Possible Causes of Baldness You Should Know

Over 80 million people in the United States (50 million men and 30 million women) suffer from some form of hair loss, according to MedlinePlus. Baldness may be common, but there are ways to prevent it from happening to you. Here are four possible causes of baldness that you should know about.

1. Lack of Vitamins Can Cause Baldness

“Severe deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and biotin can all be associated with hair loss”, Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, and board-certified dermatologist tells ishonest Connect to Care. A lack of vitamin C and zinc are also potential causes of hair loss. Most of these vitamins can be gained through a balanced diet.

2. Autoimmune Conditions Can Cause Baldness

Autoimmune conditions are where the immune system attacks the body. “Autoimmune diseases affect the gastrointestinal tract — the part of the body that absorbs nutrients from food — leading to nutritional issues that can then cause hair loss,” Patrick Angelos, MD tells ishonest Connect to Care.

One type of autoimmune disease that affects hair is alopecia areata. According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, alopecia areata affects over six million people in the United States. This type of alopecia is responsible for hair loss on the scalp, face, and other areas of the body. It’s important to speak with a medical professional about any possible conditions before self- diagnosing.

3. Stress Can Cause Baldness

Hair loss does not have to be the result of an underlying health condition.“Stresses including childbirth, surgery, anesthesia, high fever, illness, and emotional stress can push hairs from the active growing phase, into the resting phase, and then the shedding phase”, Shainhouse says.

Taking time to de-stress and calm yourself may help prevent any potential baldness from occurring. If the hair loss is stress-related, Shainhouse advised that, for otherwise healthy people, the hair usually grows back, but it could take up to a year to return to normal.

4. Genetics Can Cause Baldness

According to Mayo Clinic, one possible cause of baldness is family history or genetics. This balding process increases as we get older. This type of balding is known as androgenic alopecia, also called male/female pattern baldness.

Baldness does not have to be something you just accept. Whether these causes of baldness are within your control or not, there are ways to stop and prevent baldness from occurring.

Don’t Wait. Get Help Today.

The sooner you address the symptoms of hair loss, the more likely you are to prevent irreversible damage. Speak to a medical professional today to begin your journey to a fuller head of hair.

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