will more likely face increased shedding of hair. For instance, in people with iron deficiency anemia, the impaired hemoglobin production reduces oxygen supply to hair follicles, compromising their growth.
- Medical Treatments and Medications
Patients who go through chemotherapy or take certain medications like beta-blockers and anticoagulants are more likely to face hair fall.
It is because chemotherapy drugs can target rapidly dividing hair follicles and stop their growth. Similarly, the other medicines contribute to hair loss by disrupting normal hair follicle activity.
Scalp infections, like Tinea Capitis (ringworm) and Folliculitis (infection of hair follicles) can also cause temporary and localized hair fall.
Similarly, it is also a part of the natural aging process. As a person’s age increases, their hair growth slows, follicles shrink, and the hair cycle becomes shorter. Consequently, their hair starts getting thinner and less pigmented over time.