What is the main cause of excessive hair loss?

Author: Prof. Grace Emard MD  |  Last update: Friday, August 8, 2025

Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness. Some people prefer to let their hair loss run its course untreated and unhidden. Others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, hats or scarves. And still others choose one of the treatments available to prevent further hair loss or restore growth.

What is the number 1 reason for hair loss?

Causes of hair loss
  • Hereditary hair loss. Both men and women develop this type of hair loss, which is the most common cause of hair loss worldwide. ...
  • Age. ...
  • Alopecia areata. ...
  • Childbirth, illness, or other stressors. ...
  • Hair care. ...
  • Hairstyle pulls on your scalp. ...
  • Hormonal imbalance. ...
  • Scalp infection.

What are you lacking if you lose a lot of hair?

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.

Why do I suddenly have a lot of hair loss?

Hormonal changes (such as pregnancy, childbirth or menopause). Medical treatment (such as chemotherapy and certain medications). Nutritional deficiencies (especially not getting enough iron or protein). Stressful events (like having surgery or losing a loved one).

Which deficiency causes excess hair fall?

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

Top Causes of Hair Loss In Women - SLUCare Dermatology

Which vitamin will stop hair fall?

The most famous and commonly heard B-vitamin is Biotin. The use of biotin for hair loss is very popular as it is found in almost all hair growth supplements and is a well-known anti-hair fall agent. We should consume Biotin in our everyday diet because it is a water-soluble vitamin.

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 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.

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 is the most common thing for hair loss?

Hair loss is typically related to one or more of the following factors: Family history (heredity). The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition that happens with aging. This condition is called androgenic alopecia, male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness.

What is the big 3 of hair loss?

If you're struggling with hair loss, the Big 3—Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Ketoconazole Shampoo—are among the most effective treatments available today.

What is an alarming amount of hair loss?

Anyone who is losing more than about 100 hairs a day or noticing large clumps of hair falling out could be experiencing excessive hair shedding. Hair shedding is not the same as permanent hair loss, which leads to the gradual thinning of the hair or a receding hairline. Shedding hair will regrow in the hair follicle.

How to stop hair fall due to thyroid?

For an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), doctors often prescribe levothyroxine, which is a medication that acts like the natural thyroid hormone your body is lacking. Taking this oral medication daily helps correct the imbalance interfering with hair growth.

Why am I losing so much hair as a female?

An underlying health condition like an abnormal thyroid, anemia, vitamin deficiency, etc. Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause). Certain medications and supplements (blood pressure medicines, gout medicines and high doses of vitamin A). Genetic predisposition (it runs in your biological family history).

Which deficiency causes hair fall?

A Biotin deficiency can cause brittle hair and hair thinning. Biotin supports the production of keratin, a protein that makes up the hair, skin and nails. While Biotin is found in various foods, such as eggs, nuts and seeds, a deficiency can still occur, leading to hair loss.

Does Nutrafol really work?

Studies show that Nutrafol may improve hair growth, thickness, and shedding over time, but consistency is key - it typically takes at least three to six months to see results.

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.

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.

How much hair loss is worrying?

It's normal to lose hair. We can lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, often without noticing. Hair loss is not usually anything to be worried about, but occasionally it can be a sign of a medical condition. Some types of hair loss are permanent, like male and female pattern baldness.

What part of the body itches with thyroid problems?

Where might a person itch with thyroid problems? Itching can occur anywhere on the body, but often occurs in crevices such as the armpits, elbows, and groin.

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 the one thing you should be eating for your thyroid every morning?

1. Traditional Eggs or Egg Muffin Cups. Eggs are a great source of not only iodine but also selenium, another crucial nutrient for thyroid health. Pastured eggs contain more nutrients than conventional eggs.

Previous article
Is it better to have skinny or thick thighs?
Next article
Do I need to eat before working out to gain muscle?