Hair loss can be caused by a variety of sources. Most commonly, hair loss is caused by androgenic alopecia or male/female pattern baldness.
But in some cases, hair loss may be caused by an underlying medical condition. There are many conditions that involve hair loss as a symptom.
In order to treat hair loss, you will first need to know what’s causing it. If a more serious condition is the culprit, you may need to treat the condition before the hair loss can be addressed. In some cases, the hair loss will resolve on its own as the condition is treated. In other cases, the hair loss may need to be treated alongside the condition.
But remember, your overall health and wellbeing is most important. Make sure to give the utmost priority to treating the medical condition, and only treat the hair loss as approved by your doctor.
Below is a list of the most common medical conditions behind hair loss. In most cases, a simple blood test or physical exam with your doctor can provide a diagnosis.
Thyroid disease/hormonal imbalance. Hormones play an integral role in the growth and development of scalp hair. When hormones become imbalanced (through thyroid disease or other causes), hair can thin, fall out, and stop growing.
Alopecia areata. This condition may sound similar to the common hair loss condition androgenic alopecia, but it is in fact much different. Alopecia areata involves the immune system mistakenly identifying hair follicles as foreign bodies and attacking and destroying them.
Folliculitis/infection. The scalp can become infected just like the rest of the body. Infections of the hair follicle (folliculitis) can cause patches of hair loss across the scalp.
Chronic illness. Any ongoing chronic illness can cause hair loss. When the body undergoes long-term damage, it must prioritize body processes. Because hair growth is not a crucial component to body functioning, it is often cut of nutrients first.
Medications. Hair loss is a common side effect of certain medications. Drugs used to treat such conditions as arthritis, depression, heart issues, high blood pressure, and even birth control and been linked to hair loss.
If you think your hair loss may be caused by a medical condition, you should meet with your doctor as soon as possible to be tested for potential diseases. Once a disease has been diagnosed or ruled out, you can begin the process of addressing the hair loss. You’re not alone. Give us a call today.
Tag Archives: medical condition hair loss
Can a medical condition be causing your hair loss?
While most hair loss is caused by a hereditary condition called male-pattern and female-pattern baldness, some cases may be caused by more serious medical conditions.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are many medical conditions that can be at the root of your hair loss problems. I’ve outlined some of the more common hair loss causing medical conditions below.
Thyroid problems/Hormonal imbalance: Many individuals don’t realize the important role hormones play in hair growth. When our hormones are imbalanced or going through rapid changes, this can cause our hair to thin, fall out, and even stop growing all together! Constant hormone imbalance can be a sign of a thyroid condition.
Alopecia Areata: Alopecia is a medical condition in which a patient’s immune system attacks their own hair follicles. This causes smooth bald patches to present on the scalp.
Infection: Although we don’t often think of our scalp being the same thing as our skin, our scalp is in fact made up of epidermis and dermis. Our scalp is therefore susceptible to infections, just like the rest of our skin. Infections can penetrate the scalp and cause patches of hair loss.
Chronic illnesses: Any ongoing chronic illness can cause hair loss. More serious conditions such as heavy metal poisoning, sarcoidosis, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and lupus can cause hair to become brittle and fall out.
Medications: Hair loss can be a side effect of certain medications. Drugs used to treat arthritis, depression, heart issues, high blood pressure, and even birth control have been shown to cause hair loss.
Think your hair loss might be caused by a more serious underlying condition? Dr. Yazdan specializes in the medical management of hair loss. Upon reviewing medical history and patient records, as well as testing and analyzing a small sample of the patient’s hair follicle and scalp tissue, he can determine the cause of your hair loss. Give us a call for a consultation and find out what’s causing your hair loss today.
