Symptoms of an underlying medical condition that cause hair loss
1. Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are a type of disorder that occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including hair loss. Some of the autoimmune diseases that can cause hair loss include:
- Alopecia areata: This is a condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing hair to fall out.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs in the body, including the skin. Hair loss is a common symptom of SLE.
- Scleroderma: Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease that causes hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. Hair loss is a common symptom of this condition.
2. Thyroid Imbalance
The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces hormones that regulate metabolism. When the thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism), this can lead to a range of symptoms, including hair loss. Some of the symptoms of thyroid imbalance that can lead to hair loss include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain or loss
- Mood changes (anxiety, depression)
- Changes in skin (dryness, thinning)
- Changes in hair (dryness, brittleness, thinning)
3. Nutritional Deficiencies
Hair growth relies on a variety of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and proteins. When the body is deficient in these nutrients, this can lead to hair loss. Some of the nutritional deficiencies that can cause hair loss include:
- Iron deficiency: Iron is essential for healthy hair growth. When the body is deficient in iron, this can lead to hair loss.
- Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D plays an important role in hair growth. When the body is deficient in vitamin D, this can lead to hair loss.
- Protein deficiency: Hair is made up of a protein called keratin. When the body is deficient in protein, this can lead to hair loss.
4. Stress
Stress can have a significant impact on the body, including the hair. When the body is under stress, this can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss. Some of the symptoms of stress that can lead to hair loss include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite
5. Medications
Certain medications can cause hair loss as a side effect. Some of the medications that can cause hair loss include:
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Beta blockers
- Antidepressants
- Hormonal contraceptives
If you are experiencing hair loss and are taking any of these medications, it is important to speak with your doctor to determine if there are any alternative medications that can be taken.
In conclusion, hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including an underlying medical condition. If you are experiencing hair loss, it is important to speak with your doctor to determine the underlying cause and to develop a treatment plan. By addressing the underlying cause of hair loss, it is possible to restore hair growth and maintain a healthy head of hair.