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Why am I experiencing hair loss?

The most common reason for hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, known as male pattern baldness in men and female pattern baldness in women. You’re more likely to get this condition if close relatives have it, so there’s a genetic link; however, other factors, like your environment, could also play a role.

Androgenetic alopecia may develop in your teens but more often affects you as you age. The first female pattern baldness sign is hair thinning and/or an expanding part. Male pattern baldness tends to cause a receding hairline or a bald spot on the top of your head.

Other potential hair loss causes include:

  • Alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder)
  • Chemotherapy cancer treatment
  • Head or neck radiation therapy
  • Severe stress
  • Medication side effects
  • Scalp infections like ringworm
  • Biotin, iron, or zinc deficiencies
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Hypothyroidism

Excessive coloring, perming, and relaxing hair treatments can also result in hair loss. Some people get traction alopecia because they braid their hair too tightly.

How does my dermatologist find my hair loss cause?

After a physical exam and medical/family history review, your dermatologist might run tests to determine the cause of your hair loss, such as:

  • Complete blood count (CBC) blood test
  • Thyroid function tests (TFT)
  • Pluck test to detect hair growth defects
  • Pull test to see how many hairs come out
  • Trichoscopy (dermatoscopic scalp exam)  
  • Scalp biopsy (scraping skin samples for lab analysis)

When they know what’s causing your hair loss, your Associates in Dermatology provider creates a personalized treatment plan for you.

What treatment might I need for hair loss?

It’s often possible to reverse hair loss by treating the underlying cause. For example, taking levothyroxine pills daily rebalances your thyroid hormones if you have hypothyroidism. Medications treat ringworm and other infections, and then your hair should grow back.

Changing your diet should help with hair loss caused by a nutrient deficiency. You should stop hair treatments like coloring and tight braiding if they’re causing hair loss. Your hair will likely grow back naturally after you complete chemotherapy or radiation treatments.

The Associates in Dermatology team offers expert treatment for dermatological hair loss causes. Some stimulate new hair growth in follicles that have stopped producing hair — a great solution if the follicles are undamaged. Hair transplant procedures could help if other treatments haven’t worked.

Call Associates in Dermatology to discover why you have hair loss and receive specialized treatment. You can also request an appointment by completing the online booking form.