For instance, alopecia areata is a more serious form of the condition. This manifests itself in small patches of total hair loss - sometimes beginning the size of a small coin - or bald spots that are often undetected until, typically, a visit to your hairdresser. The cause of alopecia is unknown but it is thought to be related to deficiencies in the auto-immune system. Cells within healthy follicles are attacked and destroyed by other cells - thus causing the strand of hair to fall out.
Again, there are different degrees of alopecia: alopecia totalis is defined as total hair loss on the scalp and alopecia universalis is total loss across the entire body. These medical conditions can be a very distressing experience. However, while there is no known cure, it is sometimes possible to slow hair loss and in certain cases, hair growth resumes effectively restoring hair.
Many people are unaffected by their hair thinning but if you do notice thinning or loss, when it is worth seeking the advice of a hair expert?
If your loss is sudden and rapid, then it is recommended you seek advice of your GP immediately. This is to identify possible connections to an underlying medical problem. Your GP may refer you to a Dermatologist or a reputable hair clinic - at which point you might have access to a qualified trichologist. A trichologist is a hair and scalp expert and a consultation will usually involve analysis of hair strands under the microscope. Healthy hair thrives on normal hormone levels and strands that are rich in protein (the building blocks of hair). So it stands to reason that your hair will likely be analysed for various hormone levels - especially the 'stress' hormone cortisol which can cause hair loss - and protein compound Keratin.
However, if your loss is slow and gradual, then there is no harm in visiting your GP to rule out any medical problem. While slow and gradual hair loss is a natural part of ageing, some individuals feel uncomfortable with the appearance of their thinning hair. Consultants at a qualified clinic will recommend that you seek advice as soon as your problem becomes a concern to you. Just because you still have a reasonably full head of hair does not mean that you are not justified in seeking the advice of an expert! In fact, most hair replacement treatments are successful when the candidate has sought early advice. So, the sooner you seek the advice from a hair clinic, the sooner you can overcome your hair loss problem.
Resources: http://www.hairadvicenetwork.com/ http://ezinearticles.com/?When-ShouldYou-Seek-Advice-For-Hair-Loss? &id=8636341
Thank you for reading!