Hair Loss Causes & Risks

Causes

Many things can cause alopecia, including:

Stress that prompts growing hairs to rest and shed
- Illness or surgery
- Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies
- Prolonged fever
- Childbirth
- Emotional/psychological stress
- Crash dieting
Hormonal problems
- Overactive or underactive thyroid gland
Medications
- Blood thinners
- Drugs for gout
- Chemotherapy for cancer treatment
- Vitamin A
- Birth control pills
- Antidepressants
- Blood pressure and heart medications
Allergic reaction to medications
Radiation therapy
Infections
- Fungal infections
- Syphilis
- HIV
- Herpes simplex and zoster
Autoimmune disorders
Systemic and discoid lupus erythematosus
Anemia
Hair pulled too tightly by:
- Hair rollers
- Pigtails
- Cornrows
Hot comb and oil treatments (can inflame the hair follicle and cause scarring)
Twisting and pulling hair out due to psychiatric problems
Genes
- Male and female-pattern baldness—usually inherited
- Congenital disorders—can include problems with the hair shaft

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chance of alopecia include:

Family history of baldness or hair loss
Advancing age (for male and female-pattern baldness only)
Pregnancy
Stress
Poor nutrition

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2023 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.