Why You Might Be Losing Hair: Common Causes of Hair Loss

Why You Might Be Losing Hair: Common Causes of Hair Loss

Table of Contents

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I. Genetic (Hereditary) Hair Loss

II. Thyroid Disease and Hair Loss

III. Scalp Psoriasis

IV. Can Aging Cause Hair Loss?

V. What is PCOS? How is it Linked to Hair Loss?

VI. Other Common Hair Loss Causes

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Hair loss can be quite distressing and may significantly affect your confidence and overall quality of life. If you’ve started to notice hair thinning or loss, it’s important to take action.

The initial step is often to determine the underlying cause of the hair loss. Identifying the root cause allows for appropriate treatment or management. In this article, we'll be taking a look at common causes of hair loss and suggest a few remedies that can keep your hair looking youthful and full.

Genetic (Hereditary) Hair Loss

The most common type of genetic hair loss is known as androgenetic alopecia. You might be familiar with this condition as male or female pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is largely influenced by genetic factors, meaning that if you have a family history of hair loss, you’re more likely to experience it yourself.

Androgenetic alopecia affects both men and women, though the patterns and severity of hair loss can differ between the sexes. In men, it typically results in a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, often progressing to more extensive hair loss over time. In women, the condition usually leads to diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp, with the hairline often remaining intact. ¹

While genetics is the primary driver behind androgenetic alopecia, other factors also play a role. Hormone levels, particularly the presence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), can contribute to the condition. Lifestyle choices such as diet, stress, and overall health may also influence the rate and extent of hair loss. Additionally, aging naturally decreases the density of hair follicles, which can exacerbate the effects of genetic hair loss.

Overall, around 80% of androgenetic alopecia cases are attributed to genetic factors. This type of hair loss is commonly treated with oral finasteride or topical remedies like minoxidil.

Thyroid Disease and Hair Loss

Hair loss can sometimes be a symptom of thyroid disorders, such as severe or prolonged hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), as well as imbalances in thyroid hormones. When thyroid-related hair loss occurs, it tends to affect the entire scalp rather than specific areas. As a result, hair may appear uniformly sparse across the head. ²

While hair loss can be associated with thyroid problems, it is not typically one of the earliest or most common symptoms of these conditions. Thyroid issues usually present with other more prominent symptoms first, such as changes in weight, energy levels, temperature sensitivity, and mood. Hair loss may become noticeable later as the thyroid imbalance progresses.

If you’re experiencing unexplained hair thinning, it may be a good idea to have your thyroid health assessed. If thyroid issues are diagnosed, treating the underlying thyroid condition often helps in managing the associated hair loss and improving overall hair health.

Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis can lead to temporary hair loss, though it doesn’t directly cause it. The hair loss usually happens because scratching or picking at the itchy, scaly patches on the scalp can damage hair follicles. Inflammation from psoriasis can also weaken these follicles, making hair fall out more easily.

The good news is that this hair loss is often temporary. Once the psoriasis is treated and the scalp heals, hair typically begins to grow back. Taking care of your scalp and avoiding irritation can help reduce hair loss and encourage healthy regrowth.

Can Aging Cause Hair Loss?

While it can be difficult to accept, hair loss is a natural part of getting older. On average, people lose about 100 hairs a day. This happens because our bodies are constantly creating new hair while shedding the old ones. This daily hair loss rate remains consistent throughout our lives. However, as we age, the rate at which new hair grows tends to slow down. As a result, we might notice that our hair appears thinner and less full over time. ³

To help slow hair loss due to aging, focus on maintaining a healthy diet rich in essential nutrients, staying hydrated, and practicing gentle hair care. Regular scalp massages and managing stress through relaxation techniques can also support hair health. Avoid tight hairstyles and harsh treatments, and consider using hair growth products like minoxidil.

Additionally, protect your hair from sun damage and avoid smoking, as these factors can impact overall hair health. Incorporating these practices can help manage hair loss and promote healthier hair as you age.

What is PCOS? How is it Linked to Hair Loss?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition where women produce excess androgens, which are male hormones like testosterone. Normally, women have lower levels of these hormones, but high levels in PCOS can lead to hair loss.

The excess androgens can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, causing thinning hair on the scalp. This type of hair loss, known as androgenic alopecia or female-pattern hair loss, typically results in general thinning across the top of the head rather than bald patches. Elevated androgens can shrink hair follicles, leading to shorter and finer hair. ⁴

Women with PCOS might also see increased hair growth in areas like the face or body due to the hormonal imbalance. Treating PCOS often involves managing these hormone levels through medication or lifestyle changes to help reduce hair loss and address other symptoms. If you are taking medication for PCOS and want to start hair loss treatment, it's important to make sure they don't interact.

Other Common Hair Loss Causes

Aside from the causes mentioned so far, hair loss can also be caused by other factors. Nutritional deficiencies, like not getting enough iron or zinc, can weaken hair. High stress levels and certain medications can also lead to hair loss. For example, drugs for blood pressure or cancer often list hair loss as a side effect.

Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause can cause temporary hair thinning. Autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata can lead to patchy hair loss.

Infections, such as fungal infections on the scalp, and traction alopecia from tight hairstyles or hair extensions are other common causes. Identifying these issues helps in finding the right treatment for managing hair loss.

I've Identified the Cause. Now What?

Once you’ve identified the cause of your hair loss, oral finasteride from ScriptsMD can be an effective treatment. This medication is commonly used for genetic hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia.

Oral finasteride works by blocking dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair thinning. By reducing DHT levels, it helps slow hair loss and promotes regrowth. Taken as a daily pill, it can improve hair density over time.

See if finasteride is suitable for you by taking this free online questionnaire. ScriptsMD offers a streamlined hair loss treatment plan that can help you regain your lost hair starting today, all from the comfort of your own home.