Understanding Sudden Hair Loss: Causes and Solutions

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

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. 

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.