Hair loss, also known as alopecia or baldness, is the gradual reduction or complete absence of hair on one part of the body, usually the head. This condition can occur for a variety of reasons, not just age. Hair loss can cause psychological distress for many people, so it's important to understand its causes.
According to statistics, about half of men over the age of 50 will experience some form of hair loss, while about a quarter of women are affected.
Common types of hair loss include male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness, as well as alopecia areata and physiological alopecia. Male pattern baldness is often linked to genes and male hormones, while the cause of female pattern baldness is still not fully understood. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes circular or patchy hair loss, while physiological hair loss usually occurs after a major stressful event, such as pregnancy or surgery.
The causes of hair loss can be divided into several categories:
Male pattern baldness is often affected by a combination of genetics and the male hormone dihydrotestosterone, but the condition is less predictable in women. Different people react differently to hereditary hair loss.
Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and certain medications for heart disease and high blood pressure, may cause hair loss. In addition, health issues such as endocrine disorders, thyroid problems, and malnutrition may also affect hair health.
Data shows that about 2% of people will experience alopecia areata at some point.
Psychological stress may also cause hair loss, especially after experiencing a major accident or trauma. Many people find that they begin to lose hair. For many people, hair is not only about appearance, but also has a direct impact on self-image and self-confidence.
Unhealthy lifestyle, such as unbalanced diet, lack of exercise and high-stress living environment, may increase the risk of hair loss. Many experts recommend that adding adequate nutrients, such as zinc and iron, to your diet is essential for maintaining healthy hair.
Typical symptoms of hair loss include localized hair loss, thinning, or overall hair thinning. In children and teenagers, hair loss sometimes occurs in rounded patches, a characteristic of alopecia areata. Confirmation usually requires examination by a professional doctor, including hair root analysis and possible skin examination.
Facing the problem of hair loss, there are some methods that can be used to reduce its impact. Maintaining a balanced diet and increasing the intake of vitamins and minerals are the basis for avoiding hair loss. Additionally, using the right shampoo and conditioner can help maintain healthy hair.
Many people choose to treat with medications such as minoxidil or asteride, which help prevent further hair loss but have limited effect on restoring hair that has already been lost.
Because of the psychological distress that hair loss can cause, discussing it with a mental health professional may help you cope with emotional issues. Family support is also an important factor in helping people feel less alone in facing this change.
The problem of hair loss has received increasing attention, not only because of its impact on appearance, but also because of its impact on psychological state that cannot be ignored. Everyone can take action to address this challenge, whether by improving their daily lifestyle, seeking medical help or psychological support. So, why don’t we start from ourselves and work harder for hair health?