Are you concerned about hair loss? Men often feel upset when they start losing their hair, especially if they don't know why they're losing it. Here are 8 reasons you might be experiencing hair loss.
1. Male Pattern Baldness
Male pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss for men, affecting an estimated 50 million men in the U.S. This type of hair loss is also called androgenetic alopecia. It's related to hormone changes as a man ages. On average, men notice signs of male pattern baldness in their 50s but can begin even earlier. Heredity also plays a factor--those who've had male relatives with this condition are more likely to suffer from it themselves.
2. Sudden Weight Loss
Losing weight is a good thing, isn't it? Maybe for your body, but losing a lot of weight at once can do a number on your hair. It is common to experience some hair loss after losing more than 15 pounds. This loss doesn't happen right away, however. Men usually notice their hair beginning to thin about three to six months after losing a substantial amount of weight. Luckily, your hair should start to grow back on its own once your weight stabilizes.
3. Scalp Infections
Fungal infections of the scalp may sound icky, but they are surprisingly common. These include ringworm of the scalp (Tinea capitis), Piedra, and folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles). Fortunately, scalp infections are easy for your doctor or dermatologist to diagnose and treat. After completing a course of treatment, your hair growth should go back to normal.
4. Too Much Vitamin A
When it comes to vitamins, it IS possible to take too much of a good thing. Vitamin A is necessary for many aspects of good health--from organ and immune function to healthy skin and hair. It is found in both plant and animal foods, and in supplements. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends adults take 5,000 International Units (IU) daily, which works out to between 700 and 900 micrograms per day. But taking too much isn't good for you. Adverse effects of too much vitamin A include headaches, dizziness, and hair loss. Luckily, most people who have hair loss due to too much vitamin A find that their hair regrows when they stop taking so much of the vitamin.
5. Not Enough Other Vitamins
Deficiencies in some necessary vitamins may be causing your hair loss. These include iron, zinc, biotin, selenium, and copper. For good nutrition and healthy hair, many men take a daily multivitamin containing these ingredients.
6. Physical or Emotional Trauma
Mentally or physically experiencing a traumatic event may be a trigger for hair loss. Examples of traumatic physical events include a car accident, severe illness, or broken bone. Emotional trauma may include the death of a loved one, the sudden breakup of a marriage, or losing your job. Hair loss related to trauma usually occurs several months after the traumatic event. Your hair growth should go back to normal after the shock of the event is over.
7. Protein Deficiency
Protein deficiency is rare in the United States, but not unheard of. Protein is a type of molecule that helps your body by contributing to cell growth, among other functions. To find out how many grams of protein you need to stay healthy, simply multiply your body weight in pounds by .36. This number is the minimum amount you need daily from plant or animal sources. Symptoms of protein deficiency include muscle weakness and hair loss.
8. Certain Medications
Hair loss is a side effect of some medications. These include antidepressants, anticonvulsant drugs, medicines for hypertension, beta-adrenoceptor antagonists, anticoagulants, thyroid medicines, and many other types of prescription drugs. If you're taking a medication you suspect may be causing hair loss, talk to your doctor. Don't stop taking a prescribed medication unless advised to do so by a medical professional.
If you're a man suffering from hair loss, know that you're not alone. At LH Hair, we're here to help you. Our hair restoration specialists can help find a solution to get you feeling like yourself again. Contact us today for more information, or to schedule a free confidential consultation.
