What Causes Alopecia Hair Loss?

Hair loss, scientifically known as alopecia, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

While it's often perceived as a cosmetic issue, it can significantly impact an individual's confidence and emotional well-being. If you’re experiencing alopecia, it’s important to know the causes behind it, as this can help you find the best treatment for your individual condition.  

At Este Medical Group in Dubai, we understand the complexities of alopecia and are proud to provide a range of treatments to tackle this frustrating condition. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of alopecia hair loss, and highlight the safe and effective treatments we offer to successfully reverse symptoms of alopecia areata and other types of alopecia.  

Types of Alopecia  

First, let’s explore the different types of alopecia. The condition can manifest in different forms, with the main 3 forms including:

• ‍Alopecia Areata:  An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks hair follicles, resulting in hair loss in bald patches.
• Androgenetic Alopecia: Commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, this is the most prevalent form of hair loss, and it’s mostly driven by genetic and hormonal factors.
• Alopecia Totalis: A more advanced form of alopecia areata, leading to complete loss of hair on the scalp.

Causes of Alopecia  

Understanding the causes of alopecia is key to finding the right treatment. If you’re wondering “How do you get alopecia?” there are many different causes, including:  

1. Genetic Factors

Genetics play a significant role in alopecia, particularly in androgenetic alopecia. If you have a family history of hair loss, you are unfortunately more likely to experience it yourself. This hereditary condition is linked to the androgen receptor gene, which influences hair follicle sensitivity to hormones like dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Both men and women can inherit this condition, leading to male or female pattern baldness.

2. Autoimmune Disorders

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles, causing hair to fall out in small patches. While the exact cause remains unclear, potential triggers include genetic predisposition, stress, or environmental factors. This autoimmune response can be particularly distressing, as it can occur suddenly and unpredictably.

3. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal imbalances can significantly impact hair health. Conditions like thyroid disorders, pregnancy, menopause, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can disrupt hormone levels, leading to hair loss in bald spots. Androgens, which are the male hormones present in both men and women, can shrink hair follicles and shorten the hair growth cycle, resulting in thinning hair and eventual baldness.

4. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

Modern lifestyles and environmental factors can also contribute to hair loss:

• Stress:  Chronic stress can push hair follicles into the resting phase which can lead to increased hair shedding.
• Nutritional Deficiencies:  Lack of essential nutrients, such as iron and vital vitamins, can weaken the structure of the hair and hair growth.
• Harsh Hair Treatments:  Frequent use of chemical treatments, excessive heat styling, and tight hairstyles can damage hair follicles, with the latter causing another type of alopecia known as traction alopecia.
• Lifestyle Choices: Smoking and other unhealthy habits can impair blood circulation and nutrient delivery to the scalp, exacerbating hair loss.

5. Medical Conditions and Medication

Certain medical conditions can cause hair loss as a symptom. For example, autoimmune disorders like lupus and metabolic disorders such as diabetes can disrupt normal hair growth and lead to bald spots in the hair. Additionally, some medications, including chemotherapy, beta-blockers, and anticoagulants, list hair loss as a side effect. If you think your medication may be causing hair loss, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider.

6. Infections and Scalp Condition

Infections and scalp conditions can also lead to temporary or permanent hair loss. Fungal infections, such as ringworm, can cause hair loss in bald patches and scalp inflammation. Similarly, scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis can create an unhealthy scalp environment, which can drastically impair hair growth. Identifying and treating these underlying issues is crucial for restoring strong and healthy hair.

Why Choose Este Medical for Alopecia Treatment?  

Here at Este Medical, we’re proud to have transformed the lives of countless alopecia patients. Evident in our incredible alopecia before and after results, our many treatments for hair loss including FUE Hair Transplants for Men and Women, Laser Hair Regrowth Therapy, Exosome Therapy for Hair Loss and more, offer truly life-changing results.  

Take a look at our extraordinary testimonial below from our amazing client who had been suffering from alopecia for 20 years.  

If you start noticing alopecia areata symptoms or signs of alopecia hair loss like bald patches in your hair, it’s essential to identify the causes to get the treatment you need.

At Este Medical, our team of experts is committed to helping you restore a full head of hair and your confidence in the process. With a wide range of treatments, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect one for you. Don’t let hair loss define you – book your consultation with our specialists today!