Alopecia and Other Causes of Hair Loss
What Causes Hair Loss
Millions of people deal with hair loss every day. You are not alone. The good news is understanding the causes of hair loss, from alopecia to harsh styling practices, is the first step toward effective treatment. We have the answers to help you make informed decisions about your hair health.
Get to Know the Hair Growth Cycle
Everyone sheds hair daily. That’s perfectly natural. Our hair growth cycle occurs in four ongoing phases: growing, transitioning, resting, and shedding. Noticeable hair loss occurs when that cycle is disrupted by a cause or a condition that can lead to overall thinning, patchiness, or a receding hairline.
Why is My Hair Falling Out?
Men, women, and children all lose hair in different ways and for different reasons. Dive deeper into gender and age-related causes and what you can do about them.
Common Causes of Hair Loss
While a majority of hair loss is caused by genetics, many other factors could be at play. Here are a few common culprits that cause hair loss or can make it worse.
Diet
What you eat is important. A deficiency in specific vitamins and/or minerals could contribute to hair loss. Some key nutrients for your hair include B vitamins (particularly Biotin), vitamin D, iron, zinc, protein, and essential fatty acids.
Hormonal Changes
Fluctuating hormone levels in women may cause or contribute to hair thinning or loss. These changes can often occur postpartum or be attributed to perimenopause, menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome.
Medications
Causes of hair loss can often be traced back to prescription drugs or medical treatments, though determining the exact one can be hard to identify. Consult with your doctor if you think your medications might be to blame.
Stress
While everyday stress doesn’t usually impact your hair, Telogen Effluvium, Trichotillomania, and Alopecia Areata are three types of hair loss associated with high stress levels. Managing stress can help hair come back.
Styling Practices
Frequent use of harsh styling practices can cause breakage and make hair fall out. Some of the most damaging include wearing tight hairstyles for extended periods, chemical treatments, and incorrect use of hot styling tools.
Genetics
Men and women’s hair loss can both be strongly influenced by genetics. Known as androgenetic alopecia, it can be inherited from either parent. Understanding your family history can help you take the necessary action early.
Illness
Certain illnesses like thyroid disease, autoimmune diseases, or severe infections can disrupt the hair growth cycle. Similarly, treatments like chemotherapy can also result in hair loss. See your doctor if you think there is an underlying issue.
The information provided in this page is general in nature and widely available. All content is provided for informational purposes. The exact cause of hair loss can only be determined by a medical professional.
Understand Conditions that Cause Hair Loss
Certain medical conditions may be to blame when it comes to hair loss. We recommend talking to your doctor if you suspect you’re dealing with one or more of the conditions listed here.
