3rd March, 2024

Understanding Sudden Hair Loss: Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed By

Dr Dhananjay Chavan

Dermatologist

Causes of sudden hair loss

Hair is rightly referred to as the “crowning glory”. Both men and women desire a head full of hair. Hair fall or hair thinning is a common problem with multiple factors contributing to it, and it often leads to low self-esteem and self-image.

Often youngsters with hair loss show low confidence and are seen avoiding social interactions. All this proves that hair loss has certainly become a large contributing factor leading to stress nowadays. 

Everyone experiences hair shedding and one loses about 100 hairs per day as part of the natural hair cycle. It is more visible on the days you wash your hair. But noticing shed hair everywhere on your pillow, in your hair brush, in your shower drain etc, can be considered excessive hair fall. Getting excessive hair fall or bald patches suddenly out of blue is considered as sudden hair loss.   

Panicking at such times is not going to help, instead visit your dermatologist immediately to find out the cause of your sudden hair loss. In most cases with correct guidance and treatment, your hair loss can be reversed giving you your crowning glory back.

What’s covered in the article?

  • Reasons for hair loss
  • Get Help for Your Hair Problems
  • Conclusion

Reasons for hair loss

Here are some of the reasons that can cause  sudden hair loss.

Telogen effluvium

This type of hair loss can happen about three to six months after going through something stressful. These stressors can include 

  • High fever,viral infections (dengue, covid) , typhoid 
  • Childbirth
  • Surgery and blood loss
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Emotional stressors like getting a divorce or losing a family member

Sometimes certain routine medicines  may also trigger this kind of hair loss. Few examples of these medications include 

  • Anti acne medicines – Isotretinoin
  • Birth control pills 
  • Antidepressants
  • Blood pressure medicines – beta blockers
  • Blood thinners

Telogen effluvium is characterized by sudden increase in daily hair shedding with clumps of hair noticed everywhere, on clothes, floors, combs or shower drain and it  may last for 6 to 8 months before resolving often with only proper therapeutic guidance.

Alopecia areata

This kind of hair loss often shows up as sudden development of single or multiple round hairless patches in your scalp or anywhere on the hair bearing areas like eyebrows, eyelashes, beard etc . This condition happens when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks your hair follicles. Your hair may grow back on its own but proper treatment is advisable for faster and complete recovery.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Nutritional Deficiencies and hair loss

If you are trying to lose weight with a crash diet that deprives you of certain essential nutrients, chances are you may lose your hair too. Extreme diets leading to deficiencies of proteins, vitamins, iron, etc., can cause excessive hair shedding. New fad diets emerging every day sometimes allow you to miss out on the essential and basic nutrients necessary for the smooth functioning of your system.

Lack of vitamin A, B12, D, C, and other elements like zinc, iron, proteins cause nutrient deficiency in the hair follicles, thus weakening them and causing sudden hair loss and hair thinning.

Hormonal Changes 

It is the leading cause of male and female pattern hair loss. Certain triggers can increase the production of certain hormones that cause hair shedding and loss. Specific hormones affect the nourishment and health of our hair, resulting in hair loss such as – 

  • Testosterone 
  • Thyroxin
  • Estrogen
  • Insulin
  • Cortisol

Anagen Effluvium

The pathologic loss of anagen or growth-phase hairs is known as anagen effluvium. It is typically caused by head radiation therapy and systemic chemotherapy, particularly with alkylating agents. 

Get Help for Your Hair Problems

There are many treatments for hair loss some can even help reverse it or atleast slow it down. The right treatment for you depends on the cause of your hair loss, which is why it’s important to see a dermatologist at HairMD and get diagnosed. The sooner you address your hair loss symptoms, the more likely you are to prevent irreversible damage. 

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Conclusion

Sudden hair loss can be alarming, but understanding the underlying causes is key to addressing the issue effectively. Various factors such as stress, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, medical conditions, and even medications can contribute to unexpected hair shedding. By identifying the root cause, individuals can explore appropriate treatments and lifestyle changes to restore hair health.

Speak to an experienced dermatologist at HairMD today to begin your journey to a fuller head of hair.

Further Reading

Chronic Headaches Linked to Hair Loss?

Explore the link between chronic headaches and hair loss. Learn about causes, triggers, and effective management strategies from the experts at HairMD.

Can a Short Haircut Reduce Hair Loss?

This article explains the facts about haircuts and hair loss, including tips for hair care and effective ways to deal with hair fall.

Powerful Home Remedies for Itchy Scalp

Discover Home Remedies for Itchy Scalp relief with remedies like aloe vera, tea tree oil, and apple cider vinegar. Get expert tips at HairMD!

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