8 Health and Medical Reasons that Cause Hair Loss

1. Nutrition and diet

Poor nutrition, rapid weight loss, a high consumption of animal fats and deficiencies in biotin, iron, protein and zinc can reduce vital amino acid and vitamin absorption needed for hair growth.


2.. Protein Deficiency

Hair is made of a protein called keratin, thus your protein intake is directly linked with your hair growth and quality. Protein is important for different functions within the body –from regulating hormones to tissue repair. Its deficiency can cause several symptoms, including weak strands that lead to premature hair loss or dry and brittle hair. Most people take inadequate protein, but your body may be deficient due to poor absorption. Poor absorption of protein can occur due to gluten intolerance, gall bladder disease, liver failure, pancreatic disease, abnormal bowel mobility and overgrowth of bacteria in the stomach, to name a few. If you are not taking in enough protein, you can increase your intake by including lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, soy products, almonds, yogurt and eggs in your diet. Pregnant women and those who are building muscle with weight training should include extra protein in their diets.


3. Health

Thyroid diseases, as well as the side effects of the medications used to treat these diseases, are the most common health-related causes of hair loss.

4. Medication

Everything from birth control to steroids, as well as many blood pressure, diabetic and heart disease and acne medications can cause temporary or permanent hair loss.


 5. Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks hair follicles (structures that contain the roots of the hair), is one of the main reasons behind hair loss. This disorder affects both men and women. It is most common in people younger than 20, but people of any age may be affected. It is characterized by hair falling out in round patches from the scalp. The condition rarely results in total hair loss or complete baldness. In some cases, hair loss can occur in other parts of the body as well.

The exact cause of this disorder is not known, however it may be triggered by stress or a family history of other diseases, such as Type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. There’s currently no cure for alopecia areata, but there are many treatment options that may help your hair grow back faster and prevent future hair loss.


6. Environment

Environmental pollutants in the air and water, as well as exposure to chlorine, metals and minerals, can lead to hormonal imbalances that can contribute to hair loss. UV exposure and free radicals can also prematurely age the scalp cells and damage the hair shaft.

7. Life changes

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to temporary hair loss that can last from six months to up to a year after childbirth. Menopausal women can also experience hair loss due to hormonal shifts.

8. Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Those who suffer from iron-deficiency anemia often complain of thinning and brittle hair. In fact, hair loss is one of the most prominent and earliest symptoms of iron deficiency in the body. Due to a low iron level in the body, the blood lacks sufficient red blood cells that transport oxygen to cells throughout your body, including the hair follicles. Without enough oxygen, hair becomes deprived of essential nutrients required for growth and strength.

A 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reports that iron deficiency is linked to hair loss. It may even be related to alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium and diffuse hair loss. Women with iron deficiency are at a risk of telogen hair loss, according to a 2009 study published in Acta Dermatovenerologica Croatica. Serum ferritin levels below or equal to 30 ng/mL are strongly associated with telogen hair loss.

Another 2013 study published in the Journal of Korean Medical Science confirms the connection between iron deficiency and female pattern hair loss, especially in premenopausal women. Along with hair loss, if you suffer from extreme fatigue, cold hands and feet, weakness and pale skin, it’s time to get your iron level checked.