FIVE --- EMOTIONAL/PHYSICAL STRESS
It's often said that it isn't stress that kills but it is how one deals with stress that matters. Recent data shows that stress can contribute to hair loss, particularly in early middle age and beyond. Our bodies react differently and at times, surprisingly. The dictionary defines stress as a "demand upon physical or mental energy". Stress puts demands on us to perform well above our capacity. Stress happens to all of us, and typically each day. Stress can also be related to change. Loss of a job or divorce, death in the family, or even something as seemingly benign as a residential move can trigger hair loss causing stress. Most times, its temporary. Sometimes though, it isn't.
FOUR --- TRACTION / OVERPROCESSING
Traction alopecia may be caused by tight hair bands, pulling the hair into a tight pony tail, corn-row hairstyles, or anything else that inadvertently pulls on the roots of the hair. If traction alopecia occurs for a long time and the same hair is repeatedly stressed, then the hair follicles can become so inflamed and damaged that they stop producing viable hair entirely.
Overprocessing the hair is by far the most common cause of physical hair damage. Perming, straightening, coloring or bleaching the hair all involve harsh chemicals (e.g. effasol) that can significantly affect the integrity of hair fiber. Using these chemicals too frequently or incorrectly can lead to irreversible damage to the hair producing structures in the scalp. The hair itself does not escape damage inasmuch as the more each fiber is damaged by these processes, the weaker it will become and the more likely it will break off.
THREE --- TRICHOTILLOMANIA
Also known as compulsive hair pulling, hair loss due to trichotillomania is typically patchy, as compulsive hair pullers tend to concentrate the pulling in selected areas. Hair loss due to this cause cannot be treated effectively until the psychological or emotional reasons for trichotillomania are effectively addressed.
TWO --- ALOPECIA AREATA
Alopecia areata (AA), a presumptive autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss that can range from diffuse thinning to extensive areas of baldness with "islands" of retained hair has recently been linked to several autoimmune disorders, including lupus erythematosis. Medical examination is necessary to establish a diagnosis of AA. Alopecia areata is characterized by complete scalp hair loss within round patches, leaving a smooth, hairless lesion. Along with these patches of hair loss are the prevalence of "exclamation point hairs". These are broken hairs that taper or narrow closer to the scalp, giving it the appearance of an exclamation point. Hair loss from alopecia areata can occur very rapidly or slowly or even at irregular intervals.
ONE --- ANDROGENIC ALOPECIA aka FEMALE PATTERN BALDNESS
Female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia affects almost 50% of females by the time they reach their late 40's. In fact, it is estimated that less than 25% of women reach the age of 80 with a full head of hair.
Unlike males where a distinct horseshoe pattern is often evident, in female pattern hair loss, there is generally diffuse thinning of the scalp hair due to increased shedding. The factors involved in female AGA are thought to be linked to changes in the levels of steroid hormones (androgens). As a result, many women find that the hair on their head is finer and thinner, while the hairs on their face grow coarser and more visible.
CONCLUSIONS
In sum, there are a number of distinct disorders affecting women with symptoms of hair loss. To determine the specific cause of your particular hair loss, a good first step is a visit to your primary care provider. Your doctor is in the best position to offer you a definitive diagnosis and also sound sensible treatment advice.
