The root causes of hair shedding, thinning and balding

Hair loss can be distressing, especially if you find yourself shedding more than the average 50 to 100 strands daily. It’s understandable if you want to hide your hair loss under a Cubs or Brewers ballcap, but it’s essential to address the underlying cause. 

“There are a number of reasons you may be experiencing hair loss,” explains Dr. Aruna Galla, a family medicine physician at Advocate Medical Group in Aurora, Illinois. “Rather than a health issue, baldness may simply be hereditary. Though, hormones, certain health conditions, diet and stress can all certainly play a role.” 

Possible reasons for hair loss: 

Alopecia areata 

This autoimmune disease attacks healthy hair follicles, resulting in baldness or patchy hair loss. Alopecia can vary in severity. Some people experience hair loss just on their scalp, while others lose all body hair. 

Medications 

Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment that attacks fast growing cells. Unfortunately, this also often damages healthy hair follicle cells. Chemotherapy hair loss is typically temporary and can affect your scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes and overall body hair.  

Some people may also experience hair loss as a side effect of taking an anti-coagulant, oral retinoid, antidepressant, beta blocker or anticonvulsant.  

Thyroid disease 

Hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid, and hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, can cause hair shedding. However, managing the condition with medication can help decrease hair loss. 

Hormonal imbalances 

Your estrogen levels skyrocket during pregnancy to support the growing fetus. During postpartum, you experience a significant drop in estrogen, which can cause a hormonal imbalance. This causes hair shedding and thinning. 

Similarly, your estrogen levels decrease when you begin menopause, resulting in hair loss among other common symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.  

Iron deficiency anemia 

This condition occurs when your blood is deficient in hemoglobin, a blood protein that contains iron. Anemia makes it harder for your red blood cells to deliver oxygen throughout your body that helps repair and grow cells. This means hair follicle cells won’t produce normal hair growth.  

Severe stress 

Whether you lost your job, experienced the death of a loved one or undergone a major surgery, stress can cause hair loss. When stress is unmanaged and becomes chronic, it impacts the hair regrowth process where shed hair is not followed by new hair growth.  

Can you minimize hair loss?  

“You can minimize hair loss by getting an initial work up from your primary care provider who can treat any underlying causes, such as hypothyroidism or iron deficiency,” explains Dr. Galla, who treats a variety of conditions at the Sequoia Drive office. “It’s important to remember that the hair cycle lasts 3 months which involves various phases, so regrowth takes time, and hair might not grow back right away. If needed, you may be referred to a dermatologist who may offer alternative hair regrowth solutions.” 

If you suspect you are losing more hair than the average person, discuss possible underlying causes with your primary care provider.  

Are you trying to find a doctor? Find one in Illinois or Wisconsin.