When Hair Loss Indicates a More Serious Problem

The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that 80 million United States citizens experience hair loss due to genetics or aging. But thinning hair can also signify a more serious health problem, like lupus or hypothyroidism. How can you detect if your hair loss indicates anything more serious? Here are some obvious warning signs to keep in mind if you notice more hair falling out than usual.

Hair Growth Physiology

There are three different stages of hair growth: the anagen (growing), catagen (changing) and telogen (resting) phases. Naturally, hair sheds during the telogen phase.

Under ordinary circumstances, the average person should expect to shed anywhere from 120 to 160 hairs daily. If you experience excessive hair loss beyond this, it may be a symptom of a systemic illness or an issue with the scalp.

How to Know When Hair Loss is a Symptom of a Medical Illness

When excessive hair loss is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, it is usually accompanied by additional symptoms like fatigue, rashes and chronic muscle aches.

Fatigue accompanied by hair loss is likely a sign of malnourishment. When you do not provide your body with enough essential nutrients, one of the many symptoms is unhealthy hair that falls out.

Rashes are a side effect of iron deficiency caused by lupus, which commonly leads to hair loss.

If muscle aches coincide with unnatural hair loss, it is likely hyperthyroidism. This condition is treatable with hormone replacement therapy, which will stop your hair from shedding.
Another sign that your hair loss might be a more serious problem is if you notice the hair on other parts of your body falling out, too, like your eyebrows or eyelashes. Autoimmune disorders can cause body hair to fall out because it mistakes hair follicles for something hazardous and attacks them.

Seeking Guidance for Your Hair Loss Problem in Atlanta

You can contact Kalos Hair Transplant if you are worried about hair loss. There are practical treatment approaches for various types of hair loss. Early treatment improves prospects. To find out what is causing your hair loss and how to stop it, arrange a quick consultation with Dr. Benjamin Stong right away.