Main Research Findings

Various studies have yielded various insights into the causes and treatments of hair loss. For example, 20 shows that a drug called ritlecitinib, taken orally, is effective in treating alopecia areata, a type of hair loss caused by the immune system attacking hair follicles. In addition, 3 reports that another drug, baricitinib, has been shown to be effective for severe alopecia areata over 36 weeks of continuous administration.

Reasons for Causes

There are various causes of hair loss, but many are thought to be caused by immune abnormalities. Alopecia areata is a type of autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. Therefore, there is a possibility that adjusting the immune system can lead to treatment and prevention of alopecia areata.

Common Causes

Autoimmune diseases

Alopecia areata is a type of autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. Studies such as 20 and 5 have shown that the immune system attacks hair follicles in alopecia areata. In addition, 16 suggests that alopecia areata may occur due to an excessive reaction of the immune system after infection with the novel coronavirus. Treatment for alopecia areata includes the use of immunosuppressants.

Genetics

Hair loss can also be influenced by genetics. 1 suggests that male pattern alopecia is strongly influenced by genetic factors and that female pattern alopecia may also be influenced by genetic factors. Further research is needed on how genetic factors affect different types of hair loss.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances can also contribute to hair loss. In particular, female hormone balance has a major impact on hair growth. If the amount of female hormones secreted decreases, hair becomes thin and weak and is more likely to fall out. 19 suggests that frontal fibrosing alopecia, which is common in postmenopausal women, may be caused by hormonal imbalances. In addition, 14 points out that thyroid dysfunction can cause hair loss. It is important to consult a doctor and receive appropriate treatment to adjust hormonal balance.

Stress

Stress can also contribute to hair loss. Stress can disrupt hormonal balance and weaken the immune system. These can inhibit hair growth and increase hair loss. 16 suggests that stress from COVID-19 can cause hair loss. To reduce stress, it is important to get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and engage in relaxing hobbies.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to hair loss. In particular, nutrients such as protein, iron, and zinc are essential for hair growth. When these nutrients are deficient, hair becomes thin and weak and is more likely to fall out. 10 suggests that zinc deficiency is associated with hair loss. It is important to eat a balanced diet and get the nutrients you need.

Medications

Hair loss can occur as a side effect of medications. 21 reports that hair loss can occur as a side effect of anti-epileptic drugs. In addition, drugs such as anti-cancer agents can also cause hair loss. Hair loss caused by medication varies depending on the type of medication and the dosage. It is important to consult a doctor and receive appropriate treatment.

Other Causes

In addition to the above, various factors are considered to be causes of hair loss. For example, 15 lists alopecia areata, tinea capitis, traction alopecia, and trichotillomania as causes of hair loss in children. In addition, 18 lists various diseases as causes of eyebrow and eyelash hair loss. It is important to consult a specialist to determine the cause of hair loss.

Countermeasures

Autoimmune diseases

Treatment for hair loss due to autoimmune diseases includes the use of immunosuppressants. 20 shows that an oral drug called ritlecitinib is effective for alopecia areata caused by autoimmune diseases. In addition, 3 reports that an oral drug called baricitinib has been shown to be effective for severe alopecia areata over 36 weeks of continuous administration. Other treatments include steroid injections, immunotherapy, and so on.

Genetics

There is no established cure for hair loss caused by genetic factors. However, improvements in lifestyle and drug therapy can slow progression and improve symptoms. 1 suggests that male pattern alopecia is strongly influenced by genetic factors and that female pattern alopecia may also be influenced by genetic factors. Further research is needed on how genetic factors affect different types of hair loss.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hair loss caused by hormonal imbalances can be treated with hormone replacement therapy. In addition, lifestyle changes can help to balance hormones. 19 suggests that frontal fibrosing alopecia, which is common in postmenopausal women, may be caused by hormonal imbalances. In addition, 14 points out that thyroid dysfunction can cause hair loss. It is important to consult a doctor and receive appropriate treatment to adjust hormonal balance.

Stress

To address hair loss caused by stress, it is important to reduce stress. Specific methods for reducing stress include getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and having relaxing hobbies. 16 suggests that stress from COVID-19 can cause hair loss. To reduce stress, it is important to get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.

Nutritional Deficiencies

To address hair loss caused by nutritional deficiencies, it is important to eat a balanced diet. In particular, nutrients such as protein, iron, and zinc are essential for hair growth. To ensure sufficient intake of these nutrients, eat a balanced diet of meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. If necessary, consider taking supplements. 10 suggests that zinc deficiency is associated with hair loss. It is important to eat a balanced diet and get the nutrients you need.

Medications

Hair loss caused by medication varies depending on the type of medication and the dosage. If hair loss is caused by medication, consult your doctor to consider changing medications or adjusting the dosage. 21 reports that hair loss can occur as a side effect of anti-epileptic drugs. In addition, drugs such as anti-cancer agents can also cause hair loss. Hair loss caused by medication varies depending on the type of medication and the dosage. It is important to consult a doctor and receive appropriate treatment.

Comparison of Studies

Commonalities

Various studies have pointed to immune abnormalities, genetics, hormonal imbalances, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and medications as causes of hair loss. These factors can interact and work together to cause hair loss. In addition, immunosuppressants, hormone replacement therapy, and lifestyle changes have been mentioned as treatments for hair loss.

Differences

Each study provides detailed insights into the causes and treatments of hair loss. For example, 20 shows that an oral drug called ritlecitinib is effective for treating alopecia areata. On the other hand, 3 reports that an oral drug called baricitinib has been shown to be effective for severe alopecia areata over 36 weeks of continuous administration. As you can see, effective treatments and therapies vary depending on the study. It is important to consult a specialist and choose an appropriate treatment for hair loss.

Considerations for Real-Life Application

Insights gained from hair loss research can be applied to everyday life. For example, make an effort to get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly to reduce stress. Also, be mindful of your intake of nutrients such as protein, iron, and zinc to prevent nutritional deficiencies. If hair loss may be caused by medication side effects, consult your doctor for appropriate measures.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on the causes and treatments of hair loss is still in its early stages. In particular, further research is needed on how genetic factors affect different types of hair loss. Furthermore, further validation is needed regarding the safety and efficacy of hair loss treatments.

Future Research Directions

To advance research on the causes and treatments of hair loss, research at the genetic level, the development of new treatments, and the improvement of existing treatments are needed. In particular, research at the genetic level could lead to the development of methods for preventing and treating hair loss. In addition, the development of new treatments could enable more effective and safe treatment. Furthermore, improvements in existing treatments could help improve the symptoms of more patients.

Conclusion

Hair loss has many causes, and there are still many unanswered questions. However, various studies are underway, and our understanding of the causes and treatments of hair loss is deepening. If you are struggling with hair loss, consult a specialist and receive appropriate treatment. It is also important to actively take measures that you can do on your own, such as improving your lifestyle.