What are the causes of hair loss?
Hair loss, or alopecia, can result from a wide range of underlying causes—some transient and reversible, others chronic or progressive. Common contributors include genetic predisposition (androgenetic alopecia), hormonal fluctuations (such as those occurring during pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, or with thyroid disorders), nutritional deficiencies (particularly iron, vitamin D, zinc, biotin, or protein), and significant physiological or psychological stress (telogen effluvium). Autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata, inflammatory scalp disorders (e.g., seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or frontal fibrosing alopecia), and certain medications—including anticoagulants, retinoids, antidepressants, beta-blockers, and chemotherapy agents—can also trigger hair shedding or permanent follicular damage. Additionally, traction from tight hairstyles, chemical treatments, or heat styling may lead to traction alopecia or traumatic hair loss. A thorough evaluation—including detailed history, physical examination of the scalp and hair pattern, and targeted laboratory testing (e.g., CBC, ferritin, TSH, free T4, vitamin D, testosterone/DHEA-S in appropriate cases)—is essential to determine the etiology and guide evidence-based management.