Can Hair Loss Be a Sign of Something Serious: Diseases Causing Hair Loss

Hair diseases constitute an important part of skin diseases. 80-90% of those who complain of hair diseases complain of hair loss. The functioning of the hair strands is as follows; the hair root works continuously for 4-6 years and the hair grows. Afterward, the hair follicle starts to decrease in performance and stops over time and the hair falls out. Hair loss, which is a symptom of many diseases, brings a danger if left untreated. Hair loss, which is the most important representative of beauty perception, also creates serious psychological effects on people. So can hair loss be a sign of something serious?

Hair loss can be the harbinger of various diseases. Among these diseases, there are some genetic diseases, skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, and fungus, diseases caused by vitamin and mineral deficiency, diseases that cause hormonal imbalance, some internal diseases such as thyroid disease, and psychological disorders such as depression.

Is Hair Loss a Sign of Other Diseases?

Many factors such as eating habits, stress, using the wrong product, and various diseases can cause hair loss and affect the person negatively. So do you know what symptoms of hair loss are? Hair loss is usually genetic, but it can also be experienced due to various diseases. In addition, while temporary diseases, sinusitis, infection, intestinal parasites trigger hair loss, B12, magnesium, zinc, and iron deficiency can also lead to hair loss. Here are the diseases that can cause hair loss:

Genetic diseases

The causes are different in women and men. The type seen in men is the masculine type, which is seen in more than 50% of the genetic population, which is a hormone-sensitive hair loss, which is also chronic. As the age advances, hairlessness creates and may require hair transplantation, therefore. Fortification medicines, mesotherapy, and PRP treatment, which are begun at an early age, hinder the shedding speed. It prolongs the time to go to baldness.

Nowadays, male pattern hair loss with the age of 16-18 is more common in young girls. Reasons for this disease are too much stress, bad eating habits, long periods of fasting, and hormonal issues.

Skin diseases

Apart from major genetic spills, skin and internal diseases also cause hair loss. Many of the skin-related hair loss problems occur when the skin condition affects the scalp. Hair loss and balding might be inescapable if the hair is influenced by diseases like psoriasis, dermatitis, skin inflammation, lichen illness, unreasonably slick skin, contagious infections. The treatment of these spills is conceivable with the treatment of the fundamental skin illness.

Nutritional problems

Hair loss because of bad eating habits is another basic factor. Not eating a standard and adjusted eating regimen, long haul hunger, a uniform eating routine, and devouring nourishments high in sugars can at last effect and shed the hair. Its treatment is very functional and it is essential to begin a decent eating regimen.

Vitamin and mineral deficiency

Although there is no nutritional problem, the lack of vitamins and minerals in the blood is another reason for hair loss. On the off chance that our nutrients and minerals, for example, B12, nutrient D, folic corrosive, biotin, zinc, iron are low, hair can’t be supported and drops out. In any event, when there is no iron inadequacy, iron supplementation diminishes going bald. In these cases, the support of the lack must be adjusted by reaching a doctor.

Hormonal diseases

On the off chance that the individual has hormonal issues, menstrual postponements or anomalies, expanded hair development, unnecessary skin problems, and quickened weight gain, and when going bald is added to these symptoms, at that point hormonal hair loss can be referenced. The dermatologist ought to be counseled to decide the reason for these issues with a blood test on the second or third day of the period.

Some internal diseases and drug use

Several internal diseases and the medication to treat them are some of the other causes of hair loss. This circumstance must be completely explored by assessments and tests by expert specialists. If a sudden hair loss has begun, surgeries, febrile diseases, drug toxicities, blood loss, severe trauma may be among the reasons to be considered.

Birth and chemotherapy process

Aside from all these, there are two explicit reasons for going bald. One is postpartum hair loss which begins 2-3 months after the birth. Another is hair loss in patients receiving chemotherapy. This hair loss is more uncommon with the utilization of more present-day drugs lately, yet it is a circumstance that will in general recuperate suddenly when the treatment is finished.

Cosmetic factors

Tying the hair tight, inner bonnets, blow-drying processes exposed to excessive heat, dyes used to lighten the hair color, bleachers, straightening methods cause hair loss by damaging the hair from the outside. For this situation, the main treatment is to keep the hair from being affected by these applications. Applying the essential support and care measures for hair will give the ideal look.

Stress and depression

Experiencing too much stress is another explanation behind going bald just like any sickness. Psychiatric disorders and the medications utilized in their treatment can influence the hair and cause it to drop out. Hair is a living organ that can be influenced by numerous variables in the day by day life in a brief timeframe. When something turns out badly in the individual’s life, the individual should initially gauge himself in the light of this data and afterward look for help from a dermatologist if it is important.

This is because misguided and hearsay information from the environment can cause patients to lose time. If there is an important underlying cause, it may be delayed in diagnosis and treatment. Also, facial masks applied unknowingly with the opinion of preventing balding, and regrowing hair can make irreversible harm by actually causing more harm.

Diseases Where Hair Loss Is a Symptom

Hair has been a symbol of beauty and health in all cultures throughout human history. For this reason, when the hair starts to fall out, almost everyone starts to worry. Incorrect care is the most common cause of hair loss, and when this habit is abandoned, it is possible to regain lush hair as before. However, hair loss can also be a sign of important diseases such as hair shaft and scalp diseases, thyroid or anemia.

That’s why hair loss should not be taken lightly. Hair has a routine shedding pattern and 50-100 hair loss per day is considered natural. However, when the shedding exceeds this number, 4-5 or more hair strands come to the hand with a slight pull of the hair, or when the thinning noticed in the forehead and top areas begins, it is necessary to consult a specialist.

Hereditary hair loss (Androgenetic alopecia)

It is stated that genetic predisposition and androgen hormones (in men), especially dihydrotestosterone, play a role in this hair loss. In hereditary hair loss, in men, the hairline on the forehead recedes backward and the scalp becomes thinner by opening from the top of the scalp. In women, thinning and thinning are observed in the scalp, especially in the hair from the top to the periphery, without opening in the forehead line.

By using medicines in the form of tablets, sprays and solutions, and some supportive dermo-cosmetic products, the hair loss process can be delayed and the unaffected hair can be partially protected. In cases where the hair is completely lost and permanent baldness occurs, hair transplantation is a good treatment method for suitable people.

Wrong diets

Especially improperly made unbalanced diets and eating poor in protein can cause hair weakness, increase in fractures, and hair loss. In order for the keratin substance, which is the structure of the hair, to be synthesized in the body, some basic proteins must be taken into the body in sufficient quantities through nutrients. When the amount of protein needed by the body is not taken, hair loss begins.

Fungal diseases

Although fungal diseases involving the scalp are generally seen in children, it can also cause hair loss in adults and permanent baldness can occur if not treated.

Some medications

Experts add that some drugs have side effects such as hair loss: “Some drugs used for blood thinners, arthritis, gout, depression, heart diseases, and high blood pressure can shed hair. In addition, hair loss can be observed when the use of birth control drugs is discontinued.”

Alopecia Areata (Ringworm disease)

Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease, popularly known as ringworm disease, occurs, especially in severely stressful situations. In the scalp, in some patients, all body hair including eyebrows, eyelashes, and beards cause oval-shaped hair loss due to some autoantibodies produced by the body. Although factors such as genetic predisposition, neurological factors, infections, and stress are thought to trigger the disease, the underlying factor has not yet been fully elucidated. If this disease, which does not cause permanent baldness, lasts for a long time, treatment may be required.

Severe stressful situations

Hair loss is common in severely stressful situations. Stress causes the secretion of various stress hormones in our body, leading to the deterioration of internal balance and the emergence of many diseases as a result. These diseases can also shed hair.

Excessive weight loss

Hair loss is a situation that often develops after excessive weight loss. The reason for this is that in excessive weight loss, the rate of hair in the natural shedding phase called telogen effluvia and the lengthening of the shedding time. Hair loss can continue for an average of 3-6 months and then stop.

High doses of vitamin A

Taking high doses of vitamin A can also result in intense hair loss. Hair loss ends after vitamin A intake is stopped.

Anorexia and bulimia

Hair loss is frequently encountered in patients with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia due to the deficiency of elements such as iron, vitamins, protein, and zinc. When these diseases are treated, hair loss stops, and the lost hair is restored.

Systemic diseases

Experts point out that more than 30 systemic diseases can shed hair and say, “The underlying factor is usually thyroid diseases and anemia.” Intense hair loss can be observed after severe surgical procedures, high fever diseases, severe infectious diseases, and sometimes a severe flu infection. Experts state that hair loss can stop after these diseases are detected and treatment is started.

Hormonal changes

Another cause of hair loss is hormonal changes. Hair loss observed especially after birth occurs when the pregnancy hormone is replaced by the estrogen hormone. Intense hair loss for a few months is considered normal. However, when it takes a long time, it is necessary to consult dermatologists. In addition, hair loss problems may develop with menopause. Although hair loss stops after a while, the density of hair may not reach its pre-menopausal density.

Iron deficiency

Iron deficiency is among the main responsible for hair loss. Hair loss is very common in patients who do not get enough iron with diet or have problems with the absorption of iron.

Cicatricial Alopecia

It develops as permanent baldness, it can be localized or widespread in a certain area of the scalp. In this disease, permanent damage occurs in the hair follicles. It is of great importance that dermatology specialists start treatment before the disease progresses since it is not possible to regrow hair in the places of the shed hair.

Watch out for wrong hair care!

The underlying factor of hair loss can also be daily faulty hair care practices.

Shampooing the hair too much

Dyeing hair too often, styling the hair with some methods such as straightening and applying hot blow-dry can cause hair breakage.

Combing when hair is wet

Since its elasticity increases when wet, hair can be easily damaged. For this reason, combing and brushing the hair with too many comb strokes, especially when wet, can cause hair breakage.

Make a ponytail

Pulling the hair very tightly and making a ponytail with rubber can pull the forehead line of the hair back and cause hair loss, which is called tractional alopecia. Likewise, tight and stretched braids and hair added with small clips can damage the hair follicles with the force of pulling.

About Hair Loss and Associated Diseases

Hair loss can be caused by environmental factors as well as a harbinger of many diseases in a person’s hereditary nature. Experts draw attention to the importance of early diagnosis and correct treatment in hair loss. Stress caused by many events we encounter in daily life is one of the main causes of hair loss. While 50-150 hair loss is considered normal during the day, if it is observed that the hair loss is increased, precautions must be taken. Hair loss experienced by the person brings along many psychological problems that can occur with the loss of self-confidence and the loss of the social environment in the future.

Specifying that preventive measures should be taken against hair loss, especially at an early age, experts point out that otherwise irreparable hair loss may occur. Hair loss can be a symptom of many hereditary and acquired diseases. The most important point in hair loss treatment is to correctly identify the cause of the loss. In this way, both permanent hair loss treatment can be started and precautions can be taken before the disease that causes the hair loss progresses.

Genetic factors are very important in hair loss. While hereditary hair loss is seen in the temple and forehead area in men, it can be detected by dilution in the crown area in women. The causes of hair loss differ in terms of gender. Genetic hair loss in men since the age of 20 is mostly caused by hormonal problems in women. Although hereditary spills are considered difficult to treat, they seem to relieve the person psychologically, as they are not a harbinger of any disease.

Hair loss seen in women after a certain age is also generally associated with menopause. With the androgen hormone watching above normal, hair loss begins. As a result of many gynecological diseases such as menopause and polycystic ovary syndrome, people take their breath in hair transplantation centers. For this reason, experts emphasize that women who experience hair loss should first go through a gynecological examination.

Those Who Complain of Hair Loss, Attention to These Diseases!

Hair loss can occur as a symptom of many diseases such as thyroid gland diseases, adrenal gland diseases, rheumatic diseases, heart conditions, insulin resistance, hormonal disorders, diabetes, and anemia. You need to go to a hospital or hair transplant center and have a blood test in line with your doctor’s direction. Experts emphasize the importance of consulting a specialist.

Many psychological disorders that are congenital or occur later cause hair loss. Psychological disorders can manifest themselves with physical symptoms such as hair loss, excessive weight loss, and weight gain. At the same time, the stress caused by today’s busy business and family life triggers many diseases as well as these psychological disorders.

Unhealthy hair follicles are among the main consequences of vitamin and iron deficiency. In particular, vitamin D and vitamin A deficiency, iron, zinc, biotin, and B12 deficiency cause hair follicles to not be fed with the protein and keratin they need. This can cause the hair follicles to weaken and fall out. Along with the changes you will make in your diet, the vitamin and nutritional supplement determined by your doctor in line with your needs gain importance in preventing hair loss.

Hair loss can occur as a result of many diseases, and medications used for the treatment of other diseases can also cause hair loss. The use of chemotherapy drugs, cholesterol drugs, insulin drugs, blood thinners, psychiatric treatment drugs, slimming drugs, and steroids, blood pressure drugs cause the hair not to get the vitamin it needs due to the damage it causes to the immune system. If you experience hair loss as a result of drug use, you should definitely consult a specialist. With expert guidance, you can restrict the use of your existing medications or change your treatment method.

Hair Loss as a Serious Sign of Health Problems

Especially during seasons or when we are overly stressed, we see hair loss as usual and do not dwell on it. However, hair loss can also occur as a harbinger of some diseases! Hair, which is an integral part of our beauty, begins to fall out more, especially in seasonal transitions. Almost all of us are avoiding this problem by saying “it is seasonal”. However, it is beneficial not to let go of caution. Experts warn that increasing hair loss, especially longer than a month, might be the harbinger of some diseases.

For this reason, a dermatologist should be consulted in case of hair loss that lasts more than 100 strands per day, lasting longer than a month, or focal loss in the form of money in the hair or pimples on the scalp, because when the treatment is late, hair loss can progress. Experts say that existing hair follicles go through 3 periods, called growth, regression, and rest periods, to form new hair. 90-95 percent of our hair is in the growth phase. The growth period of the hairs on the scalp varies between 1-7 years.

Hair growth depends on the climate, age, nutrition, and hormonal factors as well as genetic factors. At the end of the growing period, the hairs begin to regress and this process takes about 2 weeks. This is followed by a rest period of about 3 months. At the end of this period, the hair in the new growth period is formed. The hair in the resting period can fall out during processes such as washing and combing. Since 5-10 percent of the scalp hair is in the resting period, up to 100 hair loss per day is considered normal.

Which Diseases Does Hair Loss Indicate?

Hair loss can be seen in different ways. While the hair grows again in some types of hair loss, in others, the hair never grows again because the hair follicles are destroyed. Telogen alopecia is the most common type of hair loss. Since the hair is shed above normal, thinning is noticed on the scalp. This type of shedding occurs because the hairs in the growth period enter the resting period early; It can be seen in 3 different ways: the types that last less than 4 months or more than + months and the chronic-repetitive type. The triggers of this type of hair loss include hormonal disorders or fluctuations, endocrine diseases, postpartum, psychological and metabolic stress, medications, weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, acute and chronic diseases, surgical interventions, and scalp inflammatory conditions.

Tractional alopecia occurs due to excessive stretching of the hair while shaping or collecting. Hair becomes sparse, especially in areas with high stretching. For this reason, the hair should not be overstretched while it is being collected. Alopecia areata, popularly called “ringworm”, usually starts with round or oval money-shaped spills in any part of the scalp. The disease can also result in the complete loss of hair, eyebrows, or body hair. It can occur with atopic disease, thyroid diseases, and other autoimmune diseases, as can be seen in completely healthy people.

Androgenetic alopecia occurs as a result of decreased hair growth and results in baldness. In women, unlike men, the hairline on the forehead is preserved, and the thinning at the top is more pronounced. In this type of hair loss, gradual thinning is observed in the hair over the years. Although genetic factors play a large role, they can also be associated with hormonal disorders in women. The type of hair loss is understood by the dermatologist after clinical examination. Some tests can be performed to determine the diseases that may cause or accompany hair loss.

Depending on the type of hair loss, different treatment options such as local treatments to the scalp or injections to the spilled area, systemic treatments for the underlying cause, or ultraviolet light treatments are applied. In recent years, some substances obtained from the patient’s own blood have also been tried in treatment. Specialists who pointed out that patients with hair loss should definitely consult a physician, warn us: “Because attempting to treat hair loss by non-physicians or by hearing information may result in permanent damage to the hair follicles, the hair may never grow in patients again.” warns. You can use the following tips for healthy, long hair:

Eat an adequate and balanced diet.
Do not take high doses of vitamin A.
Treat your hair as little as possible.
Do not go overboard with hair care.
Choose a wide-toothed, Teflon-coated comb.
Use large, rounded shaping brushes with coated ends.
If you need to wash your hair frequently, wash it every other day.
Choose a good shampoo.
Apply conditioner after each shampooing.
Never shampoo more than once a day.
Do not comb wet hair.
Make sure your hair dries in the air.
Avoid hot hair dryers. If you are going to use it, use it for a maximum of 5 minutes at a low set temperature.
Take a conditioning hair treatment once a week.
Cut your damaged hair.

Attention! Increased Hair Loss May Be a Symptom of a Disease!

Experts who stated that hair loss than normal is a disease and requires treatment said “Shedding of 100-150 hair strands per day is normal. However, an increase in this number or a decrease in the current hair density, even if this number is not counted, is a disease that concerns the hair follicle.” Normally, there are 100-150 thousand strands of hair on the head, and hair is born, developed, and dies like any living creature. 85-90 percent of the hair is in the growth phase that lasts an average of 3 years, 10 percent is in the shedding phase that lasts for 3 months, and about 3-5 percent is in the pause phase that lasts for 3 weeks. For this reason, in cases where daily hair loss should be considered normal and increases, a physician should be examined.

The most common causes of hair loss are stress, febrile diseases, excessive weight loss or diet, thyroid hormone, or vitamin deficiencies, especially iron, and major surgeries that cause physical trauma to the body, meaning that these problems will negatively affect the hair cycle. If there is a temporary excuse, hair loss limits itself after a certain period of time and the shed hair returns to its original state. The reasons for hair loss should be sought 3 months in advance. In this period, there are many different treatments to support the hair, stop hair loss, and to provide a return.

For this purpose, PRP can be used for treatment, and some products including some vitamins and growth hormones can be injected into the hair follicles by needle injection method. There are some products that can also be used orally for support purposes. In fact, most of the spills can be controlled and treated. Saying that hair loss is one of the most abused medical issues because it is an important cosmetic and physical problem, experts emphasized that the best decision should be made by dermatologists who know the hair structure and skin best. Hair loss can also be a harbinger of an important underlying disease.

There are various treatments for androgen-dependent genetic hair loss. Various treatments are also applied in genetic spills and although hormonal treatment is an option among them, it is not preferred. Other effective methods can also be applied successfully in this disease. In other words, there are mesotherapy methods with some molecules and peptides specific to this disease. These treatments are usually used at 2-week intervals and are continued for 3-5 sessions. PRP and Dermatol treatments can be successfully combined and in most patients, hair loss can be stopped or even reversed.