Trichologist named the causes of severe hair loss

Massive hair loss, which often scares patients, is in most cases a reversible form of hair loss — telogenetic alopecia. However, as Yulia Gallyamova, a dermatologist and trichologist, told Izvestia on January 27, hair loss is not a diagnosis, but a symptom that can accompany a variety of conditions: from stress and infections to hormonal and autoimmune diseases.

"Each form of alopecia has its own mechanism of development, prognosis and treatment approach. The topic of vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies is often interpreted incorrectly today. The deviations revealed in the analyses are not always the direct cause of hair loss, although the lack of basic nutrients, primarily protein and iron, is really important, but is more often manifested by thinning and deterioration of hair quality, rather than their intense loss," she noted.

At the same time, uncontrolled intake of vitamins and dietary supplements without indications is dangerous.: An overdose of vitamin A can cause hair loss, an excess of B vitamins can increase seborrhea, and herbal extracts in supplements sometimes lead to toxic alopecia.

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The trichologist paid special attention to hormonal causes. Sometimes hair loss becomes the only noticeable symptom of a malfunction, while other signs go unnoticed. The risk of hair loss increases in adolescence due to the instability of the hormonal system, as well as in premenopausal and menopausal women due to a decrease in estrogen levels.

However, the hair's response is very individual and depends not only on hormone levels, but also on the genetic sensitivity of hair follicle receptors. Thus, androgenetic alopecia can develop even with a normal hormonal background.

For the initial diagnosis, Gallyamova recommends a minimal set of tests: a general blood test, ferritin, and thyroid hormones (TSH). Self-delivery of extended tests without indications often leads to false conclusions and excessive anxiety. If iron deficiencies are detected, for example, hair restoration is possible, but the process will take time — from several months or more.

"It is impossible to distinguish temporary loss from chronic loss on your own. Androgenetic alopecia is chronic by nature, and other signs are added to the symptoms of thyroid diseases. Early changes associated with age—related hormonal changes can often be detected only by trichoscopy," the doctor said.

As a preventive measure, if one of the parents has androgenetic alopecia at a young age, their children should be examined for about 20 years. The main advice from a specialist is not to panic, not to self-medicate, remember that there are no universal remedies, and understand that hair restoration requires at least two to three months. Hair can be maintained and its quality improved at any age, but only within the limits of the physiological capabilities of a particular person.

Alexander Pavlov, a hairdresser at the international network of Ecole training centers, told Izvestia on January 20 that, against the background of the diversity of hair care products on the market, it is becoming increasingly difficult to understand which products are really beneficial. Seasonal factors also complicate the choice, as well as common problems such as brittleness, dryness, and hair loss.

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