Hair Loss Causes

What causes hair loss? Understanding the 12 main triggers

Genetics cause 95% of male and 40% of female hair loss, but eleven other factors trigger thinning. Identifying your specific cause determines whether loss reverses naturally, requires treatment, or continues progressing. Blood tests revealing nutritional, hormonal, or autoimmune issues change management completely.

Most sufferers assume genetics when multiple causes often combine. Treating underlying iron deficiency while ignoring thyroid dysfunction provides incomplete results. Comprehensive evaluation identifies all contributing factors for targeted intervention.

Genetic programming affects timing

Androgenetic alopecia follows inherited patterns affecting 80% of white men and 50% of women lifetime. The condition doesn't skip generations but varies in severity. If your father experienced baldness at 30, similar timing likely applies, though maternal grandfather patterns also influence outcomes.

The AR gene on X chromosome determines sensitivity to DHT hormone. Men inherit one copy from mothers, making maternal genetics crucial. Women inherit from both parents, explaining why female pattern loss typically appears milder.

Nutritional deficiencies reverse with supplementation

Iron deficiency causes hair loss in 30% of premenopausal women. Ferritin below 40ng/ml triggers shedding even without anaemia. Three months of supplementation typically restores growth, though rebuilding reserves takes six months.

Vitamin D deficiency affects 60% of UK population winter months. Levels below 30ng/ml correlate with alopecia areata and telogen effluvium. Daily supplementation of 1000-4000 IU improves follicle cycling within twelve weeks.

B12 deficiency particularly affects vegetarians and those on metformin or PPIs. Symptoms include premature greying alongside thinning. Monthly injections or daily sublingual supplements restore normal growth patterns.

Hormonal fluctuations trigger temporary loss

Postpartum shedding affects 40% of new mothers 2-4 months after delivery. Oestrogen drops shift follicles into telogen simultaneously. Recovery occurs within 6-12 months without treatment, though iron supplementation may help.

Thyroid disorders affect 2% of UK population. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism cause diffuse thinning. Proper thyroid hormone replacement restores normal growth within 3-6 months of achieving euthyroid state.

PCOS affects 10% of reproductive-age women, causing male-pattern thinning from elevated androgens. Combined oral contraceptives with anti-androgen properties like drospirenone help. Spironolactone provides additional benefit for resistant cases.

Medications cause reversible loss

Chemotherapy causes complete loss in 65% of patients, though scalp cooling reduces this to 30%. Regrowth begins 3-6 weeks post-treatment, often with altered texture or colour initially.

Blood thinners, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and retinoids commonly trigger shedding. Loss typically begins 2-3 months after starting medication. Switching medications or adjusting doses often resolves issues.

Autoimmune conditions need specialist management

Alopecia areata results from immune system attacking follicles. Mild cases spontaneously recover, but 30% experience recurring episodes. Steroid injections, JAK inhibitors, or immunotherapy may help severe cases.

Lupus causes scarring alopecia in 10% of patients, permanently destroying follicles. Early intervention with antimalarials and immunosuppressants prevents progression. Lost areas won't regrow, making prompt treatment crucial.

Concerned about sudden hair loss? WhatsApp photos to our specialists for free assessment of potential causes and appropriate investigations.