UBCNews - Business - What Causes Hair Loss? Genetics, Hormones, Stress & More Explained

Episode Date: December 23, 2025

Welcome back, everyone! Today we're tackling something that affects millions of people but often gets misunderstood—hair loss. You know, it's not just one thing causing it. There's actually a whole web of factors at play. So, I'm really excited to unpack this with our guest today. Let's start with the big picture—what are we really talking about when we say 'hair loss'? WhatCausesHairloss.net City: Philadelphia Address: 4571 Argonne Street Website: https://whatcauseshairloss.net

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling something that affects millions of people, but often gets misunderstood. Hair loss. You know, it's not just one thing causing it. There's actually a whole web of factors at play. So, I'm really excited to unpack this with our guest today. Let's start with the big picture. What are we really talking about when we say hair loss? Great question. Hair loss is incredibly complex. It can stem from genetics, hormonal, imbalances, stress, certain medications, medical conditions, even nutritional deficiencies. The key is understanding that it's rarely just one cause. For instance, you might have a genetic predisposition, but then stress or a vitamin deficiency could trigger or worsen the condition.

Right. So it's like multiple puzzle pieces coming together. Let's talk genetics first. How much does our DNA actually dictate whether we'll lose our hair? Genetics plays a huge role. especially in androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness. This is the most common type of hair loss, and it's driven by a combination of inherited genes and hormones, specifically androgens. If you have a family history of hair loss, your susceptibility goes up significantly. Hmm, hmm, interesting. And hormones. Those are tied in too, right? How do hormonal changes impact hair health? Absolutely. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, they can all trigger

temporary hair loss, often manifesting as telogen effluvium. That's when hair follicles are pushed prematurely into the resting phase, leading to increased shedding. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS can experience elevated androgens, which cause hair thinning on the scalp but increase facial or body hair. Wow, that's a lot happening hormonally. Now stress is something we hear about all the time. Can stress really make your hair fall out? Or is that a myth?

It's definitely not a myth. Chronic stress can prematurely shift hair follicles from the growth phase into the resting phase, causing telogen effluvium. I actually had a colleague who went through a really stressful period at work, and within a few months she noticed significant shedding. Once she managed her stress better, her hair started to recover. That's a powerful example.

So stress, hormones, genetics, these are all internal factors. But what about external ones like medications? Can the pills we take daily impact our hair? Oh, absolutely. Certain medications, chemotherapy drugs, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, retinodes, beta blockers, anticoagulants. They can all contribute to hair loss. There are two main types of drug-induced hair loss. Antigen effluvium is rapid loss during the growth phase, often seen with chemotherapy.

Telogen effluvium is more gradual shedding when hair is pushed into the resting phase. So, if someone suspects their medication is causing hair loss, what should they do? They should definitely consult their health care provider. It's important not to stop medications without guidance, but a doctor might adjust the dosage or suggest alternatives. Keeping track of when the hair loss started in relation to beginning a new medication can be really helpful for that conversation. I see that makes sense. And I always tell my patients, write it down. Memory gets fuzzy, but notes don't lie.

Ha! That's actually great advice. Speaking of tracking things, that point about documenting medication timing sets up our next piece, medical conditions, and their role in hair loss. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. If you're experiencing hair loss and want to understand why, what causes hair loss.net is here to help. This educational platform provides clear, evidence-based information on the many factors behind hair loss,

from genetics and hormones to stress, medications, and nutritional deficiencies. You'll find accessible content that helps you recognize patterns and warning signs so you can have informed conversations with your health care provider. Visit what causes hair loss.net. Picking up on documenting medication timing, how do medical conditions like autoimmune diseases fit into the hair loss picture? Medical conditions are a major factor.

Alopecia Ariata is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing sudden patchy hair loss. While estimates vary, research suggests the condition affects a small percentage of the population. Thyroid disorders, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to diffuse thinning. Systemic lupus erythematosis can cause inflammation that damages hair follicles,

sometimes resulting in scarring alopecia. So these conditions directly attack or disrupt hair follicles. What about nutrition? Can what we eat or don't eat affect our hair? Definitely. nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron and vitamin D, have a significant impact. Iron is necessary for hemoglobin production, which carries oxygen to hair follicles. Iron deficiency anemia is a well-established cause of hair loss.

Vitamin D plays a role in hair follicle cycling, and its deficiency has been linked to various forms of hair loss, including alopecia, Ariata. So to everyone listening, if you're not getting enough of these nutrients, your hair health could suffer. Have you noticed more hair in your brush lately? Could be worth checking your nutrition. Now let's shift gears a bit. What are some of the treatment and management strategies for these different types of hair loss? Treatment really depends on the underlying cause. For androgenetic alopecia, options include medications like monocidal or finasteride, and in some cases, hair transplants. For telogen effluvium, addressing the root stressor, whether it's a medication,

stress or nutritional deficiency, often allows hair to regrow naturally within several months. Alopecia areata might be treated with corticosteroids or newer therapies like jack inhibitors. Makes sense. And understanding the specific cause is key, right? You can't treat genetic hair loss the same way you'd treat stress-induced shedding. In other words, identifying what's behind your hair loss really determines your path forward. Exactly. That's why, consulting a dermatologist or health care provider is so important. They can perform a thorough medical history, physical examination, and sometimes blood tests to pinpoint the cause.

Treatment varies widely depending on what's driving the hair loss. Before we wrap up, I want to touch on something we haven't talked about enough. The emotional side of hair loss. It's not just physical, is it? Not at all. The psychological impact can be profound. Hair loss can lead to anxiety, depression, decreased quality of life, and social withdrawal. It's distressing and seeking support from mental health professionals or joining support groups

can help people cope with these emotional challenges. Understanding that you're not alone and that there are resources available is really important. That's such an important point. Hair loss is deeply personal, and emotional support matters just as much as medical treatment. So we've covered genetics, hormones, stress, medications, medical conditions, and nutrition. The big takeaway here is that hair loss is multifactorial. Understanding the root causes empowers you to make informed decisions. Absolutely. Knowledge is power.

By recognizing the patterns, timelines, and warning signs, you can have productive conversations with health care professionals and take meaningful steps toward managing your hair health. Well said. Thanks so much for breaking all this down with us today. And to everyone listening, remember, understanding why hair loss happens is the first step. Take that knowledge, talk to your doctor, and look at your options. Until next time, take care of yourselves and your hair.