What causes hair loss?

It is normal to shed some hair each day as part of the natural cycle. However, some people may experience excessive (more than normal) hair loss. Hair loss of this type can affect men, women and children.

A number of things can cause excessive hair loss. For example, about three or four months after an illness or a major surgery, you may suddenly lose a large amount of hair. This hair loss is related to the stress of the illness, and is temporary.

Hormonal problems can also cause hair loss. If your thyroid gland is overactive or under-active, your hair may fall out. This hair loss can usually be helped by treating the thyroid disease. Hair loss may occur if male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance. Correcting the hormone imbalance may stop your hair loss too.

Many women notice hair loss about three months after they've had a baby. This loss is also related to hormones. During pregnancy, high levels of certain hormones cause the body to keep hair that would normally fall out. When the hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels, that hair falls out and the normal cycle of growth and loss starts again.

Some medicines can cause hair loss, as well. This type of hair loss improves when you stop taking the medicine. Medicines that can cause hair loss include blood thinners (also called anticoagulants), medicines used for gout, high blood pressure or heart problems, vitamin A (if too much is taken), birth control pills, and antidepressants.

Certain infections can cause hair loss too. Fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss in children. The infection is easily treated with antifungal medicines.

Finally, hair loss can occur as part of an underlying disease, such as lupus or diabetes. Since hair loss may be an early sign of a disease, it is important to find the cause so that it can be treated.

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