Why Humans Lose Body Hair
Body hair can be called terminal hair, or androgenic hair. This hair develops at the onset of puberty. The growth rate of body hair depends on individual hormone levels and the sensitivity of each hair follicle to these hormones. Does this Spark an idea?
Surgery
Major surgery can cause hair loss as long as four months after the event. This hair loss is generally temporary and is caused by the stress of the surgery, FamilyDoctor.org states.
Hormones
According to the Mayo Clinic, an overactive or underactive thyroid gland may cause androgen or estrogen hormone imbalances that lead to the loss of body hair.
Pregnancy
Because of hormone fluctuations, many women experience hair loss several months after giving birth. Hair growth generally returns to normal once the mother's hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels.
Medication
Some blood-thinners, birth control pills, antidepressants and other medications can cause hair loss. In these cases, body hair grows back when you stop taking the medicine.
Infection or Disease
Fungal infections, lupus, diabetes and other illnesses can cause hair loss. Some infections are easily treated. See a doctor if you suspect illness is the cause of body hair loss.
Medical Treatments
Chemotherapy and radiation treatments can cause hair loss as soon as 10 to 14 days after beginning treatment, and can continue until up to a month after treatment ends. Hair that falls out grows back within six months to a year after treatment has ended, according to MayoClinic.com.
