Medical Conditions Leading to Hair Loss

If you are starting to see some hair loss, such as more hair coming out when you brush 
it, or a lot of breakage, you should first consider any changes to your health or lifestyle. 
Many medical conditions cause hair loss, but the good news is that might mean it is 
temporary. Treating the condition often results in your hair coming back.

Pregnancy or Post-Pregnancy

Women who are pregnant or have a newborn and are post-partum, might be dealing 
with hair loss. The good news here is that it is most likely temporary, you just have to 
make sure you are eating a healthy diet and taking good care of your hair. Pregnancy 
and childbirth can do a number on your body, so it is no surprise that your hair suffers. 
You might also be dealing with some major hormonal changes, which can also 
contribute to more hair loss.

Hypothyroidism

One of the most common medical conditions that can be responsible for hair loss is a 
thyroid condition, particularly with hypothyroidism. This type of thyroid condition is called 
an underactive thyroid, which can severely affect your hormone levels. The result is 
often hair loss, along with weight gain and many other side effects. If you visit your 
doctor for your hair loss, they will likely run bloodwork to look for signs of thyroid issues.

Autoimmune Conditions

Another medical condition that might be the cause of your hair loss is if you have an 
autoimmune condition. Autoimmune diseases are caused by an attack on your immune 
system, which can make you ill and cause any number of issues. One of the common 
effects is unfortunately hair loss. For example, if you have alopecia areata, which is a 
common autoimmune disorder, you might end up with round-shaped bald patches on 
your head. This can be treated with steroid injections and a number of topical options.

Scalp Conditions

Other scalp conditions might also be the result of your hair loss. For example, you might 
have dry and itchy scalp brought on by seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis. This not only 
affects your hair follicles to reduce new hair growth, but it can also cause hair breakage 
and loss from scratching and from various harsh products used on the scalp to control 
the side effects. Talk to a dermatologist if you think you might have a scalp condition to 
see if that is what is causing your hair loss.

