Why Am I Losing So Much Hair? Common Causes Explained

Noticing more hair in your brush, on your pillow, or circling the shower drain can be alarming. Hair shedding is a natural part of the growth cycle, but when it becomes excessive, it may signal an underlying issue. If you’re asking yourself, “Why am I losing so much hair?” you’re not alone. Many people experience sudden or gradual hair loss for a variety of reasons.

Understanding what’s typical and what might be a sign of an underlying issue is the first step toward restoring confidence and addressing the problem head-on. Whether it’s stress, hormones, diet, or something else entirely, recognizing the possible causes can help guide your next steps.

Normal Hair Shedding vs. Hair Loss

On average, most people lose around 100 hairs per day as part of the natural growth cycle. This is known as hair shedding and typically doesn’t lead to noticeable thinning. However, excessive hair shedding or visible patches of thinning hair may indicate true hair loss.

Hair loss, or alopecia, occurs when the amount of hair being lost exceeds new hair growth. It may be temporary or permanent and can stem from internal imbalances, external damage, or health-related conditions. Understanding the difference between normal shedding and abnormal loss is the first step in addressing the problem.

Common Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all explanation. There are several common causes of hair loss, and in some cases, more than one factor can contribute to excessive shedding.

Stress and Hormonal Imbalance

High stress levels are often linked to sudden hair loss causes. A condition known as telogen effluvium can be triggered by major emotional or physical stress, causing hair follicles to enter a resting phase. Hair may fall out in handfuls a few months after a stressful event like surgery, illness, or a traumatic experience.

Hormonal fluctuations can also impact hair health. Changes during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders can lead to temporary or long-term hair loss. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is another hormonal condition commonly associated with thinning hair.

Medical Conditions

Certain illnesses can interfere with the hair growth cycle. Autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata cause the immune system to attack hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss. Scalp infections, including ringworm, can also result in inflammation and breakage.

Chronic illnesses or those requiring treatments such as chemotherapy are known to result in widespread losing hair every day. Identifying and treating the underlying medical condition is crucial to slowing or reversing hair loss.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Healthy hair growth depends on proper nutrition. Deficiencies in iron, zinc, vitamin D, and protein are all linked to excessive hair shedding. Iron deficiency, in particular, is a common contributor to hair loss in women.

Crash diets, restrictive eating habits, and poor nutrient absorption due to digestive issues can disrupt the supply of essential nutrients to your hair follicles.

Haircare Habits

Sometimes the answer to “Why am I losing so much hair?” lies in your everyday routine. Overstyling, excessive heat, harsh chemical treatments, and tight hairstyles can all lead to a condition called traction alopecia, where hair is pulled from the roots and gradually stops growing.

Even frequent brushing or rough towel drying can contribute to breakage if your strands are already fragile. Being mindful of your styling practices can help prevent damage and maintain healthy hair.

How Dermatologists Diagnose Hair Loss

If you’re unsure about the cause of your hair loss, visiting a dermatologist is a smart move. Dermatologists are trained to evaluate hair and scalp health and can distinguish between temporary shedding and more complex hair loss conditions.

Diagnosis may include a visual scalp exam, blood work to check for deficiencies or hormone imbalances, and sometimes a scalp biopsy. Understanding what causes hair loss in your specific case allows for a more effective treatment plan.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

Treatment will vary based on the root cause, but options for hair restoration often include:

• Topical or Oral Medications: Over-the-counter minoxidil (Rogaine) can help stimulate growth in many types of hair loss. Prescription medications like finasteride or spironolactone may be used for hormonal causes.
• Steroid Injections or Creams: For autoimmune-related hair loss, dermatologists may recommend corticosteroid treatments to reduce inflammation in the follicles.
• Supplements: If tests reveal a deficiency, your dermatologist may suggest targeted supplements like iron, vitamin D, biotin, or zinc to support new growth.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Stress management techniques, balanced nutrition, and gentle haircare practices can make a noticeable difference in preventing psoriasis flare-up triggers and hair loss linked to stress and inflammation.
• Advanced Options: Treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, Robotic FUE, Follicular Unit Transplantation or laser light therapy may be offered depending on your condition.

Hair Loss Treatment at Schweiger Dermatology Group

If you’re dealing with excessive hair shedding or wondering, “why am I losing so much hair?”, Schweiger Dermatology Group is here to help. Our hair transplant providers specialize in identifying the common causes of hair loss and offering personalized treatment options to support healthy regrowth. Book an appointment online or call 844-DERM-DOC to consult with a hair loss specialist today.