By Aayushi Gupta
Published Sep, 2024
Are you noticing more hair in your brush than usual? Know 10 medical causes of hair fall that might help you understand what is going on with your hair health.
Alopecia is a condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, resulting in patchy or widespread hair loss. This can be temporary or permanent and may affect different body parts.
Alopecia
Hormones play a big role in hair growth. Factors such as pregnancy, menopause, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), your body experiences changes in the hormones, estrogen or testosterone levels that can lead to hair thinning.
Hormonal Imbalance
Both overactive (hyperthyroidism) and underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid glands can mess with hair growth, leading to hair thinning or hair loss. Treating thyroid imbalance can help reduce the risk of hair fall.
Thyroid Issues
Chronic stress can also lead to hair loss. When you experience high levels of physical or emotional stress, you may notice hair shedding more than usual. Techniques such as yoga and meditation can be effective in managing stress levels.
Chronic Stress
Conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can trigger the immune system to attack healthy tissues, including hair follicles, which can result in hair loss. It can be temporary or permanent.
Autoimmune Diseases
Scalp problems such as dandruff and infections can be the cause of your hair fall problems. These problems may cause hair to become extremely weak, meaning it can easily break off, resulting in hair loss.
Scalp Infections
Some medications, including blood thinners, antidepressants, and cancer-related drugs, can cause hair fall but as a side effect. Hair typically grows back once you stop taking the medication.
Medication Side Effects
If you are deficient in certain nutrients such as iron, vitamin D, or zinc, it can weaken hair, making it more prone to shedding. Make sure you are eating a balanced diet and taking supplements to support hair health.
Nutritional Deficiencies
If hair loss runs in your family, you may also experience it. Hereditary hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is common in both men and women and usually progresses with age.
Family History (Heredity Conditions)
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation are powerful and often cause hair to fall out. They rapidly target growing cells, which damages hair follicles. Fortunately, hair usually regrows after treatment ends.
Cancer Treatments