Losing a certain number of hairs every day is normal; marked thinning or bald patches call for finding the cause.
The most common causes
- Genetic predisposition (androgenetic alopecia): thinning at the forehead and crown in men, diffuse thinning at the crown in women
- Nutritional deficiencies: shortage of iron, zinc, vitamin D or protein
- Hormonal and thyroid problems
- Stress, serious illness or surgery: temporary shedding
- Some medications and treatments
- Skin conditions and autoimmune problems such as alopecia areata
When to see a doctor
Sudden, widespread shedding, bald patches, itching or a painful scalp call for a dermatologist.
When does a hair transplant come into play?
Once the cause is identified and necessary treatments tried, a transplant can be an option for permanent loss. A transplant does not remove the cause of the shedding.
This article is general information; diagnosis and treatment decisions are always made after a physician's examination.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Consult a physician for a personal assessment.
