Genetics strongly influence hair loss, no matter your gender. The genetic component of balding still isn’t well understood, but it’s thought that it involves many different genes. When hair loss is caused by your genetics, it occurs in a predictable pattern often referred to as male pattern baldness (MPB) or female pattern baldness (FPB).

Hormonal changes associated with menopause can affect the healthy hair growth cycle. Other hormonal changes in the body may affect hair thinning and loss in some women. Women can experience problems with their hair due to a hormone imbalance and increased sensitivity to the male hormones found naturally in women’s bodies.

A diet rich in protein, vitamins and minerals is essential for healthy hair and hair growth. The hair follicle is a nonessential tissue and, therefore, it is often one of the last parts of the body to receive nutritional substances. Therefore, any long-term deficiencies may lead to premature hair loss.

In the face of everyday stress, the adrenal gland produces more adrenaline, which can lead to an increase in the production of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). If there are not enough other hormones present to counterbalance this, this imbalance can affect healthy hair growth.

Hair loss stems from various medical conditions and medications, impacting the hair growth cycle differently. Autoimmune disorders like alopecia areata can prompt the immune system to attack hair follicles. Certain medications, including those for cancer (chemotherapy), blood thinners, antidepressants, and acne treatments, are associated with hair loss.

Excessive use of aerosol sprays, hair dyes, hair irons or curlers may result in damaged hair in the long term. Men and women who find their healthy hair is being affected may want to reconsider the products that they’re using and consider other nutritional supplements and healthier styling methods.