What Causes Hair Loss

There are many reasons for hair loss, and it's not always about ageing. Genetics, hormones, health issues, and even our lifestyle choices can thin out our once lush locks.

So, what's behind this unwelcome change, and more importantly, what can we do about it?

Genetics might hand us traits we'd rather not inherit, including the tendency for hair to thin. Then, there are hormones and health conditions that can throw our hair growth cycle out. The medicines we take, how stressed we feel, and even our diet play big roles, too.

But here's the brighter side: There are steps you can take to combat hair loss. Whether it's lifestyle tweaks or seeking medical advice, you have options. Starting with a conversation with a healthcare provider is a great first step. They can guide you toward effective treatments that help keep your hair right where you want it: on your head.

At the Oxford Online Pharmacy, we understand this area well. We’ll go over what causes balding in the first place, then provide an inside look into the medical and alternative therapies that produce real results. To make sure we cover all the bases, the pros, cons, safety, and patient satisfaction of each method are taken into account. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to decide which options are right for your specific situation.

Key takeaways:

• Your family history and hormone levels have a big impact on hair health.
• Diet, stress, and how you treat your hair can affect its growth and strength.
• Seeing a healthcare professional can help you find the right treatment.

Common causes of hair loss

Genetic factors

If your family tree shows a pattern of hair loss, you might find yourself on a similar path. It’s like getting your dad’s height or your mum’s smile, but in this case, it’s about losing hair. If your family history shows a trend of hair thinning or balding, chances are, you might walk down that same path.

This lottery mostly manifests in a genetic condition known as androgenetic alopecia. It's a medical term that essentially means your hair follicles are sensitive to hormone changes, leading to hair thinning or loss. In men, it's the classic receding hairline or bald spots, and in women, it's usually a broadening part or thinning across the entire scalp. Interestingly, while we can't change our genes, understanding this can help tailor the right approach to treatment for hair loss, making it a crucial piece of the puzzle.

Hormonal changes and medical conditions

Our bodies are complex, and hormones are key players in how things run, including our hair growth. If these hormones get out of balance, like with thyroid issues or during big life changes such as pregnancy or menopause, our hair might start to thin. There are also conditions like alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition where our body mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss.

Lifestyle factors

What we eat, how stressed we are, and how we treat our hair also have big roles to play. Skimping on nutrition, riding high on stress, or being rough on our hair can all send it packing. It’s not just about what’s happening inside our bodies; it’s also about how we’re living our lives.

Knowing what’s behind hair loss gives us a roadmap to tackle it. There’s a lot we can do, from changing our diet to managing emotional stress and being gentler with our hair. And when the going gets tough, reaching out to a medical professional can make all the difference. They can steer us towards the right medical treatments to keep our hair lush and healthy.

How to address your hair loss symptoms

Medications

When caught early, medicines such as Minoxidil and Finasteride are effective for breaking hair loss and coaxing some regrowth. Minoxidil helps reopen shrivelled follicles so hairs emerge stronger. Finasteride is an oral medication that tamps down DHT production - the hormone behind male pattern baldness. Both yield good results, with men reporting up to 90% kept hair and 30-40% regrowth. But consistency’s crucial - lapse treatment and gains go down the drain.

Surgical options

More permanent solutions come from hair transplant surgery - harvesting follicles from the back and sides of the scalp and replanting them into thinning patches. Success depends on having donor hairs about and a steady, experienced surgeon. Done properly, results can appear natural.

Though for extensive baldness, multiple treatments may be needed, with costs ranging £1,000-£30,000 typically. Upkeep is also vital post-op to maintain transplanted hair.

Innovative technologies

Beyond standard meds and surgery, some new technologies show promise as supplementary treatments. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) uses light energy to reactivate follicles and stimulate growth. Evidence is still pending, but early findings indicate laser caps and helmets may help slow or stop hair loss. Another new approach - injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the patient’s own blood into bald spots. It’s still being researched, but some skin doctors report PRP reduces shrinking for stronger, denser hair regrowth.

Natural and holistic approaches

Lately, more men are exploring natural methods too - dietary supplements, essential oils, massage and the like. Saw palmetto oil (from a plant) can inhibit DHT (the hormone behind hair loss), just like medicines. Scalp massages with nutrient-rich oils may also boost blood flow to stimulate follicles. The science behind these holistic remedies isn’t fully backed yet - but some patients do report thicker hair after several months. Lifestyle tweaks like stress relief and a hair-healthy diet offer extra firepower against thinning too.

Choosing the right treatment

Factors to consider

With multiple hair loss treatments floating about, finding the right solution involves weighing several factors - severity and pattern of thinning, family history, age, medical background, and budget. Mild to moderate cases may respond well to meds or natural supplements, while more advanced loss often needs transplants. Add-on procedures like PRP injections work best to extend surgical or medical results. Being realistic about expectations is key too - complete reversal is unlikely if follicles are long gone. Lifestyle measures complement any approach.

Consulting with specialists

At the end of the day, chatting with hair restoration professionals is hugely helpful for tailoring a treatment plan. They’ll examine your scalp, diagnose what’s driving the loss, and suggest personalised options suited to you. Be ready to answer questions on diet, stress, and family history during consultation. Take notes on the pros/cons, typical results, costs and side effects of each path. This allows informed decisions about meds, surgery, alternative treatments or a blended approach.

Take the next steps with Oxford Online Pharmacy

Noticed your hair’s been thinning or your hairline’s retreating? It’s time to take action, and Oxford Online Pharmacy is here to back you up every step of the way. Here’s how you can kickstart your hair restoration journey to healthier hair:

It all begins with a quick visit to our website. Fill out a simple form to share your symptoms of hair loss. It’s quick, easy, and the first step to finding a solution that works for you.

Once we know more about your hair loss, you’ll choose from a range of treatments we offer. From shampoos that nurture to medications that target the root of the issue, you’ll find your perfect match.

Our experts will review your choices to ensure they fit you. If there’s a better option, we’ll reach out and suggest an alternative. Your hair’s health is our top priority.
Questions? Just ask!

Our team is always ready to support you and answer any questions you might have. You might not chat with our doctors directly, but our customer service team and pharmacists are here to fill in any gaps, ensuring you feel confident and informed.

Taking steps towards tackling hair loss is a big deal, but you’re not alone. Oxford Online Pharmacy is committed to making your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. From selecting the right treatment to ongoing support, we’re with you every step of the way. Ready to take action? We’re just a click or a call away.

FAQs

Which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss?

Vitamin D deficiency is a common culprit behind hair loss. This vitamin helps push the hair from its resting phase into the growth phase. Not enough of it, and your hair might just decide to take a longer nap. A simple blood test can tell if you’re low on vitamin D, and supplements or diet changes can get you back on track.

Why is my hair falling out so much all of a sudden?

If it feels like your hair is falling out overnight, stress or a sudden shock to your system might be to blame. This sudden hair loss, called telogen effluvium, can happen after a big stress event, like surgery or a major life change. Your hair takes the hit and shifts into a shedding mode. The good news? This type of hair loss is usually temporary.

Managing stress and giving it some time can often help things return to normal.

What foods stop hair fall?

Imagine if eating certain foods could be like a power-up for your hair. Well, it kind of can. Foods rich in iron (like spinach and red meat), omega-3 fatty acids (think salmon and avocados), and protein (eggs and nuts) are like a feast for your follicles. They give your hair the nutrients it needs to stay strong, healthy, and firmly rooted.

Can stress cause hair fall?

Absolutely, stress can cause your hair to go into a resting phase, leading to more shedding than usual. This is because when you’re stressed, your body puts its resources towards handling the stress, leaving less love for your hair. Finding ways to relax — like yoga, meditation, or even a nice walk — can help keep your hair on your head where it belongs.

References:

Chin H. Ho; Tanuj Sood; Patrick M. Zito. (2024). Androgenetic Alopecia

Monika Grymowicz, Ewa Rudnicka, Agnieszka Podfigurna, Paulina Napierala, Roman Smolarczyk, Katarzyna Smolarczyk, and Blazej Meczekalski (2020). Hormonal Effects on Hair Follicles

Emily L. Guo and Rajani Katta (2017). Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use