Alopecia: Why Your Hair Is Falling Out & Medical Next Steps

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. It can affect your scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard area, or even your entire body. While losing some hair every day is normal, noticeable thinning, bald patches, or sudden shedding can feel alarming.

The good news: many forms of alopecia are treatable. Some are temporary. Others are long-term but manageable with medical care. Understanding what type of alopecia you may have is the first step toward the right treatment.

Below, we'll explain why hair falls out, the most common types of alopecia, and what to do next.

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What Is Alopecia?

Alopecia simply means hair loss. On average, people lose 50–100 hairs per day as part of the natural hair growth cycle. Hair grows, rests, and sheds in a repeating pattern.

Problems happen when:

• Hair falls out faster than it regrows
• Hair follicles shrink or become damaged
• The immune system attacks hair follicles
• Hormones or medical conditions disrupt the growth cycle

The pattern and timing of your hair loss provide important clues about the cause.

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Common Types of Alopecia

1. Androgenetic Alopecia (Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss)

This is the most common form of alopecia.

• In men: Receding hairline and thinning at the crown
• In women: Widening part or overall thinning at the top of the scalp
• Caused by genetic sensitivity to hormones (especially DHT)
• Develops gradually over years

This type of alopecia is not dangerous but is usually progressive without treatment.

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2. Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition. The immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles.

• Sudden round or oval bald patches
• Can affect scalp, eyebrows, beard, or body hair
• May progress to total scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis)
• In rare cases, complete body hair loss (alopecia universalis)

It can happen at any age and often appears suddenly. Some people experience regrowth, while others have recurring episodes.

If you're experiencing patchy or sudden hair loss and want to understand whether your symptoms align with this condition, you can use a free Alopecia Areata symptom checker to assess your risk before scheduling a medical appointment.

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3. Telogen Effluvium

This type of alopecia causes sudden, diffuse shedding.

Common triggers include:

• Major stress
• Illness or infection
• Surgery
• Childbirth
• Rapid weight loss
• Thyroid disorders
• Iron deficiency

Hair shedding often starts 2–3 months after the trigger. The good news: telogen effluvium is usually temporary, and hair often regrows once the underlying issue is corrected.

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4. Traction Alopecia

Caused by repeated tension on the hair, such as:

• Tight ponytails or braids
• Extensions
• Tight headwear

Early treatment can reverse it. Long-term tension can cause permanent damage.

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5. Scarring (Cicatricial) Alopecia

This is less common but more serious.

• Hair follicles are permanently destroyed
• May involve pain, redness, scaling, or burning
• Requires early medical treatment to prevent permanent hair loss

If you notice scalp inflammation or discomfort along with hair loss, seek medical care promptly.

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Why Is Your Hair Falling Out?

Hair loss is usually caused by one or more of the following:

Hormonal Changes

• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Thyroid disease
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Autoimmune Conditions

• Alopecia areata
• Lupus
• Thyroid disorders

Nutritional Deficiencies

• Iron deficiency
• Low vitamin D
• Low protein intake
• Zinc deficiency

Medications

• Chemotherapy
• Certain antidepressants
• Blood thinners
• Blood pressure medications

Physical or Emotional Stress

Severe stress can shift hair into the shedding phase.

Genetics

Family history plays a large role in androgenetic alopecia.

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When Is Alopecia a Medical Concern?

Hair loss itself is usually not life-threatening. However, it can signal an underlying medical condition.

You should speak to a doctor if you notice:

• Sudden or rapid hair loss
• Patchy bald spots
• Hair loss with fatigue, weight changes, or other symptoms
• Scalp pain, redness, or scaling
• Hair loss in a child
• Loss of eyebrows or eyelashes
• Signs of hormonal imbalance

In rare cases, hair loss can be linked to serious autoimmune or endocrine conditions that require treatment.

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How Doctors Diagnose Alopecia

A healthcare provider may:

• Review your medical history
• Ask about recent stress or illness
• Examine your scalp
• Perform a "hair pull test"
• Order blood tests (iron, thyroid, vitamin levels)
• In some cases, perform a scalp biopsy

Diagnosis matters. Different types of alopecia require very different treatments.

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Treatment Options for Alopecia

Treatment depends entirely on the cause.

For Androgenetic Alopecia

• Topical minoxidil
• Oral medications (such as finasteride for men)
• Low-level laser therapy
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Hair transplant surgery (in select cases)

For Alopecia Areata

• Corticosteroid injections
• Topical steroids
• Topical immunotherapy
• JAK inhibitors (for severe cases)

For Telogen Effluvium

• Treat underlying cause
• Correct nutrient deficiencies
• Reduce stress
• Patience (regrowth often occurs within months)

For Traction Alopecia

• Stop tight hairstyles immediately
• Early intervention improves regrowth chances

For Nutritional Deficiencies

• Iron supplementation (if deficient)
• Vitamin D correction
• Balanced protein intake

Important: Avoid self-prescribing supplements without testing. Too much of certain vitamins can cause harm.

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Emotional Impact of Alopecia

Hair is closely tied to identity, culture, and self-esteem. It's normal to feel distress, frustration, or embarrassment.

If alopecia is affecting your mental health:

• Consider speaking with a counselor
• Look into support groups
• Discuss cosmetic options (wigs, hair fibers, microblading)

Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. Hair loss can be emotionally significant.

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Can Alopecia Be Reversed?

It depends on the type:

• Telogen effluvium: Often reversible
• Alopecia areata: Sometimes regrows, may recur
• Androgenetic alopecia: Manageable but usually progressive
• Scarring alopecia: Permanent if untreated

Early medical care improves outcomes in many cases.

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What You Should Do Next

If you're experiencing hair loss:

1. Do not panic.
2. Track when it started.
3. Note recent stress, illness, or medication changes.
4. Check for other symptoms (fatigue, weight change, skin changes).
5. Consider using a structured symptom assessment tool.
6. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider.

If your symptoms are sudden, severe, or accompanied by systemic symptoms (like unexplained weight loss, weakness, or severe fatigue), speak to a doctor promptly to rule out serious conditions.

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Final Thoughts on Alopecia

Alopecia is common. Millions of people experience some form of hair loss during their lifetime. In many cases, it is treatable or manageable.

However, hair loss is sometimes a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs attention. The key is early evaluation and accurate diagnosis.

If you are unsure what type of alopecia you may have, consider starting with a free online symptom assessment and then speak to a doctor about your results. A medical professional can confirm the cause and guide you toward safe, effective treatment.

Hair loss can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. The right information and medical support can make a meaningful difference.