Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss has many causes, and more than one can act together. Finding the pattern helps decide the right test and treatment.

Common medical causes

• Genetics and hormones: androgenetic alopecia runs in families. In women, polycystic ovary syndrome can add to it.
• Stress on the body: high fever, infections such as dengue or typhoid, surgery, childbirth and major emotional stress can trigger shedding about 2 to 3 months later.
• Nutritional gaps: low iron or ferritin, vitamin B12, vitamin D or protein, and crash diets.
• Thyroid disease: both underactive and overactive thyroid can thin hair.
• Autoimmune disease: alopecia areata, lupus and some scalp conditions.
• Medicines: chemotherapy, some blood thinners, antidepressants, retinoids and certain blood pressure drugs.
• Scalp problems: fungal infection (tinea capitis), severe dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
• Hair care habits: tight hairstyles (traction), frequent bleaching, straightening or very hot styling.
• Pulling habit: trichotillomania, a compulsion to pull out hair.

Ayurvedic interpretation

Ayurveda attributes hair fall to aggravated pitta, poor digestion, stress, lack of sleep and weak tissue nourishment. These ideas offer a way to think about lifestyle, not a proven cause.

Key point

Sudden or patchy loss, loss with scalp pain, redness or scarring, or loss in a young person should be checked by a doctor rather than treated by guesswork.

Before your appointment

Note when shedding began, how much you lose, and any recent illness, fever, surgery, crash diet, new medicine or stress. Bring recent blood reports such as ferritin, thyroid, B12 and vitamin D, a list of the products you use, and monthly photos of your parting. Mention any family history of hair loss or autoimmune disease.