There may be various medical causes of hair loss. It is important to know that various diseases or illnesses may be the underlying reason for excessive hair fall. As a matter of fact, diseases and illnesses may affect the metabolic processes of our body and this may hamper the growth cycle of hair. Apart from this, many diseases may also alter the hormonal balance, causing hair loss. Hair often re-grows naturally, if the underlying medical conditions are treated
Many medical conditions contribute to hair loss. For example, a hormonal imbalance, high fever, severe or prolonged illness, pregnancy and childbirth, or extreme stresses are some of the most common reasons of hair loss. It is important to treat these conditions to further prevent damage of hair follicles or hair loss in general.
Many medications used for various diseases can also lead to excessive hair loss. For example, diuretics, contraceptives, blood pressure medications, skin and anti-fungal medications etc can all cause hair loss. Hair loss due to medication often leads to thinning of hairline or bald spots on the scalp. Apart from these medications, major surgeries or treatment of major diseases may also lead to excessive hair fall. The treatment of cancer, using chemotherapy or radiation therapy often causes hair fall. However, this type of hair fall is uniform and takes place all over the body rather than being limited to the scalp.
Hormonal imbalances are also well known medical reasons for hair loss. In women, the hormone, estrogen protects against hair fall. But as women age, the level of estrogen decreases and therefore hair loss increases. In case of men, imbalance of the hormone androgen may lead to baldness. Moreover, the hormone dihydrotestosterone is also responsible for the shrinking of hair follicles. This results in thinning of hair and the shaft becomes fragile. This ultimately leads to loss of hair and breakage.
Poor diet and malnutrition are other possible medical causes of hair loss. The two reasons may act in combination. Vitamin deficiency is also a major reason arising out of malnutrition, which contributes to hair loss. However, hair loss due to malnutrition or improper diet is temporary in nature and ceases if effective steps are taken on time. It has been observed that doctors often prescribe vitamin supplements to patients suffering from malnutrition.
Knowing these underlying conditions not only makes a person more acquainted with the reasons but also enables them to take necessary steps to prevent severe hair loss. Moreover, it is important to understand the underlying reason for hair loss so that necessary treatment and medications can be taken. If you suspect some medical reasons for your hair loss, it is essential to discuss the issue with a doctor without wasting any more time. Proper treatment and medications can save you from the problem of hair loss. Sometimes, an early consultation can prevent the condition from getting worse. But do not indulge in self diagnosing, as there may be various simultaneous conditions responsible for hair loss. Consult a doctor for treating this condition.