Take Action Now: Could Hair Loss be a Sign of a More Serious Problem?

While some people tend to assume the loss of hair means they have inherited a genetic trait, there are times that the onset of hair loss can mean a greater medical problem is the cause. According to the American Academy of Dermatology it is normal to lose between 50-100 hairs a day. However, if you begin to notice that you are losing more hair than usual, it might be time to make an appointment with your doctor so that they may determine the cause and best method of treatment.

In addition to the general diagnosis of male/female pattern baldness, other signs such as brittle, coarse or dry hair can be a symptom of a more severe medical condition that should be checked out right away. Below is a list of possible causes of hair loss, listed in order from the least common to the most common:

• Addison’s Disease – When the adrenal cortex is damaged, adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone
• Leishmaniasis – A parasitic disease spread by the bite of a sandfly
• Graft vs. Host Disease (GvHD) – A reaction that develops after an allogeneic bone marrow transplant
• Ito Syndrome – A rare condition caused by genetic irregularities
• Lupus – An autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks its own body because it confuses it for something foreign
• System Sclerosis (Scleroderma) – Another autoimmune disorder wherein healthy tissue is destroyed due to the immune system believing it is an infection or foreign substance
• Bamboo Hair – A hair shaft abnormality that causes hair strands to look very much like bamboo (nodules or evenly spaced ridges)
• Celiac Disease – A digestive disorder caused by an immune reaction to gluten
• Syphilis – A sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacteria, Treponemapallidum, creating sores on sexual organs, the rectum or inside the mouth
• Hodgkin’s Disease – A type of lymphoma that starts in the lymphatic system, the cancer originates in the white blood cells
• Hashimoto’s Disease – A disease that damages thyroid function
• Underactive Pituitary Gland
• Malnutrition– Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in a large segment of the American population, with hair loss being a primary symptom
• Lichen Planus – A non-contagious skin rash triggered by the immune system. Viral infections, allergens, stress or genetics are the potential causes
• Hyperthyroidism – When too much T3 and T4 hormones are produced causing rapid heart rates, weight loss and heat intolerance
• Acute Stress Disorder – After a traumatic event, this disorder usually occurs within a month, lasting anywhere from two days to a month at a time. Feelings of detachment, reduced awareness of surroundings and dissociative amnesia are common
• Alopecia – A disease that causes hair to fall out in random small or large patches on the head or body

While symptoms for each of these medical conditions vary greatly, the one commonality is that they all involve hair loss. When you first begin to notice your hair thinning, it’s natural to be concerned. Getting the right information is important. To learn more about hair loss and regrowth treatment options or to consult with a Capillus specialist in your area click here or call Capillus for more information at (786) 888 6249 or Toll-Free at 1 (888) 272-9599.