Sudden hair loss can be more frightening than a watching horror film marathon after having no sleep for a couple of days. Sudden hair loss can occur unexpectedly (alopecia areata) or expectedly (chemotherapy drugs). But let's face it even if you know it is unavoidable nothing is worse than seeing large amounts of hair literally going down the drain during your morning shower. The normal response is I can't believe this or this can't be happening but after the shock wears off reality will set in.
Once reality sets in and the screaming stops finding the causes of sudden hair loss (if unknown) and certain wardrobe adjustments likely will take precedence.
As briefly mentioned above one of the sudden causes of hair loss is alopecia areata. This condition affects about two percent of the population and is thought to be caused by the body's own immune defenses mistakenly attacking the hair follicles. Alopecia areata affects men, women, and children of all ages. It is reversible in most cases. If the condition is allowed to go untreated it can lead to alopecia totalis which is the complete and total loss of scalp hair.
Perhaps, the most common causes of sudden hair loss falls under the umbrella of toxic alopecia. In this condition a toxic environment exists in the body which makes hair growth difficult. Examples of toxic alopecia are crash dieting, malnutrition, psychological stress, physical stress, chemotherapy drugs, blood pressure drugs, persistent high fever, lithium, valproate, large doses of vitamin A, thyroid disorders, and oral contraceptives. Sudden hair loss may occur soon after the disease or condition presents itself or up to four months later.
Our last candidate in our search for the causes of sudden hair loss is androgenetic alopecia. While many people perceive this condition as happening suddenly the fact of the matter is that it happens over a couple of hair cycles. Once noticed the balding or thinning is often well on its way to giving you a one way ticket to the bald is beautiful club. Sometimes other conditions like some of those listed above can work hand in hand with androgenetic alopecia to accelerate hair loss thus giving the impression of sudden and extensive balding.
What Next?
Alopecia areata is normally treated with corticosteroids and requires a doctor's visit. Toxic alopecia generally resolves itself after the toxic substance is discontinued. Wigs are probably the best solution until regrowth starts to occur; at this point a topical hair growth stimulator containing pumpkin seed and jojoba oil are worth considering. In the case of androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness) a harmful androgen hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) must be blocked for lasting results to be seen. There are currently a number of hair regrowth products specifically formulated to do just that and are a treatment option you should consider if this is in fact the primary cause or one of the causes of your sudden hair loss.
R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate of alternative natural health products and supplements with over 10 years experience. To learn more about natural remedies for better health visit Purchase Remedies.com