Temporary and Permanent hair loss

If you lose a very high number of hairs on a daily basis then you could be experiencing temporary hair loss. It is normal to lose a certain amounts of hairs each day as part of the hair growth/loss cycle but if an excessive amount is lost then there is likely to be something causing it.

You may find that this resolves itself over time but it is better to find out what’s causing this excessive loss.
Temporary hair loss can happen as a result of any of the following:

• Medicines such as high blood pressure tablets, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and contraceptive pills can affect hormone production and reduce hair growth.
• Stress: too much stress is bad for us and one of the many side effects is hair loss. Prolonged periods of stress can affect the hair growth cycle to the extent that excessive hair is lost during the shedding stage.
• Medical conditions such as thyroid disorders or anaemia can affect hair growth and lead to excessive hair shedding.
• Hormonal changes as a result of pregnancy or the menopause can disrupt the hair growth/loss cycle and lead to hair loss.
• Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy have various side effects which includes hair loss.

One positive aspect here is that new hair will grow once any of these conditions are treated.

However, if you have been experiencing hair loss for more than 6 months then it’s a good idea to talk to your GP or a trichologist. They can recommend a course of hair loss treatment such as Infra-red light treatment, specially medicated shampoo or hair transplant surgery.

Temporary hair loss is usually treatable but some people experience permanent hair loss, usually as a result of an illness or some form of trauma. However, the most common cause of permanent hair loss is alopecia.


There are various forms of alopecia but the most common is androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness. Women can also suffer from alopecia but men appear to be more prone than women.

Treatment for permanent hair loss as a result of androgenetic alopecia includes oral medication or surgery such as a hair transplant, scalp reduction or scalp stretching.


Hair can also become damaged or broken - also known as ‘split ends’ as a result of excessive salon treatments or certain medications.


Source : http://www.medic8.com/healthguide/hair-loss/hair-structure/temporary-hair-loss.html

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