Main Causes of Sudden Hair Loss

Sudden hair loss can be extremely distressing and may impact a person's self-confidence. However, understanding and identifying its possible causes can help in taking necessary steps to address this issue and maintain scalp and hair health. Therefore, in this article, we have decided to outline the reasons for sudden hair loss along with some tips for hair care.

Causes of Sudden Hair Loss

The causes of sudden hair loss range from simple to more serious, and here are the explanations for the main ones:

• Nutritional Deficiencies

A poor diet lacking essential nutrients can affect hair health, and following diets low in important elements can lead to sudden hair loss.

Hair loss can be a sign of deficiency in:

1. Biotin: A type of vitamin B that helps the body convert food into energy, and its deficiency can cause hair loss.
2. Vitamin D: Known for its role in maintaining bone health, vitamin D deficiency has been found to cause hair loss.
3. Iron: Not getting enough iron leads to anemia, which means a decrease in red blood cells responsible for delivering oxygen to cells, thus causing hair loss.
4. Zinc: Supports healthy cell function, and its deficiency is associated with alopecia, of which hair loss is a prominent symptom.
5. Vitamin E: Supports the immune system and other bodily functions, and some research has shown a relationship between its deficiency and hair loss.

Therefore, if a person suspects that their diet may be causing hair loss, they should undergo blood tests to confirm whether they are suffering from a nutritional deficiency causing their hair to fall out.

• Stress and Psychological Pressures

One of the causes of sudden hair loss is exposure to severe psychological pressures. After several months of enduring psychological stress, many people experience sudden hair loss, which is usually temporary.

• Medications or Supplements

Sudden hair loss may result from taking certain medications or undergoing certain treatments, such as cancer treatments (chemotherapy or radiation).

Here are examples of some types of medications that may cause sudden hair loss as a side effect:

1. Antidepressants.
2. Thyroid medications.
3. Hormonal medications.
4. Acne medications.
5. Antifungal medications.
6. Beta-blockers.

Therefore, if a person suspects that their hair loss is due to taking a particular medication, they should inform their doctor. In these cases, the doctor may reduce the dosage or change the type of medication.

• Medical Conditions

Many medical conditions can cause sudden hair loss, including:

1. Viral infections: such as shingles and herpes simplex.
2. Fungal infections: such as scalp ringworm (Tinea capitis).
3. Bacterial infections: such as folliculitis.
4. Immune system diseases: such as alopecia areata.
5. Psychological disorders: such as trichotillomania, also known as hair-pulling disorder.
6. Other diseases: such as anemia.

• Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes are also a cause of sudden hair loss, as hormonal imbalance affects scalp health and hair growth, whether it's due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or even as a result of taking hormonal medications (such as birth control pills) or stopping them, or even if it's caused by health problems leading to hormonal imbalances such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders.

Tips for Preventing Hair Loss

While it's not possible to completely prevent hair loss, following these tips may greatly contribute to maintaining scalp health and reducing hair loss:

• Minimize sources of stress as much as possible, and practice stress-relieving techniques such as massage, aromatherapy, relaxation, or yoga.
• Follow a diet rich in essential nutrients such as proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke due to its negative effects on hair.
• Choose hair products suitable for the scalp that do not cause sensitivity, dandruff, or itching.
• Avoid hairstyles that tightly pull the hair.
• Reduce hair exposure to chemicals such as dyes and hair straightening or curling agents, and minimize heat exposure by reducing the use of curling irons or straighteners.
• Consult a doctor if hair loss is due to taking certain medications, and adhere to prescribed treatments if hair loss is due to any medical condition.

In conclusion, we recommend undergoing a hair loss test package offered by Blazma, which includes 7 essential tests to detect and properly treat the underlying cause of your hair problems.