Hair Loss Etiology (causes) and Approach Considerations

Etiology (Causes)
Hair loss in men is generally seen as male pattern baldness and exact cause of pattern is still unclear. We can say it is genetics and hair follicles with a genetic sensitivity to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). If hair follicle is sensitive to DHT then it is getting thinner shorter life span and after some time it stops producing new hair.

Reports say a stronger link to men on the mother side of the family than on the father side. Male pattern baldness is a progressive process that continues for the rest of an individual's lifetime.

During physical examination we also check other causes like 

1-Systemic causes:
-thyroid abnormalities, 
-iron deficiency anemia or 
-zinc deficiency.

2-Dermatologic causes that may be treated medically

3- Telogen effluvium (temporary hair loss that heals over 2-3 months’ time).

4- Smoking, stress, eating habits, cosmetics or shampoos as a accelerating factors.

Smoking causes blockage and inflammation of vessels so no enough blood is going to the capillaries of scalp so no blood means no nutrition and no oxygen.

Stress causes contraction of vessels so again same mechanism less blood flow causes problems.

Shampooing, combing, brushing too much causes hair breakage and hair loss in long term also when hair is wet it is more fragile so combing it too much or more important using hairdryer very hot when hair is wet causes hair loss in long term.

Approach Considerations
When healing or bleeding problems seen also tests below should be performed:
• CBC count with platelets 
• Prothrombin time (PT) 
• Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) 

Especially in female patients, broad workup is should be done:

• CBC count 
• Total iron and ferritin 
• Thyroid function tests and thyroid-stimulating hormone 
• Total and free testosterone 
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfate, in cases of irregular menses