Hair Loss

What is it?

Hair loss (alopecia) affects millions of people and has significant psychological impact. It is classified by pattern (diffuse vs. focal), course (reversible vs. permanent), and presence of scarring. Androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss) is the most common type, driven by genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Telogen effluvium — diffuse shedding triggered by physiological stress 2–3 months prior (illness, surgery, weight loss, childbirth) — is the second most common cause and is usually reversible. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss. Systemic causes (thyroid disease, iron deficiency, lupus) must be excluded in any diffuse hair loss.

Common causes

When to see a doctor

• 1Rapid or significant hair loss over weeks to months
• 2Patchy hair loss with scalp scaling, redness, or scarring
• 3Hair loss with fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance (thyroid)
• 4Hair loss in a woman with irregular periods or acne (possible PCOS)
• 5Hair loss in a child (ringworm and alopecia areata need evaluation)
• 6Complete loss of eyebrows or eyelashes alongside scalp hair loss

What you can do

• ✓Ensure adequate protein intake — hair is primarily keratin (protein)
• ✓Check iron, ferritin, vitamin D, B12, and thyroid labs before attributing loss to genetics
• ✓Handle hair gently: avoid tight hairstyles, heat styling, and chemical processing
• ✓Apply minoxidil consistently — results take 3–6 months to become visible
• ✓Manage stress — telogen effluvium is often triggered by major physical or emotional stress
• ✓Scalp massage (10 min daily) has small evidence for stimulating hair follicle activity

Conditions that cause this symptom

Medications that may help

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Always consult your provider before starting any medication.

Frequently asked questions