Causes of Severe Hair Loss and How to Prevent It

Stress and hormonal changes are the most common causes of severe hair loss. Even though it is temporary, severe hair loss can make sufferers feel insecure and stressed. Therefore, it is important to know the causes of severe hair loss so that various preventive steps can be taken.

Hair loss of 50–100 strands per day is actually a normal condition. However, if hair loss is more than 100 strands or about 1 handful of hair per day, this could be a sign of severe hair loss or medically known as telogen effluvium.

Most cases of severe hair loss don't affect your physical health, but it can have a big impact psychologically. Severe hair loss can increase stress, anxiety, and depression, and even interfere with the sufferer's quality of life. Therefore, know the causes of severe hair loss so that it can be prevented as early as possible.

Various Causes of Severe Hair Loss

Severe hair loss occurs when there is an abnormality in the life cycle of the hair. Normal hair growth is divided into 3 phases, namely the anagen phase, the catagen phase, and the telogen phase.

In the anagen phase or growth phase, hair will grow and last for 2-5 years. Furthermore, the hair will enter the catagen phase or transition phase. In this phase, hair growth slows down and the hair growth area (hair follicle) shrinks

Finally, the telogen phase or the resting phase is when the hair will experience hair loss and then be replaced with new hair about 3-5 months later. The three phases of the hair cycle are greatly influenced by various factors

Here are some factors that can affect the hair life cycle and become a trigger or cause of severe hair loss:

1. Hormonal changes

Sudden hormonal changes can be a cause of severe hair loss. This happens because the hair follicle enters the telogen or resting phase which is longer than it should be

The condition that triggers hair loss usually occurs in pregnant women. However, hair lost during pregnancy will grow back within 6 months to 1 year after giving birth

2. Stress

Bodies that experience physical or psychological stress can be a triggering factor or cause of severe hair loss. Physical stress, such as after surgery, a chronic illness, or bleeding, can cause severe hair loss.

Besides physical stress, psychological stress can also be a trigger factor for severe hair loss.

3. Strict diet

Strict diets can deprive the body of nutrients that can cause excessive hair loss. Several studies have shown that nutritional or vitamin deficiencies can be a cause of severe hair loss. Some nutrients that can affect hair growth are iron, zinc, vitamins B6 and B12

Therefore, if you want to lose weight by maintaining a pattern or diet, consult a nutritionist. Doctors can recommend a weight loss program that is healthy and according to your body condition. With the right diet program, your risk of experiencing a deficiency in essential nutrients that cause hair loss can be prevented.

4. Certain drugs

Certain types of medications can cause severe hair loss. This condition is generally not immediately visible because usually new hair falls out after taking the drug for 12 weeks.

Some drugs that can cause severe hair loss are the contraceptive pill, retinoids, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and antidepressants.

5. Symptoms of certain medical conditions

Severe hair loss can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions, such as alopecia areata, thyroid disease, contact dermatitis, diabetes, and lupus.

In addition to being a symptom of disease, excessive hair loss can also occur after surgery or vaccination. These two procedures can put the hair follicles in a resting state because they are attacked by the immune system. As a result, the hair will experience temporary loss for some time.

In addition to the various factors above, having a family that experiences hair loss, increasing age, and losing weight significantly can also be a factor in causing severe hair loss.

How to Prevent Hair Loss

By knowing the causes of severe hair loss, you can take some preventive steps. Here are some steps you can take to keep your hair healthy and avoid hair loss:

• Limit hair styling using hot tools or chemicals, such as ironing, perming, or dyeing hair
• Choosing the right hair care products, as well as according to the type and hair problems
• Use a wide-toothed comb and do not comb your hair when it is wet
• Quit smoking
• Managing stress wisely
• Enough sleep time

Severe hair loss often makes sufferers afraid of going bald. Although generally only temporary and the hair will grow back, some cases of severe hair loss can be a sign of a serious medical condition that requires medical attention.

Therefore, if you experience hair loss, even if the loss occurs continuously and gets worse, you should check this condition with a doctor. Through examination, the doctor will determine the cause of severe hair loss and provide appropriate treatment.

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