Everyone, male or female, loses hair. We are all born with a certain number of hair follicles, and no matter what we do throughout our lives we never grow any more follicles than we were born with. As stated by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), it is normal to lose approximately 50 to 100 hairs per day. It is only when you see thinning or bald patches that you know you are experiencing serious hair loss.
Traumatic events in life, such as divorce or loss of a loved one, can be stressful enough to cause hair loss. Nutritional deficiencies in iron and protein can cause loss of hair, as can an excess of vitamin A in supplements and medications, or substantial weight loss.
Falling estrogen levels after childbirth causes hair loss in many women, although most see re-growth within a few months. Many women experience hair loss during menopause. Although the loss is often temporary, women over the age of 40 should not to expect to continue to have the same hair volume as they had when they were younger.
A number of different diseases, including anemia and thyroid disease, can result in hair loss. So can high fevers, major surgery, severe infections, or the flu. Ringworm of the scalp, a contagious disease common among children, can lead to areas of baldness if not treated. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy used to treat cancer causes hair loss, although the loss is often temporary.
For both men and women, noticeable hair loss can have an impact on appearance, affecting self-confidence. Fortunately for many people, advances in medical technology have brought effective, minimally-invasive hair replacement techniques that produce natural-looking, long-lasting results. Dr. Saul Lahijani serves Beverly Hills and the greater Los Angeles area, providing a range of hair replacement procedures, using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques.
