Hair loss is a condition that concerns many women as well as men. As with many health conditions, there are a number of different factors that may cause an individual to begin losing hair. Depending on the reasons for the thinning hair, there may be ways to effectively stop hair loss and restore a health head of hair.
It is important to note that when the cause for the impending baldness is due to androgenic alopecia, the chances for reversing the loss are very slim and possibly non-existent. Still, there are a number of products on the market today that claim to at least partially stop hair loss that is caused by this condition. The effectiveness of these products is challenged by some in the medical community, while others support the use of these products with a great deal of enthusiasm.
There are also other reasons why an individual may experience the loss of hair. Prolonged periods of intense stress can have a negative effect on many of the body’s functions, including the growth of hair. If the stress is severe enough, it may cause the hair to begin thinning. When this is the case, the only way to stop hair loss is to address the issues causing the stress and either eliminate them or identify a way to minimize their effect on the mind and body.
Physical ailments can also lead to losing hair. One example is the development of a thyroid condition. With both an overactive and underactive thyroid, the body’s natural balance is undermined, weakening hair follicles to the point they fall out. Often, resolving the thyroid malfunction will be enough to stop the hair loss and gradually restore a healthy head of hair.
An improper diet can also set the stage for losing hair. When the body does not receive enough protein and other essentials such as iron, the hair may begin to thin. In order to stop hair loss, eating a more balanced diet and taking daily vitamin and mineral supplements can reverse the effects and stop hair loss.
Medications can sometimes be the reason for hair loss. Birth control pills may trigger the loss of hair in women. People taking prescription medications to deal with arthritis, psoriasis and other ailments may also find the hair begins to thin. Drugs that are commonly employed in chemotherapy treatments often cause the loss of hair. Fortunately, changing medications or completing the series of chemotherapy treatments is usually enough to stop hair loss and begin the process of growing a healthy head of hair.
Severe traumas to the body can also result in the loss of hair. Childbirth may result in a temporary loss of hair for women. Both genders may experience hair loss due to infections, prolonged periods of high fever, or after some type of major surgical procedure. Generally, when the body recovers from the trauma sufficiently, the hair loss ceases.
The most effective way to stop hair loss is to determine the origin of the problem. This usually requires seeking the services of a medical professional. Once the origin of the loss is diagnosed, the proper steps can be taken to stop hair loss and help restore the hair to its former glory.