Diseases That Cause Hair Loss

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The immune system works to defend the body from invasion and infection. The organs that provide this resistance include the thymus, lymph nodes, and bone marrow.

An autoimmune disorder occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue. This can cause a variety of conditions including alopecia and lupus. See more diseases that cause hair loss and fatigue here…

Hypothyroidism: When the thyroid gland becomes overactive and releases too much thyroid hormone this can result in an increased metabolic rate, weight loss, and anxiety. Without the right amount of this hormone, the natural functions of the body begin to slow down.

The most common signs of hypothyroidism include fatigue, and dry, thinning hair. Hashimoto’s disease also causes white blood cells and antibodies to attack the cells of the thyroid. Risk factors may increase if genetic factors point to a family history of autoimmune diseases.

Alopecia: Autoimmune disease and hair loss are well-known as being associated with alopecia areata. When signals are sent from the immune system to the white blood cells to attack healthy hair follicle cells the results are varying degrees of hair loss on the scalp. And sometimes on the face and body.

Hair falls out in small circular patches. But the disorder can lead to other types of alopecia including entire hair loss from the scalp – alopecia totalis. Or in severe cases complete hair loss from the body – alopecia universalis.

Lupus: This chronic autoimmune disease affects many organs and systems in the body. And creates an extensive range of symptoms including headaches, painful joints, fatigue, and hair loss.

Hair loss occurs when antibodies attack the hair follicles, causing the hair shaft to be rejected by the body, and fall out. As lupus is inconsistent with cycles of flare-ups and remission hair may grow back – but if scarring occurs in affected follicles then hair loss is often permanent.

Coping with Hair Loss from Autoimmune Diseases

Understanding what diseases cause hair loss can make it a little easier to cope with the problem. Visiting trusted hair salons like Cochrane & Co will also help greatly. You’ll be able to have a consultation with an experienced hair stylist. And be given a choice of solutions from exquisite styling to professional non-invasive treatments.

Attending support groups, joining an online forum, or visiting an individual therapist will all give additional encouragement. Make sure you eat a healthy, balanced diet, and get enough sleep.

The best way to help prevent hair loss and other accompanying symptoms is to have the underlying disease diagnosed. You’ll need to see your GP and then be referred to the appropriate specialist.

Autoimmune Disease Treatments

Apart from diet and lifestyle changes hormone treatments are often used to help treat the disorders. Specific diseases may be targeted with immunosuppressant drugs or steroids.

Unfortunately, a side effect of these drugs may be hair loss which may compound the situation. So, it’s essential that your symptoms are properly identified and corrected. And your healthcare professional will ensure that the proper treatment will be administered for you.