What is Hair Loss? What are the Causes of Hair Loss?
Hair loss is one of the normal developmental phases of hair growth. The anagen phase is the growth phase, the catagen phase is the transitional period, and the telogen phase is the resting and shedding phase. The hair unit is in the anagen phase about 80% of the time. This life cycle is repeated on average 20 times throughout a person’s lifespan.
Losing 50-100 strands of hair per day is considered normal. If this number exceeds 100, and there are signs such as thinning of the hair on the scalp, reduction in the thickness of the ponytail, or if a large amount of hair comes out when pulled, it means the hair loss is beyond normal limits and the cause should be investigated by consulting a doctor.
What are the Causes of Hair Loss?
1-Genetic factors inherited from the family are a significant cause of hair loss.
2-The presence of skin diseases affecting the scalp and hair follicles.
3-Nutritional disorders and deficiencies of essential substances (Iron, B12, Folic acid, Biotin, Vitamin D, Zinc, Magnesium deficiencies)
4-Hormonal issues (Thyroid gland diseases, Menstrual irregularity, Menopause, Post-pregnancy period, Use of birth control pills)
5-Systemic diseases (Thyroid diseases, Adrenal gland diseases, Diabetes (Diabetes mellitus), connective tissue diseases, Anemia, Febrile diseases, Surgeries, Trauma, Childbirth)
6-Medications (Chemotherapy drugs, Thyroid medications, Birth control pills)
7-Seasonal changes
8-Stress, psychological problems, and medications used in their treatment
9-Physical and chemical processes applied to the hair (Blow-drying, straightening, dyeing, bleaching, Constant tight tying, etc.)
What is the General Approach to a Patient Complaining of Hair Loss?
A patient complaining of excessive hair loss should have a thorough history taken by a doctor. The patient’s general health status, past and current illnesses, medications used, dietary habits, hormonal status, and family history should be thoroughly questioned.
A physical examination should include an evaluation of the nature and location of the hair loss, a pull test, an assessment of the hair and scalp structure, and a dermatoscopic examination.
After the examination, necessary blood tests should be conducted to help determine the cause. If a cause can be identified in light of these, a treatment targeting that specific cause may be recommended. For example, if there is an iron deficiency, iron-containing medications may be prescribed; if there are thyroid function abnormalities, treatment will be planned accordingly. If a skin disease affecting the scalp is present, a biopsy should be taken if necessary to establish a diagnosis, and appropriate medical treatment should be administered.
In some cases, no specific physical cause may be identified. In such situations, familial predisposition should be primarily considered.
At our center located in Ankara, the causes of hair loss are carefully investigated, and appropriate treatment is meticulously provided.
What are the General Precautions Against Hair Loss?
Individuals with hair loss problems should eat a balanced and adequate diet. Unbalanced diets and strict weight loss regimens can increase hair loss.
Hair cleanliness and care should be regularly maintained using products appropriate for the hair type. Shampoos, lotions, tonics, etc., used externally, do not have a direct chance of preventing hair loss. However, under certain conditions, they can increase blood flow to the hair roots, thereby enhancing their nourishment.
The use of chemicals that may damage hair quality should be avoided.
What Medical Methods Can Be Applied Against Hair Loss?
If there is an organic disorder that may cause hair loss, it should be medically treated. If no specific cause is identified, drugs containing vitamins, amino acids, and mineral mixtures that enhance and support hair follicle nutrition may be used.
In male-pattern hair loss, medications that inhibit hormonal changes can be recommended under supervision, but they should be closely monitored for side effects.
Techniques such as mesotherapy and PRP can also be tried to stimulate the scalp’s renewal and nourish the roots.
If hair loss has become permanent and large areas of thinning have developed, another treatment option is hair transplantation. When performed by skilled hands, under proper hygienic conditions, and with the appropriate technique, hair transplantation is a treatment method with a high success rate.