If you are starting to see some hair loss, such as more hair coming out when you brush
it, or a lot of breakage, you should first consider any changes to your health or lifestyle.
Many medical conditions cause hair loss, but the good news is that might mean it is
temporary. Treating the condition often results in your hair coming back.
Pregnancy or Post-Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant or have a newborn and are post-partum, might be dealing
with hair loss. The good news here is that it is most likely temporary, you just have to
make sure you are eating a healthy diet and taking good care of your hair. Pregnancy
and childbirth can do a number on your body, so it is no surprise that your hair suffers.
You might also be dealing with some major hormonal changes, which can also
contribute to more hair loss.
Hypothyroidism
One of the most common medical conditions that can be responsible for hair loss is a
thyroid condition, particularly with hypothyroidism. This type of thyroid condition is called
an underactive thyroid, which can severely affect your hormone levels. The result is
often hair loss, along with weight gain and many other side effects. If you visit your
doctor for your hair loss, they will likely run bloodwork to look for signs of thyroid issues.
Autoimmune Conditions
Another medical condition that might be the cause of your hair loss is if you have an
autoimmune condition. Autoimmune diseases are caused by an attack on your immune
system, which can make you ill and cause any number of issues. One of the common
effects is unfortunately hair loss. For example, if you have alopecia areata, which is a
common autoimmune disorder, you might end up with round-shaped bald patches on
your head. This can be treated with steroid injections and a number of topical options.
Scalp Conditions
Other scalp conditions might also be the result of your hair loss. For example, you might
have dry and itchy scalp brought on by seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis. This not only
affects your hair follicles to reduce new hair growth, but it can also cause hair breakage
and loss from scratching and from various harsh products used on the scalp to control
the side effects. Talk to a dermatologist if you think you might have a scalp condition to
see if that is what is causing your hair loss.