Why is Early Detection of Hair Loss Important?

Hair loss and thinning hair are common conditions which affect numerous men and women on a daily basis. Each condition can have a number of causes which early diagnosis and treatment can effectively help through prevention or reversal of the issue. Hair loss or thinning are often genetic, but can also be the result of an underlying medical issue. Determining the cause of hair loss or thinning quickly often aids in the successful treatment of the condition.

What is Normal Hair Loss?

On average, normal hair loss or shedding accounts for approximately 100 hairs daily, all of which is considered normal, a result of the natural hair growth and shedding process. Given the fact that you have more than 100,000 hairs on your head during the growth cycle, you may see a few lost hairs on your brush or comb, or even in the shower drain, but normal hair loss isn’t something you’d notice on your head.

On the other hand, should you notice large or growing amounts of hair in your comb, brush, or drain, it may mean a hair loss condition. Other signs include visibly thinning hair, a loss of hair volume, or even patches of hair missing on your head. If you notice unusual hair loss, you should seek professional help for a diagnose regarding your hair loss or thinning.

Hair Loss and the Conditions Behind It

Hair loss or thinning hair could be hereditary, but it could also be the result of health and medical conditions. The most common and well-known hair loss condition is androgenetic alopecia, a hereditary condition also known as male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness.

Alopecia areata is another well-known hair loss condition. It is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss as a result of damaged hair follicles. This condition can affect both men and women and often comes on suddenly with one or more noticeable bald patches.

Thyroid conditions, hyperthyroidism (over-active) and hypothyroidism (under-active) are the result of chemical imbalances which lead to hair loss over the entire scalp.

A well-balanced diet, which plays a crucial role in health and wellness may also affect the help of your scalp and hair. A proper diet includes vitamins, minerals, and protein and results in a healthy immune system with vigorous cell growth, which includes the scalp and its hair follicles. When there is a deficiency in essential vitamins, minerals, or protein, hair loss can result. A deficiency in the intake of protein prevent the body from optimal function and forces the hair growth cycle into the resting phase. Low levels of iron cause anemia, a condition which includes deficient healthy red blood cells which are needed to carry oxygen throughout the body. For you hair, anemia means the hair follicles suffer, resulting in lower levels of hair growth as well as thinning hair. A healthy diet with an abundance of micronutrients perform a critical role in the development of healthy hair follicles as well the function of immune cells, which work to prevent hair loss.

Determining the Cause

Determining the underlying cause of your hair loss or thinning can lead to successful treatment of your condition as well as your hair loss or thinning. Early detection is the key to timely treatment and more effective results in stopping your thinning hair and hair loss as well as getting the medical attention you need for potential health risks. If you are experiencing thinning hair or hair loss, contact us today and schedule your FREE consultation.