Causes of Hair Loss

There are many causes of hair loss, and they are often different for men and women. Contact us if you are suffering from hair loss in Montreal.

Male hair loss

The most common cause of hair loss in men is an hereditary condition known as androgenic alopecia, or male pattern baldness. In a genetically-predisposed male, the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) must be present before such pattern baldness occurs.

Less common and treatable causes of hair loss may include iron deficiency, diseases of the thyroid, high fever, surgery, general anesthesia, unusual diets and some medications.

It is important to remember that most healthy adults lose 75 to 125 hairs daily during the normal hair renewal cycle. Outside of this cycle, the hair count remains fairly constant.

Female hair loss

Childbirth: During childbirth, some hair loss is expected, due to hormonal changes. During pregnancy, there is an increase in certain hormones that actually prevents otherwise normal hair loss. Once hormonal balance is reestablished, the hair resumes its normal cycle of growth, loss and replacement.

Menopause: Women may also experience their fair share of hair loss due to a form of alopecia related to menopause. The decrease of estrogen and progesterone that leads to menopause may cause gradual but persistent hair loss, though the result is more akin to thinning than baldness. After the age of 60, these women are left with fairly sparse hair.

Androgenic Alopecia: The vast majority of hair loss is hereditary, and largely unalterable. It is the most common type of hair loss, and is known as androgenic alopecia.

Various causes: Hair loss may also be caused by other factors, such as iron deficiency, unusual diets, thyroid conditions, and even some medications.