Hair loss or hair shedding can occur for various reasons including genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions and stress. Hereditary hair loss is a common cause, while hormonal shifts during pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and thyroid issues can also trigger hair loss. Certain medical treatments, like chemotherapy and some medications can also cause hair loss. Additionally, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and even hairstyles that pull the hair tightly can contribute to hair shedding.
There are however surprising reasons your hair is falling out:
Certain medications: The side effects of some drugs may be on the list of factors that cause hair loss. Such medications include blood thinners, acne medications high in vitamin A, anabolic steroids or medications for arthritis, depression, gout, heart problems or high blood pressure.
Childbirth: When you are pregnant, your hormones keep your hair from falling out as often as it normally does. That makes it seem thicker and more luscious. After you give birth, you lose the extra hair you have been hanging onto as your hormones shift again. Everything should balance out about three to six months later.
Lack of iron: Iron helps keep your hair healthy. When levels drop, so can your hair. You will likely have other clues that low iron is to blame for your hair loss, like brittle nails, yellow or pale skin, shortness of breath, weakness, and a fast heartbeat.
Stress: Large doses of stress can make your body’s immune system turn on itself and attack your hair follicles. Lots of worry and anxiety can also pause your hair growth, which makes hair more likely to fall out when you brush.
Weight loss surgery: You are more likely to deal with this post-surgery symptom if your zinc levels are low, but it’s common to lose some locks after bariatric surgery.
Not enough protein: A body low on protein finds a way to conserve where it can, and that includes halting hair growth. About 2 to 3 months after that, hair starts to fall out. Adding more meat, eggs, fish, nuts, seeds, and beans to your meals can pack more protein into your diet.
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Birth Control: Hormonal birth control like oral contraceptives, implants, injections, vaginal rings, and patches can trigger hair loss if you have a history of it in your family. Your doctor might be able to recommend a non-hormonal option that may help you keep more of your locks.
You are hard on hair: Sometimes, styling routine is to blame when your hair starts to break or fall out. Using too much shampoo, brushing or combing your hair when it’s wet, rubbing hair dry with a towel, or brushing too hard or too often can all strain your strands and make them break. Two big causes of breakage include braids that are too tight and weaves that weigh down the hair.
Symptom of another condition: 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.
Smoking: Your hair isn’t immune to the damage smoking can cause. Toxins in cigarette smoke can mess with your hair follicles and keep hair from growing and staying on your head.
Menopause: The shifting hormones of it can ramp up shedding. It should go away after about 6 months. But if you notice your part widening, or hair loss at the top and crown of your head, talk to your doctor. You may have female pattern hair loss, which can be treated.