Hair loss does not occur because of one condition. It is a symptom of many different conditions and the biological reasons can be varied. If you are experiencing hair loss, it is important to consult your GP. By getting correctly diagnosed, you can then try different treatments or hair management options to see what works for you.
Some causes are easier to diagnose than others. Hair may thin during pregnancy or shortly afterwards and if you are undergoing chemotherapy, then it is likely that this is the cause of any hair loss you may be experiencing.
Stress
Stress can often be the cause of hair loss, whether physical or emotional. Telogen effluvium is the specific condition that often develops. In these cases, your hair is effectively lying dormant, in the ‘rest phase’ of the growth cycle. If a greater percentage of your hair is in this phase than normal, your hair will thin. Even once you have overcome this condition, it will obviously take a while for your hair to regrow.
Auto-immune disorders
In some cases, the body’s immune system will attack the hair follicles, preventing them from producing hair. When this happens, it is more likely that hair will be lost in patches. This is known as alopecia areata.