What’s Causing My Hair Loss?

Do you see more strands than usual falling down the drain? Or perhaps you can see more of your scalp. No matter the initial signs, hair loss can be inevitable based on your genetics, certain conditions, life circumstances, or medications. 

Board-certified dermatologist Vitaly Blatnoy, MD, and his expert colleagues at Orlando Dermatology Center are determined to help you find out why you’re losing your hair and offer treatment. At offices in Oviedo and Orlando, Florida, Dr. Blatnoy and the team treat hair loss using the latest strategies. 

Not all hair loss is treatable, but sometimes hair loss is temporary or reversible. Here, we review a few of the most likely causes of hair loss: 

Genetics

The most common cause of hair loss is androgenic alopecia, or hair loss due to genetics. You might know androgenic alopecia as male- or female-pattern baldness.

Male-pattern baldness

Male-pattern baldness can show up as either a receding hairline or a bald spot on the crown. 

Female-pattern baldness

Female-pattern baldness is diffuse thinning across the scalp, usually starting at the crown. 

Fortunately, genetic hair loss is treatable using modern methods like minoxidil, finasteride, or low-level laser therapy (LLLT). 

Surgical restoration is also an option at Orlando Dermatology Center. It involves transplanting healthy hair follicles from other areas of your scalp to the balding or thinning areas. 

Stress or hormones

Extreme physical or emotional stress can lead to hair loss in some cases. This type of hair loss is temporary but can be distressing nonetheless. Some examples of events that might trigger this hair loss are major surgery or the unexpected death of someone close to you. 

Chronic (long-term) stress leading to high levels of the hormone cortisol can also cause hair loss. High cortisol can prevent hair follicles from entering their growth phase. 

Other hormone activity, such as during pregnancy or because of thyroid problems, can cause hair loss too. 

Hairstyle or styling routine

Sometimes the way you style your hair or treat your hair can lead to hair loss or thinning. You might see hair loss if you style your hair in a tight ponytail or bun often, or if you wear hair extensions. These styles can tug on your hair until it falls out of your scalp.

Similarly, some harsh products or hair treatments can lead to hair loss. Bleach, hot oil treatments, and perms can be hard on your hair. In extreme cases, some may cause scarring on the scalp leading to permanent hair loss in affected areas. 

Alopecia areata: an autoimmune disease

Autoimmune diseases happen when your immune system attacks healthy tissues as if they were invasive viruses or bacteria. In the case of alopecia areata, your immune system attacks many of your hair follicles to cause hair loss, which is usually patchy. 

You’re more likely to get alopecia areata if you have other autoimmune diseases, like lupus or diabetes, or if you have family members who have alopecia areata. 

Medications

Some treatments for medical conditions can lead to hair loss as a side effect. One of the most prevalent examples of this is chemotherapy, a treatment for cancer. In most cases, hair loss from medications is temporary and stops when you quit using the medication. 

Get in touch for expert hair loss treatment

While evaluating your hair loss at Orlando Dermatology Center, Dr. Blatnoy and the team consider these common causes and others such as nutrient deficiencies. They can then tell you your best options for treatment. 

Learn more about hair loss treatments by calling Orlando Dermatology Center or booking an appointment online today.