Is hair falling out a symptom of something?

Author: Branson Cronin  |  Last update: Saturday, November 22, 2025

Hormonal changes and medical conditions. A variety of conditions can cause permanent or temporary hair loss, including hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and thyroid problems.

What illness can make your hair fall out?

Alopecia areata — This is an autoimmune disease that causes hair to fall out in one or more small patches. The cause of this condition is unknown, although it is more common in people who have other autoimmune diseases.

What am I lacking if my hair is falling out?

Nutritional deficiencies

Extreme diets that are too low in protein or certain vitamins, such as iron, can sometimes cause excessive hair shedding. A person should contact a doctor for a blood test to check whether they have a nutritional deficiency that could be causing their hair to fall out.

Which deficiency causes hair fall?

Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.

Which vitamin can stop hair loss?

Vitamin B-

Vitamin B is one of the best-known vitamins to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. It helps create red blood cells which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles. This creates a healthy hair growth atmosphere. The most famous and commonly heard B-vitamin is Biotin.

Your Hair Loss Is NOT Inevitable Here's How To Stop It

What is the most reason for hair fall?

Causes
  • Family history (heredity). The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition that happens with aging. ...
  • Hormonal changes and medical conditions. ...
  • Medications and supplements. ...
  • Radiation therapy to the head. ...
  • A very stressful event. ...
  • Hairstyles and treatments.

What does thyroid hair loss look like?

Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse.

How do I stop my hair from dropping out?

To help prevent hair loss:
  1. Eat a healthy diet that includes enough calories, protein and iron.
  2. Find ways to cope with stress.
  3. Manage thyroid disease or other medical conditions that could result in hair loss.
  4. Avoid hairstyles that pull hair tightly.
  5. During chemotherapy treatment, try a cooling cap.

What organ can cause hair loss?

If you have a problem with your thyroid, you may see thinning hair. Some people notice that their hair comes out in clumps when they brush it. Is regrowth possible? Yes, treating the thyroid disease can reverse the hair loss.

Can low iron cause hair loss?

Low iron levels can lead to hair loss. Iron deficiency can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, which increases hair shedding and limits hair growth. Iron deficiency hair loss can be reversed if you get your iron levels back to normal. Oral iron supplements can help replenish your body's iron stores.

What does hair loss from stress look like?

No Visible Pattern. With stress-related shedding, hair falls out evenly all over your scalp instead of in a defined pattern. You'll likely notice more hairs than usual coming out while shampooing, combing, or on your pillow, clothing, and bathroom floor.

Which medical conditions cause hair loss?

Other causes of hair loss, especially if it is in an unusual pattern, include:
  • Alopecia areata (bald patches on the scalp, beard, and, possibly, eyebrows; eyelashes may fall out)
  • Anemia.
  • Autoimmune conditions such as lupus.
  • Burns.
  • Certain infectious diseases such as syphilis.
  • Excessive shampooing and blow-drying.

Should hair come out when running fingers through it?

It's perfectly normal to lose a few stray strands when running your fingers, or a comb, through your hair. But if you notice increased hair being pulled out when you are being gentle, this can be a cause of concern that you should get checked over.

What is the best shampoo for hair loss?

Top shampoos for thinning hair, at a glance
  • Best Overall: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $15.
  • Best for Thickening: Kérastase Densifique Thickening Shampoo, $44.
  • Best for Damaged Hair: Vegamour Hydr-8 Shampoo, $38.
  • Best for Volume: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo, $37.

How do I know if I'm losing too much hair?

It may be a sign that you're losing too much hair if: Increased shedding. Thinning or bald spots. Changes in hairline.

What not to do when hair is falling out?

Stop wearing your hair tightly pulled back in a bun, ponytail, pigtails, cornrows, or braids. If you have a habit of twisting your hair around your finger or pulling on it, try to stop. Brush or comb your hair gently, and only enough to style it. If you smoke, stop.

What season does hair shed the most?

In the telogen phase, the roots recover before the cycle begins again.” We lose around 100 to 200 hairs a day through this cycle, but in the fall, we tend to lose even more. “In evolutionary terms, our hair is part of our coat. Accordingly, there is also a shedding cycle,” says Merkel.

What are sneaky signs you have a thyroid problem?

If you have changes in heart rate, energy level, skin and hair texture, bowel movements, and mood, there is a chance you have a thyroid condition. More than one out of ten people in the U.S. experiences thyroid issues, and women are more likely to have a thyroid condition than men.

What neurological disorder causes hair loss?

Menke′s syndrome and Elejalde disease are the two neurodegenerative disorders of dermatological interest. These patients present with characteristic hair changes which may be of diagnostic value in resource-poor setup where facilities for specific genetic analysis are not available.

What is a thyroid belly?

A common symptom of an underactive thyroid is weight gain, often around the abdomen. However, the American Thyroid Association states that the weight gain may not necessarily be due to the build up of fat, but the accumulation of salt and water.

Why is my hair falling out like crazy?

Sudden hair loss can be temporary due to stressors, hormonal changes, medications, and other environmental factors. However, hair loss can also be permanent depending on the cause and how it affects the hair growth cycle.

What allergies cause hair loss?

An increased risk of alopecia areata was significantly associated with atopy and allergies, especially hay fever, eczema, asthma, and allergies to pollen, dust, and cats, according to a study using genetic data.

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