Causes of Hair Loss in Teens and Adults
There are many causes of hair loss. It can happen to both men and women. Hair loss can be caused by nutritional deficiency, hormone imbalance, stress, and certain diseases. But generally the most common cause is androgenetic alopecia, which is the medical term for hair loss or baldness. Andro- refers to the influence of androgens (male hormones). Genetics, of course, often predispose both men, women, and teens to hair loss.
Genetics are not that simple, especially regarding hair loss. Just having someone in your family who is suffering from hair loss is not enough to predict that you’ll also become bald. It’s really hard to predict who will go bald and how fast will it be.
Both men and women normally produce androgenic hormones. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the most common androgenic hormone. Testicles and adrenals produce it in men. In women, ovaries and adrenal glands are the source. These hormones are important for both sexes. However, men and women have different levels of DHT, and these levels are higher in men than in women. This in part, is what causes gender differences.
If hair follicles are exposed to DHT over a long period of time, in a susceptible person it can result in male or female pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia.
There is no exact age when hair loss may start. Balding is a process, yet this simple fact is often ignored. This process can be slow or rapid. It usually starts in the late teens.
Illnesses and medical conditions, such as thyroid disease and diabetes, can also cause hair loss. People with liver and kidney diseases and lupus can also suffer from hair loss. Adult women and teen girls can have hair loss due to hormone imbalance in polycystic ovary syndrome. Pregnancy and menopause can also disrupt hormones, leading to female hair loss when the normal hair growth cycle is disrupted.
Certain medications, such as acne medicines, may cause hair loss. Amphetamines in diet pills can also be a culprit. And of course, chemotherapy is a well-known cause of baldness.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss on the scalp and sometimes on the body. The body’s own immune system attacks and damages the hair follicles. Alopecia areata starts as small bald patches and can progress to total baldness.
Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder in which a person pulls his or her own hair, causing hair loss.
Some hair styles cause tension on the scalp. Hair that’s damaged from being pulled back tightly all the time may not grow back properly, which leads to hair loss.
Nutrition is also one factor of baldness because of the lack of protein, vitamins and minerals that sustains the hair.