Vitamins, minerals, and hair loss: Is there a connection?

what causes thinning hair

Understanding these factors is important to getting an effective treatment. Seek medical advice based on your symptoms and causes to address thinning hair effectively and regain hair health. “The condition is thought to be hereditary and while it doesn't usually cause baldness like in men, it can still affect self-esteem and confidence. If you're concerned about female pattern baldness, talk to your doctor who can advise you on possible treatment options. This is the name for hair loss caused by medications that harm your hair follicles. Radiation and chemotherapy treatments for cancer can be toxic to follicles, causing your hair to fall out within the first few weeks after you start treatment.

Hair Loss In Transgender and Nonbinary People

Hereditary hair loss will eventually progress despite surgery. Hair loss related to androgenic alopecia tends to happen gradually. While some people might experience hair loss as early as puberty, others might not notice symptoms until their middle ages. Trying to tell if you’re actually losing hair or just experiencing some normal shedding? Read on for more information about hair loss and how to manage it.

What causes thinning hair in women?

Both the CDC and the FDA warn against treating this common childhood condition on your own with non-prescription treatments. Here are some of the most common culprits and what you can do about thinning hair. It's normal to find some hairs in your brush or on the bathroom sink every day.

Androgenetic Alopecia Treatments

This type of hair loss occurs slowly, over the course of several months or years. You can prevent hair loss caused by chemical hair treatments by not using them. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any form of treatment for hair loss. Some types of treatment aren’t safe to use if you’re pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant or going through menopause.

Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter

9 Best Vitamins for Hair Growth, According to Dermatologists 2024 - Glamour

9 Best Vitamins for Hair Growth, According to Dermatologists 2024.

Posted: Mon, 15 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

But if that number seems to be ramping up and you notice your hair is looking thinner than it used to, aging or related factors could be to blame. Here are some questions people often ask about thinning hair. A number of home remedies may improve hair growth, although not all of them have scientific backing. Minoxidil and finasteride have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to treat androgenetic alopecia. In chronic cases, shedding may continue, but a person will usually retain a reasonable head of hair.

At-Home Treatments

what causes thinning hair

Traction alopecia is the result of environmental factors, such as wearing your hair in tight hairstyles, Agbai says. Telogen effluvium refers to the excessive shedding of hair follicles, and it occurs when hair follicles prematurely skip to the end of the hair growth cycle, she adds. Genetics is the most common cause, with others including autoimmune diseases, physical or emotional stress, cancer treatments, and medications.

what causes thinning hair

Telogen effluvium

These hair changes can make it hard to maintain how you want to look, especially if you're transgender or nonbinary (which means you don't identify as fully male or female). You may want to shift where hair grows (or doesn't) to reflect your affirmed gender. Things that interfere with the growth cycle -- like medications, illnesses, infections, or chemicals -- have the potential to stop hair from being formed the right way. Beyond that, age, hormones, stress, and even the way you style your hair can lead to hair loss. Not all researchers agree that spironolactone works, and the FDA has not endorsed it as a treatment for androgenic alopecia. However, the medication has still been used off-label for years to treat hair loss in women.

Whether thinning hair can grow back depends on various factors, including the cause of the thinning, an individual's genetics, and the treatment approaches. You should also talk with your doctor if you’re worried about persistent hair loss or a receding hairline or if you notice sudden patchy hair loss. Patches of hair loss could signify an underlying medical condition. “Bleaching, perming, and extreme hold hair sprays contain harsh chemicals that can cause hair loss by damaging the hair follicles and strands. Certain chemicals found in shampoos, conditioners, hair dyes, and styling products can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, breakage, and hair loss.

Thyroid conditions

16 Best Hair Growth Shampoos, Tested & Reviewed by Experts 2024 - ELLE

16 Best Hair Growth Shampoos, Tested & Reviewed by Experts 2024.

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Treatment options for hair loss typically depend on the cause. They can also vary according to the pattern and location of hair loss. While most causes of hair loss are treatable, some may not be.

The best treatment option for your type of hair loss depends on the cause. In some cases, hair loss may be reversible with proper treatment. A doctor may be able to diagnose the cause of your hair loss with a physical examination and by examining your medical history. They may do a pull test to see how many hairs come out, and examine your scalp with a microscope. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common female health issue that leads to excess levels of androgen, or male sex hormones.

Doctors sometimes prescribe other treatments off-label to reduce the incidence of hair loss in women. Androgenic alopecia causes the normal hair growth cycle to shorten. As a result, hair doesn’t grow as long or thick as it normally would. Androgenetic alopecia can occur at any age after puberty, but it’s most common in postmenopausal women. Advancing age and a family history of the condition are two of the primary risk factors. Below, we’ll explore common causes of hair loss in women and the treatment options available.

It’s also backed by animal research from 2016, though human studies are needed to confirm its effects. Lavender is often combined with other oils, such as those made from rosemary and thyme. Your child may feel like they need to hide hair loss, and feel stressed and anxious about their hair loss progressing. Once it starts, the shedding could be over in a few weeks—or it could last the whole summer. "It's hair you would have lost anyway, but you're just losing it a little faster than you normally would have," he explains. "It's not going to be extreme, but it could be noticeable."

These dermatologists' tips tell you how to protect your skin. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. Thickening shampoos, conditioners and sprays are inexpensive, easy to use, and can help make your hair look fuller, especially when used regularly, Dr. Kakar says.

While anyone can be affected, this issue is common in women who wear braids, tight pony tales, or corn rows. Over time, traction alopecia can lead to permanent hair loss. You're unlikely to lose all of your hair with female pattern baldness.

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