When first noticing early signs of hair loss, rushing to Google for reasons why may be your next move. While there are the common reasons for hair loss, such as aging and genetics, there are many more reasons that may be to blame for your recent hair loss. In this article, we’ll go over 4 surprising causes of hair loss you may not be aware of.
1. Medication
It’s always important to know what are the potential side effects when taking new medications. For some meds, sudden hair loss is an expected side effect. A few examples of different medications that fall under this category would be blood thinners, vitamin A supplements, some arthritis drugs, antidepressants, gout medication, medication for certain heart problems, blood pressure medication, and birth control pills. Some of these are very commonly taken, thus many probably don’t realize some of those listed medications may be causing thinning. It’s best to consult with your doctor if you have any concerns regarding such side effects.
2. Thyroid Disease
Hair loss can be a result of an underactive thyroid or overactive thyroid (Hypothyroidism) since these conditions can cause hormonal imbalances. Hormonal imbalances may be the cause of a wide array of unwanted symptoms, like fatigue, weight gain, itchy skin, or low mood. Hormones are chemicals produced by glands in the endocrine system and released into the bloodstream. Thus, it is in the best interest for your health (and hair) to consult with your doctor and find the right thyroid treatment for you
3. Pregnancy
As you can imagine, one’s body undergoes a major wave of hormonal changes during pregnancy. The difference between this hair loss and other types is that, for the most part, this type of hair loss is only temporary. Just as the usual hormonal imbalances can result in hair loss, that goes even more so for the fluctuating hormonal imbalances a woman experiences during pregnancy. This sudden loss of hair that expectant mothers experience usually returns in time after the pregnancy.
4. Anemia
Anemia, also known as an iron deficiency, can also be a culprit for hair loss. Essentially, anemia sends your body into survival mode, causing your body to channel oxygen to support vital functions as opposed to ones like keeping your hair intact. Some easy ways to avoid hair loss when you have anemia include:
- A Balanced, Healthy Diet
- Foods High In Vitamin C
- Brush And Wash Your Hair Gently
- Avoid Hair Colors and Dyes
- Limit The Use Of Heat-Styling Tools