Common Causes Of Hair Loss

Side Effect Of Certain Medications

Hair loss is a common side effect of certain medications. For example, patients who undergo chemotherapy as part of their cancer treatment often experience partial or total hair loss. Patients who use retinoids or high doses of vitamin A could also notice hair thinning or loss. In addition, hair loss is a frequent side effect of some antibiotics. Patients who use certain antidepressants are at an elevated risk of a form of hair loss known as telogen effluvium. Antidepressants that carry this risk include sertraline, fluoxetine, and lithium. This form of hair loss usually begins four to six months after the patient begins treatment with antidepressants.

Like antidepressants, certain anticonvulsants used to treat epilepsy also trigger hair loss. Carbamazepine and sodium valproate are two of these anticonvulsants. With carbamazepine, hair loss is considered a rare side effect. The hair loss associated with sodium valproate is dependent on the dose. Patients on lower doses of sodium valproate typically experience less hair loss than individuals on higher doses. When hair loss is caused by medication, it is almost always temporary. Patients generally experience hair regrowth after completing their treatment with the medication. Patients troubled by significant hair loss due to a particular medicine should speak with their doctor about the possibility of switching to a medication that does not cause this side effect.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes are one of the primary causes of hair loss for both men and women. In female patients, the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and menopause may trigger hair loss. Female patients with high testosterone levels are at risk for this symptom as well. Imbalances in thyroid hormones often cause hair loss in both men and women, and high cortisol levels have been linked to hair loss in both genders as well. Insulin resistance and estrogen dominance are believed to contribute to hair loss. Nutritional deficiencies in vitamin B12, biotin, and zinc can worsen existing hair loss associated with hormonal changes.

Patients concerned about hair loss should have a thyroid function test performed. If thyroid hormones are unbalanced, replacement therapy could help promote hair regrowth. If these tests come back normal, doctors may want to investigate other hormones that may be contributing to the hair loss. Most patients experience hair regrowth once their hormones are successfully rebalanced.