What health problem causes hair loss?

Author: Brendan Mann  |  Last update: Saturday, April 26, 2025

Symptom of a medical illness — Hair loss can be one of the symptoms of a medical illness, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), syphilis, a thyroid disorder (such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), a sex-hormone imbalance or a serious nutritional problem, especially a deficiency of protein, iron, zinc or ...

What serious illness can 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.

What organ failure causes hair loss?

Many People With Kidney Disease Notice Hair Loss

One study of 101 people who were on dialysis for end-stage kidney disease (also called end-stage renal disease) reported that almost 10 percent experienced hair loss.

What organ is responsible for 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.

What lifestyle changes cause hair loss?

Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption– We all know smoking cigarettes, and excessive alcohol consumption can be injurious to your health. But these can also affect the blood circulation and prevents the flow of oxygen to different parts of the body that results in hair loss.

8 Reasons Why You Might be Losing Hair

What vitamin deficiency causes hair loss?

Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a component of two important coenzymes: flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) [22].

What are the top 5 reasons for hair loss?

Hair loss is typically related to one or more of the following factors:
  • Family history (heredity). ...
  • Hormonal changes and medical conditions. ...
  • Medications and supplements. ...
  • Radiation therapy to the head. ...
  • A very stressful event. ...
  • Hairstyles and treatments.

What is your body lacking when your hair falls out?

Multiple studies reveal that low levels of vitamins D, B12, and other micronutrients are more prevalent among those with thinning hair and alopecia compared to control subjects.

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.

Is hair loss a symptom of liver problems?

Symptoms of cirrhosis include coughing up blood, hair loss and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes). Learn more about cirrhosis symptoms.

What gut issues cause hair loss?

So, hair loss can be one of the consequences of any serious digestive problem. Afflictions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can impede digestion. This means that your body might not get the proper nutrients it needs from the food you eat.

What is one of the first signs of renal disease?

Symptoms can include:
  • weight loss and poor appetite.
  • swollen ankles, feet or hands – as a result of water retention (oedema)
  • shortness of breath.
  • tiredness.
  • blood in your pee (urine)
  • an increased need to pee – particularly at night.
  • difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
  • itchy skin.

What disorder makes you lose hair?

Alopecia areata is a disease that happens when the immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss.

What cancers cause hair loss?

Some types of cancer that can cause hair loss include:
  • Breast cancer.
  • Ovarian cancer.
  • Lung cancer.
  • Hodgkin's lymphoma.
  • Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

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.

Is hair loss an MS symptom?

You'll be glad to know that MS has no direct impact on developing hair loss, as it is an autoimmune disease affecting the brain and spinal cord (not hair follicles). Despite a variety of symptoms it can produce, hair loss is not one associated with multiple sclerosis.

Is vitamin D hair loss reversible?

There is not enough research to determine whether increasing vitamin D levels can restore hair loss. There are also numerous possible causes of hair loss, and a person may need to address the underlying issue. However, as vitamin D plays a role in hair growth, getting enough vitamin D may be beneficial for hair health.

Why am I suddenly losing so much hair?

Among the common causes are high fevers, childbirth, severe infections, severe chronic illness, severe psychological stress, major surgery or illnesses, over or under active thyroid gland, crash diets with inadequate protein, and a variety of medications.

What is the best vitamin for hair loss?

Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is essential for creating the cells that develop into hair follicles. It also supports healthy bones and your immune system. If you have hair loss and low vitamin D levels, your doctor may recommend vitamin D supplements.

Can low magnesium cause hair loss?

Magnesium is not just any nutrient—it's a vital mineral that supports nearly every organ in your body. Despite its importance, many of us might not have enough magnesium in our system. Inadequate magnesium levels can lead to hair loss, especially for those struggling with alopecia or scalp inflammation.

What illness causes hair loss?

Symptom of a medical illness — Hair loss can be one of the symptoms of a medical illness, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), syphilis, a thyroid disorder (such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), a sex-hormone imbalance or a serious nutritional problem, especially a deficiency of protein, iron, zinc or ...

What are the big 3 to prevent hair loss?

Most of the time when people are chatting about the big 3 for hair loss, they are referring to Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Ketoconazole (Nizoral) shampoo. Although, there are some who feel like the third component of the big 3 should be microneedling in place of Ketoconazole shampoo.

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