Causes of Sudden Hair Loss

People often write to us about the causes of sudden hair loss, because rapid hair loss is so alarming. It is shocking to discover you are suddenly losing your hair.

Rapid hair loss is often a sign of a medical problem, because genetic hair loss or hair loss due to the normal aging process usually happens gradually over time. If you experience sudden hair and unexpected hair loss, you should see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. If you are experiencing a medical problem, you will probably be experiencing other symptoms at the same time.

As your health problems are resolved, your hair will probably grow back. Ask your doctor what to expect. Ask if a hair loss treatment will be helpful to you.

Thyroid Disorders

Rapid hair loss is a symptom of both an overactive and an underactive thyroid gland. Other symptoms of thyroid disorders include insomnia, fatigue, depression, weight gain or loss, nervousness, weakness, and muscle cramps. The thyroid gland regulates the body’s metabolism and also helps regulate other glands, so it is important to seek treatment right away if you have symptoms of a thyroid disorder.

Lupus

Other causes of sudden hair loss include connective tissue diseases like lupus. In addition to hair loss, symptoms include joint pain and swelling, fever, and fatigue. Lupus can also cause a red rash on the nose and cheeks. Lupus can affect many of the body’s systems, including the kidneys, heart, and lungs. If you have symptoms of lupus, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Kidney and Liver Disease

Other causes of sudden hair loss include kidney and liver disease. There are many symptoms of kidney and liver disease, including jaundice (yellowish skin and whites of the eyes), nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, decreased urine output, diarrhea, abdominal pain, a low grade fever, and fatigue. Since the kidneys and liver filter toxins out of the body, it is very important that they function properly. If you have symptoms of kidney or liver disease, you should seek medical care right away.

Cancer

Other causes of sudden hair loss include certain types of cancer. Early symptoms may be subtle, and may include weight loss, lack of appetite, and fatigue. Other symptoms may vary, depending on the type of cancer. But again, if you are experiencing unexplained rapid hair loss, you should see a doctor to find out why and find out if you need treatment.

Other Causes of Sudden Hair Loss

Other medical causes of rapid hair loss include anemia, some autoimmune disorders, fungal infections, syphilis, and hormone secreting tumors. These conditions may have other symptoms as well as hair loss. Again, see your doctor.

As we mentioned above, your hair will probably grow back after treating the illness. However, this can take a while. In order to speed the regrowth process, you may wish to use a hair loss treatment product. Ask your doctor if a hair loss product will be effective during the process of treating your illness; in some cases, it won’t. For instance, cancer drugs sometimes cause hair loss and hair loss treatment products will not work while you are taking the medication. If your doctor gives you the green light, though, a hair loss treatment can speed the regrowth process.

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