Why hair falls out. We are looking for the cause and treating the loss correctly

Hair loss needs to be fought, in the truest sense of the word, but before starting the fight, you need to find out the cause of hair loss. And besides, the sooner we start the fight, the more hair we will save and the sooner we will be able to regain the former density. Consider studies by Western experts that identify three main causes of hair loss.

The problem of hair loss is relevant all over the world, thousands of specialists are engaged in its research, and even more manufacturers of hair cosmetics, almost every brand has a series against hair loss.

French experts identify three main reasons for hair loss, from which other reasons are repelled:

1. Genetic predisposition
2. Internal problems with the body
3. External causes of hair loss

Genetic predisposition to hair loss

What is a genetic predisposition to hair loss? This is when a certain combination of genes (polygenic type of inheritance) that are responsible for thinning hair is inherited by a person. Such hair loss is called androgenic alopecia and it is impossible to cure such hair loss, you can only maintain the condition of the hair in order to postpone this process, for example, antiandrogen drugs (blocking the effect of hormones on the hair follicle), prescribing growth stimulants, physiotherapy methods of treatment (plasma therapy, mesotherapy, laser therapy , reflexology).

It is genes that determine the age of the onset of the problem, its activity, the degree to which hair can thin out.

All the same, androgenic alopecia are more susceptible to men, it affects up to 80% of men and up to 50% of women during their lives.

You can read more about androgenic alopecia in the article:Diagnosis - androgenic alopecia. Symptoms and complex treatment.

Internal problems with the body as a cause of hair loss

In women, hair loss is most often associated with internal problems of the body and this is confirmed by numerous studies and facts.

If the body lacks certain vitamins, minerals, trace elements or other useful substances, then it reduces their consumption for less important organs, it is the hair that belongs to them, so we first notice that the hair begins to fall out, become dry and brittle, and only then we notice that in the body, for example, there is little iron in the blood or other essential substances.

Anemia and hair loss

The most common cause of hair loss in women is iron deficiency anemia (not enough iron in the blood). It can occur due to heavy and prolonged periods, during pregnancy and childbirth, with diseases of the digestive system and with improper diet.

In general, the human body constantly contains about four grams of iron, 60% of which is in hemoglobin, 30% in ferritin, and the rest is found in myoglobin and enzymes.

If you suspect that you may have anemia, then be sure to see a doctor, preferably a hematologist. You can read more about hair loss with anemia in the article Iron deficiency and hair loss.

Recommendations: a general blood test does not show the whole picture of iron deficiency, sometimes with normal hemoglobin, ferritin can be very low, that is, there can be very little iron reserves in the body. The following tests need to be done: ferritin, transferrin, serum iron, total iron binding capacity, and a complete blood count.

Hormonal imbalances and hair deterioration

Hormonal imbalances are also a common cause of hair loss, hormones in the body are produced from the moment of birth and throughout life.Therefore, hormonal imbalances can occur at any age, but most often during pregnancy and after childbirth, during puberty and during menopause.

With hormonal imbalance, the hair becomes dull and brittle, it can begin to fall out intensively and even with the formation of bald patches. In women, hormone-induced hair loss occurs more in the crown area, causing the scalp to show through the hair.

Hormonal hair loss is difficult to calculate, because "hormones do not hurt", that is, you will not feel pain or discomfort when hormonal levels are disturbed, unless at an advanced stage of the disease (changes in organ tissue), and the hair will begin to react much earlier, so do not start hair loss hair.

Hair loss can also occur with dysfunction of the thyroid, ovaries and adrenal glands. You can find out more information in the article Hair loss due to hormonal imbalance: the main symptoms and treatment.

Recommendations: It is important for every woman to visit an endocrinologist once a year and take a blood test for hormones from time to time.

Gastrointestinal problems and hair loss

The health and beauty of hair, as well as the entire body, is influenced by intestinal health. We rarely connect gastrointestinal problems with hair loss, but in vain, because dysbiosis, worms, problems with the liver, pancreas, poor absorption of nutrients cause hair loss and deterioration of their general condition.

Recommendations: hair loss, bouts of abdominal pain, digestive problems can be symptoms of diseases such as stomach ulcers, cholelithiasis, pancreatitis, dysbiosis, irritable bowel syndrome. Therefore, it is very important to consult a gastroenterologist in a timely manner.

Hair loss due to poor circulation

All nutrients (vitamins, minerals, trace elements) that our hair needs every day come to them along with the blood. Therefore, if the capillaries are narrowed and blood circulation is impaired, then the hair does not receive proper nutrition, but starves, as a result, this affects the condition of the hair, they become lifeless, dull and begin to fall out intensively. The cause of circulatory disorders can be any general disease (cardiovascular, osteochondrosis), as well as the frequent use of caffeinated beverages (coffee, strong tea).

Recommendations: do not lead a sedentary lifestyle, go in for sports, walk more in the fresh air, from time to time conduct a full body massage course. Also, massage your scalp every night with a soft massage brush and when you wash your hair.

Taking medications and chemotherapy

Even taking antibiotics can cause hair loss, or pressure pills, antidepressants, birth control pills and many others, with prolonged use can cause hair loss. After the abolition of hormonal contraceptives, increased hair loss is quite common. As the saying goes: "we treat one thing, we cripple the other."

Recommendations: try during the course of treatment with drugs to support the hair with special strengthening serums, ampoules and lotions. And when the course of treatment is completed, the hair will gradually begin to recover.

Lack of vitamins, minerals and trace elements

Lack of vitamins, trace elements and other nutrients in the body directly affect the condition of the hair. Responsible for the beauty and health of hair are: B vitamins, especially B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12, as well as vitamins A, E, C, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, selenium, collagen, L - cystine.

Improper nutrition is always accompanied by a lack of nutrients for the body, make sure that your diet is complete and balanced.

Doctors say that after the deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the body is restored, hair will begin to grow back and recover, but this takes time.

Recommendations: always eat seasonal vegetables and fruits, drink enough water, and in the spring and autumn it will not be superfluous to take vitamin complexes that are specifically designed for hair.

Decreased immunity as a cause of hair loss

Immunity may decrease after surgery, after acute infectious diseases, after chemotherapy, stress, during pregnancy and childbirth. Immunity decreases when the body is weakened or works at "high revs".

Recommendations: temper your body, go in for sports, do not forget about useful products and then you will not need to go to an appointment with an immunologist.

External causes of hair loss

External adverse factors that we ourselves create for our hair also affect hair loss, but they are easier to eliminate than the internal causes of hair loss.

How stress affects hair loss

Constant stress is very harmful to hair. Of course, if the stress was sporadic, then recovery will not be long in coming. But, if stress has already passed into a chronic form, then the vessels of the scalp are greatly narrowed, blood circulation is noticeably weakened, and the hair begins to fall out intensively.

Recommendations: make sure you always have adequate sleep, as constant fatigue will again lead to stress. If you cannot resist stress on your own, then it is advisable to drink sedatives.

Improper hair care

Incorrectly selected care can cause hair loss and deterioration in general hair condition. First, determine what type of hair you have, if it is difficult for you to do this, you can contact your hairdresser, he will help you. And remember that shampoo is selected depending on the condition of the scalp, and masks, conditioners and balms, depending on the condition of the hair length.

Constant use of a hair dryer and iron also has a detrimental effect on hair. Always use thermal protection before using such devices.

Frequent dyeing and perm make hair thinner and more brittle. Because after dyeing, even the most gentle, the top layer of the hair - the cuticle - is destroyed, what can we say about perm.

Recommendations: choose high-quality daily care for your hair, and from time to time strengthen your hair with special serums, ampoules and home strengthening masks.

Bad ecological situation

The environmental situation can also affect the condition of the hair. Air pollution, an increased level of background radiation, various precipitation, bad water have a very strong effect not only on the condition of the hair, but also on the condition of the whole organism. Unfortunately, such a phenomenon cannot be removed; it is only possible to reduce the harmful effect on the body.

Recommendations: You can put an air purifier and humidifier in your home, wash your hair with boiled water and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Hair Loss Test

Hair loss can be assessed by hair counting. To do this, you must collect and count lost hair on a daily basis: on a pillow, comb or drain in the bathroom, and record the number of hairs. This should be done within 7 days, if you find more than 100 hairs a day, this is already a sign of serious hair loss and you should contact a specialist. By the way, such a hair counting diary is very useful and such a test should be carried out twice a year.

You can carry out another test: this test is carried out on different parts of the head, for this you need to take a small lock of hair, up to 100 hairs and pull slightly, if at the same time the hair falls out easily and painlessly, then most likely you have pathological hair loss.

And one more test: try not to wash your hair for three days, and then pull the bundle of hair, if every time after such an experiment you have more than five hairs in your hand, this means that you have intense hair loss and you need to look for the cause.