Hair Loss (Alopecia)

Hair loss, also called alopecia, happens when hair falls out faster than it can grow back. Everyone loses about 50 to 100 hairs per day as part of the normal hair growth cycle. But when you lose more than that, you may notice thinning or bald patches.

There are many types of hair loss. Some are temporary and reversible, while others are permanent. Androgenetic alopecia, also called pattern baldness, is the most common type. It affects both men and women as they age. Other types include alopecia areata, which causes patchy hair loss, and telogen effluvium, which is temporary shedding triggered by stress or illness.

Hair loss can result from genetics, hormones, nutrient deficiencies, medications, or underlying health conditions. Understanding the root cause is key to finding the right treatment. Blood tests can help identify nutritional gaps, hormone imbalances, and thyroid problems that may contribute to hair loss.

• Gradual thinning on top of head, especially in men and women as they age
• Circular or patchy bald spots on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows
• Sudden loosening of hair, with handfuls coming out when washing or brushing
• Full-body hair loss, sometimes due to medical treatments like chemotherapy
• Patches of scaling that spread over the scalp, sometimes with broken hair
• Wider part or ponytail that looks thinner than before
• Receding hairline at the temples or forehead
• Excess hair on your pillow, in the shower drain, or on your hairbrush

Some people experience hair loss gradually over months or years without noticing early changes. Others see sudden or dramatic shedding after stressful events, illness, or medication changes.

Hair loss has many possible causes. Genetics play the biggest role in pattern baldness, which tends to run in families. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid problems can trigger temporary or permanent hair loss. Certain medications, including blood thinners, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs, list hair loss as a side effect. Medical conditions like autoimmune diseases, scalp infections, and skin disorders can also damage hair follicles.

Nutritional deficiencies are an often-overlooked cause of hair loss. Low levels of iron, biotin, zinc, and protein can weaken hair and slow growth. Severe stress, both physical and emotional, can push hair follicles into a resting phase. This leads to shedding about three months later. Tight hairstyles, harsh chemical treatments, and frequent heat styling can damage hair and cause breakage or traction alopecia.

Doctors diagnose hair loss by reviewing your medical history and examining your scalp. They may ask about recent stress, medications, diet changes, and family history of hair loss. A pull test, where the doctor gently tugs on several hairs, can help determine if shedding is excessive. Scalp biopsies or microscope examinations of plucked hairs may be needed in unclear cases.

Blood tests can identify underlying causes of hair loss. Tests for thyroid function, iron levels, and vitamin deficiencies like biotin can reveal nutritional or hormonal imbalances. Hormone testing may check testosterone, estrogen, and other markers linked to pattern baldness. Talk to a doctor about testing if your hair loss is sudden, patchy, or accompanied by other symptoms. While specialized testing for hair loss may go beyond standard panels, identifying nutrient gaps is an important first step.

• Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, zinc, and biotin to support hair growth
• Manage stress through regular exercise, meditation, or therapy
• Avoid tight hairstyles, harsh chemicals, and excessive heat styling
• Use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners designed for thinning hair
• Consider minoxidil, an over-the-counter topical treatment that promotes regrowth
• Ask your doctor about finasteride, a prescription medication for male pattern baldness
• Treat underlying conditions like thyroid disorders or iron deficiency
• Explore corticosteroid injections for alopecia areata, an autoimmune type
• Look into platelet-rich plasma therapy or laser devices, though evidence is still emerging
• Consult a dermatologist about hair transplant surgery for permanent hair loss