The 287 Genes That Cause Alopecia

There are several potential causes of hair loss, whether it manifests as baldness or a more subtle but noticeable thinning of the hair. For some people, hair thinning is a symptom of an underlying health issue that, once treated, will reverse itself. It is crucial to consult a dermatologist if you are experiencing baldness or thinning hair to get to the bottom of the issue and find out how to either stop baldness or start new hair growth. Look into the most frequent hair loss causes before making the trip to the doctor.

Hormonal Imbalances

Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness, is most frequently brought on by an excess of androgens, also known as male sex hormones, and hormonal imbalances. Androgens are involved in male-pattern baldness as well as female-pattern baldness.

Androgens can cause hair follicles to become weak, resulting in excessive shedding in female-pattern baldness patients. According to the explanations provided by specialists, androgen sensitivity may become more pronounced during estrogen-related transitions, such as the use of birth control or menopause.

However, an increase in dihydrotestosterone, an androgen, is linked to male-pattern baldness (DHT). DHT not only inhibits the creation of new hair by binding to hair follicles, but it also can potentially shorten the hair’s average lifespan.

This form of hair loss can also be brought on by various other medical issues, some of which are listed below. These conditions include prostate cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome, excessive blood pressure, and coronary heart disease.

Thyroid Problems

Several disorders are related to hormones that contribute to hair thinning. Some may include thyroid hormones. It is possible to experience hair loss due to either an underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism or an overactive thyroid, often known as hyperthyroidism. This is because both of these conditions induce a hormonal imbalance.

The growth of hair is one of the approximately a hundred functions in the body that are helped regulated by thyroid hormones. If you receive the appropriate medication for any of these thyroid problems, it will control your hormone levels, the hair loss will stop, and the hair will be able to begin growing back.

Pregnancy

In addition to hormonal imbalances, hair loss can be caused by dramatically changing hormone levels, such as those that occur after pregnancy and the delivery of a child. Hair loss after giving birth is rather frequent, affecting 40 and 50 percent of women. During pregnancy, the hormone estrogen levels will surge, which may temporarily affect the hair growth cycles. You may suffer significantly less hair thinning than usual at this time.

You may experience more hair thinning than usual as your estrogen concentrations return to following a normal pregnancy. Hair thinning or even bald spots are another typical postpartum complaint among women. Postpartum hair loss can begin anywhere from one month to six months after giving birth, and the symptoms can continue for as long as 18 months.

Since not all follicles in the resting stage during pregnancy will go into the shedding stage simultaneously, excessive shedding can linger anywhere from six months to fifteen months after delivery.

Certain Medications

According to the American Hair Loss Association, several medications taken to treat common health problems might cause a person to experience hair loss as a side effect. This condition is frequently called “hair loss caused by drugs.”

It is possible for certain medications, including those used to thin the blood, oral contraceptives, antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, calcium and beta channel blockers, and anti-inflammatories, to cause hair loss or baldness. Excessive amounts of vitamin A and medications known as retinoids derived from vitamin A can contribute to hair loss. In destroying cancer cells, several chemotherapy medications are known to induce complete hair loss in patients.

 287 Genetic Trigger of Hair Loss

Male pattern baldness has been the subject of a great deal of study, which is no different; scientists from Scotland have found nearly 300 genetic areas linked to the condition. Nonetheless, these discoveries do not indicate that a cure for baldness will be available soon; however, they bring us closer to discovering a solution. Some experts believe that the discoveries pave the path for a better knowledge of the genetic origins of hair loss.

In this particular research, the study team examined the genetic data of more than 52,000 males and identified 287 genetic areas that are connected to extreme hair loss. According to the study’s findings, a significant proportion of the uncovered genes are involved in hair formation and structure. According to the explanation provided by the researchers, the genes might one day serve as targets for creating medications that treat baldness. It was discovered that the X chromosome, passed down from mothers to sons, is responsible for many genetic markers for male pattern baldness.

Can The Hair Be Stopped from Falling Out?

There is no way to stop balding that is caused by genetics. On the other hand, you can lessen the likelihood of experiencing other forms of hair loss by following these guidelines:

• Loosen your hairstyle: The hair follicles might be damaged when you wear your hair in tight fashions like braids or ponytails.
• Reduce the effects of heat: Damage to the roots of the hair could be caused by styling appliances such as curling and straightening irons.
• Massage the scalp: Recent studies have suggested that frequent scalp massages can help stimulate new hair development. However, don’t overdo it. Damage to your hair follicles can be caused by repeated rubbing as well as stress.
• Consume a diet high in nutrients: A diet deficient in a wide range of nutrients may contribute to hair loss.
• Quit smoking: There is some evidence from the past to show that smoking may cause hair loss.
• Cooling cap: If you are receiving chemotherapy, wearing a cooling hat after your treatments may help lessen the amount of hair you lose.
• Try a different medicine: If the medication you are taking causes you to lose your hair, talk to your doctor about other options.