What organ failure causes hair loss?

Author: Hilario Beier  |  Last update: Saturday, June 7, 2025

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 damage causes hair loss?

Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disease that affects the skin and scalp, causing hair to suddenly fall out. Thyroid Problems: An overactive or underactive thyroid can both be contributing factors to hair loss. Cancer: Cancer such as Hodgkin's lymphoma may cause hair loss but typically, chemotherapy is the primary cause.

What is the cause of extreme hair loss?

It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness.

What organ controls 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 internally can cause hair loss?

The most common form of diffuse hair loss is telogen effluvium, which results in loss of more than 200 scalp hairs per day. It typically develops after an acute event, such as a severe illness, major surgery, thyroid disease, pregnancy, iron-deficiency anemia, malnutrition or rapid weight loss, or vitamin D deficiency.

What HAIR LOSS Says About Your HEALTH: Top 15 Causes of Hair Loss (Doctor Explains)

What organ is connected to the hair?

Hair structure

The hair root is in the skin and extends down to the deeper layers of the skin. It is surrounded by the hair follicle (a sheath of skin and connective tissue), which is also connected to a sebaceous gland. Each hair follicle is attached to a tiny muscle (arrector pili) that can make the hair stand up.

What illness will make your hair fall out?

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.

Can kidneys affect hair loss?

Yes. Various problems with the kidneys can lead to hair loss. This includes kidney failure, unhealthy kidneys, and so on. Many times patients will notice that their hair becomes dry or brittle before it falls out.

What is the last stage of hair loss?

Stage 7: The most advanced androgenetic alopecia

This is the most advanced stage of male pattern baldness. The top of the head is completely bald, but some hair is still thinner and of varying density at the back and on the sides.

What is the number 1 reason for hair loss?

The most common include:
  • Hereditary hair loss from genetics (genes you inherit from your parents).
  • Fungal infections on the scalp.
  • Hairstyles that pull the hair tightly (such as braids, hair extensions or tight ponytails).
  • Haircare that may cause damage due to processing (including perms and bleach).

What autoimmune disease causes hair loss?

Alopecia areata is a disease that happens when the immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss. Hair follicles are the structures in skin that form hair. While hair can be lost from any part of the body, alopecia areata usually affects the head and face.

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.

Can kidney or liver problems cause hair loss?

Liver disease hair loss is currently not proven. However, as well as with chronic kidney disease it is possible that a deficiency in vitamins and minerals, such as biotin and zinc can affect your hair condition. Other diseases that cause hair loss and fatigue are thyroid disorders, autoimmune disorders, and cancer.

What is your body lacking when you have 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 first signs that your kidneys are failing?

Generally, earlier stages are known as 1 to 3. And as kidney disease progresses, you may notice the following symptoms. Nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, swelling via feet and ankles, dry, itchy skin, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, urinating either too much or too little.

What does your face look like with kidney disease?

You may notice a gray or yellow hue to your skin, areas of darkened skin, or an unhealthy pale tone. If you've had itchy skin for a long time and scratch often, you may also see yellowish, thick skin with bumps or cysts. Discolored nails—kidney disease can affect the look of your fingernails and toenails.

What neurological disease causes hair loss?

Abstract. 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 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 organs work with hair?

Your integumentary system is your body's outer layer. It consists of your skin, hair, nails and glands. These organs and structures are your first line of defense against bacteria and help protect you from injury and sunlight. Your integumentary system works with other systems in your body to keep it in balance.

What protein gives hair strength?

Keratin is a protein that your body produces naturally, and it helps keep your hair, skin and nails healthy and strong. Your body produces keratin naturally, but keratin shampoos and conditioners that contain keratin hydrolysates may strengthen your hair and improve its appearance.

What does thick hair say about your health?

A thick head of hair is often a sign of a healthy scalp. So, when your locks become noticeably sparse, it could be a tell-tale sign of hypothyroidism. This glandular condition affects nearly five out of 100 Americans ages 12 and older and can be treated with thyroid medications.

Previous article
Can you laser off a hair transplant?
Next article
What color is coolest in the sun?