When people lose their hair, they can become self-conscious
and aware of how much their hair affects their self-esteem. There are many
reasons why a person might lose their hair. The condition a person’s hair is in
says a lot about their general health. There are many causes of hair loss that
might necessitate a hair transplant in Palo Alto.
Genetics is the Most Common Cause
Male pattern
baldness is the most common reason for a person to seek out medical services to
replace the lost hair. As the name implies, it is much more common in men than
in women. It affects approximately 70% of men and about 40% of women. It
normally starts at around middle age, but there are many cases of it starting
in a person’s mid to late twenties. This is due to a drop in hormones, and the
follicles shrink, so the hair falls out as a result.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that is
characterized by the immune system attacking the hair follicles on a person’s
head and causing it to fall out in large patches. This can affect both genders
equally, and it could possibly be genetic and hereditary. It is often
associated with other autoimmune disorders such as lupus and thyroid disease.
If a person suspects that they have a correlating condition involving more than
one of these diseases, they should consult their doctor.
Imbalance of Hormones
Many things can cause hormone imbalances and halt the
process of growing healthy hair. It is very common for women experiencing
menopause to lose the front line of their hair. The imbalance can also be
caused by any number of thyroid diseases.
Once the disease is being treated, in
some cases the hair may grow back. If the hair does not seem to be growing
back, then the person may be a good candidate for a hair transplant.
Rare Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
Trichotillomania is a rare obsessive compulsive disorder in
which a person obsessively pulls out their own hair. It normally starts at a
young age, around puberty, and the years of pulling can cause damage to the
hair follicles that can prevent hair from growing back.
Once a person finds
treatment for this disorder, they can talk to a surgeon about possibly being
qualified for a hair transplant to replace the missing hair on their scalp.
The Surgeon Will Have the Final Say
There are many
reasons for hair to fall out and stop growing. A person experiencing hair loss
should first consult their doctor to diagnose the cause before seeking
treatment. Some causes are only temporary, such as hair loss from medications
or extreme stress.
Once a person stops taking the medication or the stress is
no longer present, the hair should grow back with time. A surgeon who specializes
in hair transplant Palo Alto will be able to determine if the person is
a good candidate for the procedure. They will ask about the person’s medical
history and decide if a hair transplant is right for the patient.
