Sudden hair loss: Dr. Itai Gal explains 5 common medical reasons

Naturally, everyone loses hair every day. Hair goes through a cycle of growth, rest and shedding, so finding hairs in the shower is not necessarily a sign of a problem. But when the shedding increases sharply, when the path widens, when the ponytail becomes thinner, when the hair remains in large quantities on the pillow or when baldness appears, it is worth checking what has changed.

One of the common reasons for sudden shedding is a condition called telogen aplobium, a widespread shedding that often appears after an event that burdens the body. It can be a high fever, a severe viral illness, surgery, childbirth, significant stress, rapid weight loss or an extreme diet. The hair does not necessarily fall out during the event itself, but several weeks to months after. That’s why people find it difficult to connect an illness they experienced in the winter with shedding that appears in the spring.

In this situation the shedding can be impressive, but in most cases it is temporary. The follicles are not destroyed, but enter a state of rest earlier than usual. As the body recovers, the hair gradually grows back, although the process requires patience. Hair grows slowly, so real improvement is sometimes seen only after months. What doesn’t help is changing products every week or pulling the hair repeatedly to check if it’s “still falling out”.

The thyroid gland can also affect the hair. Underactivity of the gland can cause dry, brittle and thinning hair, along with fatigue, sensitivity to cold, constipation and weight gain. Hyperactivity of the thyroid gland can also cause shedding, sometimes along with rapid pulse, weight loss, tremors, sweating and nervousness. A relatively simple blood test can identify the direction, but not every shedding warrants extensive testing if there are no other symptoms.

Hormonal changes are a major factor. After giving birth, a drop in estrogen causes widespread shedding that usually starts a few months after giving birth. Around menopause, a hormonal change can contribute to the gradual thinning of the hair. In women with polycystic ovary syndrome or an excess of androgenic hormones, shedding can occur in a pattern similar to male pattern baldness, mainly in the crown and trail area, along with acne, excess or irregular menstruation.

In men, hereditary baldness is the most common cause of gradual thinning, with receding at the bays and thinning at the top. It can start at a young age and progress slowly. Women can also suffer from hereditary thinning, usually without a dramatic receding of the hairline but with the widening of the trail. Treatments exist, but they require diagnosis, persistence and realistic expectations.

There are also situations where the shedding is not widespread but localized. Round bald spots can appear in alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles. Itching, scaling, redness, pain, or areas with broken hair can indicate a fungal infection, scalp infection, or skin disease. In such cases it is important to consult a dermatologist, because some diseases can cause permanent damage if not treated in time.

Extreme nutrition is a factor that is underestimated. Diets very low in calories, rapid weight loss, lack of protein, lack of zinc, iron or certain vitamins can damage the hair. The body ranks priorities. When there is not enough energy or raw materials, it will prefer vital organs over hair growth. Therefore, shedding after a severe diet is not a sign that the shampoo is not suitable, but that the body has paid a price.

When to apply for an examination as soon as possible? When there is localized baldness, redness or scalp pain, severe scaling, sores, significant itching, shedding lasting more than 3 to 6 months, weight loss, severe fatigue, fever, menstrual cycle change, new excess, or shedding in children. Dropout that appears after starting a new drug should also lead to a consultation.

Sudden hair loss is stressful, but not always a sign of permanent loss. Sometimes it is the body’s way of saying that it has been overloaded, lacking, a hormonal change or an illness. Correct treatment begins with less panic and more clarification: what happened to the body in the last months, what is missing, and if the scalp itself is healthy.