Medically reviewed on 7/12/2019 by Dr. Nassim Assefi
Hair Loss
Hair loss refers to the thinning of hair on your scalp or your entire body. Hereditary conditions, hormonal changes, side effects of certain drugs, radiation therapy, stress and excessive hairstyling are the primary causes of noticeable hair loss. Sudden hair loss could be due to emotional shock, gentle tugging, or a medical conditions, procedures or treatments, Â such as chemotherapy. Aging is one of the most significant contributory factors to hair loss. It appears in the form of gradual thinning of hair over time and impacts both men and women. Hair loss typically becomes noticeable when the rate at which you lose hair outpaces the rate at which you grow it. Sometimes, the hair follicle is destroyed and is replaced by scar tissue. Visit a physician if you experience a sudden loss of hair.
Hair loss symptoms and causes
There are multiple ways you can experience hair loss, and it can be gradual or fast-paced, depending on the underlying condition causing it. The permanence of hair loss also varies from case to case.
What are some common forms of hair loss?
The signs that you are losing hair may include:
- Gradual thinning: This is quite common in both men and women. In men, hair thinning occurs from the forehead, while in women, a part in the hair broadens.
- Patchy bald spots: This type of hair loss usually occurs in patches on the scalp, beard or eyebrows. Sometimes, there might be itching and pain before the hair loss.
- Sudden hair loss: Shock can cause hair to loosen, resulting in a handful of hair coming out when combing or washing hair—just by gentle tugging.
- Full body hair loss: Some conditions and medical treatments can cause you to lose hair all over your body.
- Scaling spread over the scalp: A sign of ringworm, it is likely that you will also have broken hair, redness and swelling if you experience this type of hair loss.
What are the common causes of hair loss?
Hair loss can be a result of multiple factors. Some of them are:
- Family history: It is the most common cause. People with a family history of hair loss gradually start experiencing receding hairlines.
- Hormonal changes: Rapid hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menopause or thyroid problems can result in significant hair loss. Scalp infections like ringworm, Â medical conditions like alopecia areata, and hair-pulling disorders like trichotillomania also result in patchy hair loss.
- Medication and supplements: Hair loss can be a side effect of certain drugs. This is especially true for medications used for the treatment of cancer, depression, heart problems and high blood pressure.
- Radiation therapy: The therapy applied to your head might lead to permanent hair loss.
- Stress: People can sometimes experience temporary hair loss after a physical or emotional shock.
You can read more about the risk factors for hair loss on the website of the Mayo Clinic.
Hair loss treatment
How does the doctor diagnose hair loss?
During your visit, the doctor might likely do a physical exam and seek details of your medical and family history. The doctor might also recommend tests like blood tests, pull tests, scalp biopsies or light microscopy. Based on the overall assessment, the doctor might then recommend a treatment plan.
What are the different treatment plans available for hair loss?
Many treatment methods are available to help with hair regrowth and to reverse hair loss, or at least reduce the thinning. Treatments for hair loss include medications and surgery to slow the process of hair loss.
- Medication: If your hair loss is due to a disease, it’s likely necessary that the underlying disease is addressed first. If a drug is causing hair loss, your doctor might recommend you to stop using that medication for some time. In addition, medications are available to treat hereditary baldness.
- Surgery: Both hair transplant surgery and laser surgery can be used to treat hereditary hair loss. You can read more about these surgeries on the Mayo Clinic website.
Where can you find a doctor for hair loss near you?
At Zocdoc.com! Â You can book an appointment with top-rated doctors who are available for hair loss treatments in your location. Booking is simple, secure and free!
How much does hair loss treatment cost?
The cost might vary based on your treatment plan, location, insurance provider and other factors.
Sources: Mayo Clinic
