What causes hair loss?
Hair loss can be a temporary or permanent condition, depending on its cause. Both men and women can experience thinning hair or hair loss because of hormone changes, underlying medical conditions, or the natural aging process.
If you have a family history of hair loss, you might be at increased risk for developing male or female-pattern baldness as you get older, starting with a receding hairline that progresses to more noticeable bald spots.
Other common causes of hair loss include:
- Stress
- Poor nutrition
- Cancer treatments
- Certain medications
Excessive use of styling products can also potentially contribute to premature hair loss.
How is the cause of hair loss diagnosed?
To determine the root cause of your hair loss, the team at A to Z Dermatology starts by reviewing your personal and family medical history, your lifestyle, your diet, and the medications you take.
They might also order blood tests to identify underlying medical conditions that affect the health of your hair. In some cases, the team might scrape a sample of your skin or pluck hairs for further examination under a microscope.
How is hair loss treated?
You might also benefit from over-the-counter or prescription medicines that you apply to your scalp. Medicated shampoos are another option for improving the growth and thickness of your hair.
The team at A to Z Dermatology can recommend products to protect your new hair growth and prevent further hair loss. If you have an underlying medical condition that contributes to hair loss, you might need to see your primary care physician for a referral to a specialist.
If you’re bothered by your appearance because of premature hair loss, call the A to Z Dermatology office nearest to you to schedule a consultation or book one online today.
