can ulcerative colitis cause hair loss?

Can Ulcerative Colitis Cause Hair Loss?

Short answer: Yes, ulcerative colitis can be linked to hair loss—but usually indirectly. Hair loss is not a core symptom of ulcerative colitis itself, but it can occur as a result of inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, stress on the body, or certain medications used to treat the disease.

Below is a clear, balanced explanation based on established medical knowledge and guidance from major gastroenterology and dermatology authorities. The goal is to inform without alarming, while still being honest about what matters.

---

Understanding Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It causes inflammation and ulcers, leading to symptoms such as:

• Chronic diarrhea
• Blood or mucus in the stool
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

Because ulcerative colitis is a systemic inflammatory condition, its effects are not limited to the digestive tract. Skin, joints, eyes—and sometimes hair—can be affected.

---

Is Hair Loss a Symptom of Ulcerative Colitis?

Hair loss is not considered a direct symptom of ulcerative colitis. However, people with ulcerative colitis report hair thinning or shedding more often than the general population.

This usually happens because ulcerative colitis can create conditions in the body that interfere with healthy hair growth.

---

How Ulcerative Colitis Can Contribute to Hair Loss

1. Inflammation and Physical Stress on the Body

During a flare, ulcerative colitis causes widespread inflammation. This can push hair follicles into a resting phase called telogen effluvium.

What that means in plain terms:

• Hair temporarily stops growing
• Increased shedding occurs 2–3 months after a flare
• Hair loss is usually diffuse (all over the scalp)
• Regrowth often happens once inflammation is controlled

Telogen effluvium is one of the most common causes of hair loss seen in people with chronic illness.

---

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

Ulcerative colitis can interfere with nutrient absorption, especially during active disease or prolonged diarrhea.

Deficiencies linked to hair loss include:

• Iron (iron-deficiency anemia is common in ulcerative colitis)
• Vitamin B12
• Folate
• Zinc
• Protein

Iron deficiency deserves special mention. Chronic intestinal bleeding can gradually deplete iron stores, leading to fatigue and hair thinning.

---

3. Medications Used to Treat Ulcerative Colitis

Some treatments for ulcerative colitis list hair loss as a possible side effect, though this does not happen to everyone.

Medications that have been associated with hair thinning include:

• Certain immunomodulators
• Some biologic therapies
• Methotrexate (used less commonly in ulcerative colitis)
• High-dose or prolonged systemic corticosteroids

Importantly:

• Hair loss from medication is often reversible
• Stopping or changing medication should never be done without medical guidance

In many cases, the benefit of controlling inflammation outweighs the temporary risk of hair changes.

---

4. Autoimmune Factors

Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune condition. People with one autoimmune disease have a slightly higher risk of developing another, such as:

• Alopecia areata (patchy autoimmune hair loss)

This is uncommon, but possible. A dermatologist can help determine if hair loss is autoimmune or related to inflammation or nutrition.

---

5. Emotional Stress and Mental Health

Living with ulcerative colitis can be mentally exhausting, especially during flares. Stress itself can disrupt the hair growth cycle.

Stress-related hair loss:

• Does not mean damage is permanent
• Often improves with disease control and emotional support
• Is very common in chronic illness

---

What Hair Loss From Ulcerative Colitis Usually Looks Like

Hair loss related to ulcerative colitis is most often:

• Diffuse thinning (not bald patches)
• Not associated with scalp pain or scarring
• Temporary rather than permanent
• Noticeable during brushing or showering

Sudden or severe hair loss should always be evaluated.

---

When Hair Loss Might Signal a Bigger Issue

While hair loss is often manageable, there are times it may point to something more serious, such as:

• Severe anemia
• Ongoing inflammation despite treatment
• Significant malnutrition
• Another autoimmune condition

If hair loss is combined with symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, rapid weight loss, or extreme fatigue, medical evaluation is important.

---

What You Can Do If You Have Ulcerative Colitis and Hair Loss

Practical Steps to Consider

• Track timing: Note when hair loss started relative to flares or medication changes
• Ask for blood tests: Especially iron, B12, folate, and zinc
• Avoid restrictive diets unless medically advised
• Be gentle with hair care during shedding phases
• Manage stress with support, counseling, or relaxation techniques

Many people see improvement once ulcerative colitis is well controlled.

---

Should You Stop Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Because of Hair Loss?

In most cases, no.

Uncontrolled ulcerative colitis poses greater health risks than temporary hair shedding. Adjustments can often be made without stopping treatment altogether.

Always discuss concerns with a healthcare professional before making changes.

---

Could Hair Loss Be the First Sign of Ulcerative Colitis?

Hair loss alone is very unlikely to be the first or only sign of ulcerative colitis. However, if hair loss appears alongside:

• Chronic diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding
• Ongoing abdominal pain
• Unexplained fatigue

It may be worth exploring symptoms more closely.

You might consider doing a free, online symptom check for Ulcerative Colitis to help organize what you’re experiencing before a medical appointment.

---

When to Speak to a Doctor

You should speak to a doctor if:

• Hair loss is rapid, severe, or distressing
• You have symptoms of anemia (weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath)
• Ulcerative colitis symptoms are worsening
• You are concerned about medication side effects
• You notice other symptoms that could be serious or life-threatening

Prompt medical care can help prevent complications and support recovery.

---

The Bottom Line

Ulcerative colitis can contribute to hair loss, but usually through indirect mechanisms such as inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, stress, or medication effects. For most people, hair loss is temporary and reversible once the underlying issue is addressed.

The key is not to ignore changes—but also not to panic. With proper medical care, nutritional support, and disease management, many people with ulcerative colitis maintain healthy hair and overall well-being.

If something feels off or concerning, trust that instinct and talk to a doctor.