Hair loss is a common problem that affects people of all ages. Because the hair is a person's crowning glory, those with thinning or depleting hair are constantly seeking to find out the cause of their hair loss.

There are numerous causes of hair loss, however. That is why before a person decides on measures to prevent, stop or reverse hair loss, the cause of the occurrence must be pinpointed first. Consultation with dermatologists and experts would also require honest disclosures so the cause of the hair loss would be properly determined.

The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary. That means, if the family has histories of receding hair and baldness, there is a greater chance that the person would encounter the problem as age sets in. As a cause of hair loss, there is nothing one could do to defy heredity. However, there are now products that claim to help stall the natural hair loss problem.

Stress is one cause of hair loss that many people unknowingly retain. Because stress is easily acquired at work, at home or at school, there are many people who are not aware that not only are their moods affected. Excessive hair loss is also accompanied by this daily life factor.

For some kids and adults, abrupt and noticeable hair loss can be caused by fungal infections at the scalp. The scalp is the base that holds the hair. It is very sensitive. That is why fungal attacks can cause the scalp to function less effectively, become itchy and lead to hair loss.


Hormonal causes of hair loss

Hormonal problem within the body is also a cause of hair loss. This cause may involve different hormones. For instance, the hormone secreted by the thyroid gland may cause hair to fall out if there is a current thyroid disease. To stop such hair loss, the thyroid problem must first be addressed, and eventually, hair loss would stop.

The secretion of sexual or gonad hormones can be a good cause of hair loss as well--for the male, testosterone, and for the female, estrogen. When the body is producing too much or too little of these hormones, there is an imminent cause for hair loss. To eliminate this cause of hair loss, the hormones should be properly and effectively regulated and balanced.

For some women, especially those who have just given birth, there may be excessive loss of hair after labor. As a cause of hair loss, giving birth changes the woman's hormonal levels. As you all know, during pregnancy up to about three months after delivery of the baby, women has excessive female hormones. After the period, the hormonal level suddenly drops and become an effective cause for alarming hair loss.


Other causes of hair loss

On the other hand, there can be other causes for hair loss. One is an imminent and yet undiagnosed disease like diabetes or lupus. Take note that hair loss is caused by the manifestations of symptoms of such disease. Thus, hair loss in this case becomes a warning sign, like fever, suggesting that person immediately seek medical assistance.

Chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer and other serious diseases can also cause hair loss. However, hair is expected to re-grow after the therapies are concluded.

To be able to save the remaining hair that you still have, it would be better if you would pinpoint the cause of the hair loss first. An effective determination of the cause would certainly help lead to effective treatment for the hair loss problem.