Hair loss is totally normal and natural. As each strand of hair dies it falls out and is gradually replaced by a new
strand. This pattern continues throughout your lifetime. Baldness only occurs when the body fails to replace the missing
hair with new hair.
In addition to the natural hair loss cycle there are other factors which affect the hair. People experience hair loss
after major surgery or other stressful events. This type of loss is normal and usually subsides after the stress passes.
Hormone imbalances are another factor and hair may not get replaced if the androgens (male hormones) or estrogens
(female hormones) levels are incorrect.
Other conditions such as an overactive thyroid gland and medical treatments such as chemotherapy also affect the hair
replacement cycle. Certain prescriptions can cause hair loss as well as diseases like lupus and diabetes. Male and
female "pattern baldness" is a genetic condition that affects millions of men and women.
Certain hair loss conditions can be medically treated and others can be addressed by surgery. However, since there is such
a wide range of conditions that can cause hair loss, and some of the can be life-threatening, it is always best to consult
your doctor before undertaking any course of treatment.
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