Why am I losing so much hair all of a sudden?

Author: Irwin Zboncak PhD  |  Last update: Thursday, August 7, 2025

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.

Why am I having so much hair fall suddenly?

Hair loss is a symptom of more than 30 diseases, including polycystic ovary syndrome, ringworm on your scalp, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune diseases. You can also lose hair when you have the flu, a high fever, or an infection.

Why am I shedding so much hair all of a sudden?

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 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.

Why am I experiencing rapid hair loss?

Telogen effluvium: This type of hair loss involves rapid shedding of hair in a short amount of time. It typically happens a few months after your body goes through something physically or emotionally stressful. It can also result from sudden hormonal changes.

8 Reasons Why You Might be Losing Hair

What does stress hair loss 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.

What illness causes hair loss?

Medical conditions include alopecia areata (al-o-PEE-she-uh ar-e-A-tuh), which is immune system related and causes patchy hair loss, scalp infections such as ringworm, and a hair-pulling disorder called trichotillomania (trik-o-til-o-MAY-nee-uh).

What does vitamin D hair loss look like?

When deficiency disrupts vitamin D in your scalp, the anagen (growth) phase shortens. This prematurely pushes more resting follicles into the telogen (rest) phase. Excessive shedding occurs, resulting in thinner hair. Research clearly demonstrates this link.

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 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.

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.

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).

What to eat to grow hair faster?

  • Eggs. Eggs contain various proteins that boost collagen production. ...
  • Green Leafy Vegetables. Green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins A, C, carotene, folate, and potassium. ...
  • Vitamin C-Rich Citrus Fruits. ...
  • Seeds and Nuts. ...
  • Carrots. ...
  • Whole Grain. ...
  • Soybeans. ...
  • Avocado.

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.

What vitamin am I lacking if my hair is falling out?

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 signs of low vitamin D?

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include:
  • Fatigue.
  • Not sleeping well.
  • Bone pain or achiness.
  • Depression or feelings of sadness.
  • Hair loss.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Getting sick more easily.

Will my hair grow back if I take vitamin D?

Vitamin D plays a role in the creation of new hair follicles. Hair follicles are the tiny pores from which new hairs grow. New follicles may help hair maintain thickness and prevent existing hair from falling out prematurely.

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.

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 is the fastest way to stop hair loss?

The most common options include:
  1. Minoxidil (Rogaine). Over-the-counter (nonprescription) minoxidil comes in liquid, foam and shampoo forms. ...
  2. Finasteride (Propecia). This is a prescription drug for men. ...
  3. Other medications. Other oral options include spironolactone (Carospir, Aldactone) and oral dutasteride (Avodart).

Why is my hair so thin I can see my scalp?

A visible scalp through your hair can be a sign that it's thinning (but not always). The factors that contribute to thinning hair (and thus a visible scalp) include stress, diet, vitamin deficiency and ageing.

Can biotin regrow hair?

Despite its popularity in the media and amongst consumers, biotin has no proven efficacy in hair and nail growth of healthy individuals. Only 1 study has shown decreased levels of biotin in healthy individuals, though this data was confounded by multiple factors, including patient history.

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