It is natural to shed hair and not usually something to be concerned about. However, if you experience sudden and severe hair loss, it may indicate an underlying condition.
Medically reviewed by Megan Slomka, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
We all lose and regrow our hair every day. You may experience hair thinning as you age, but it is not usually something to worry about medically. However, sometimes, experiencing sudden and drastic hair loss may be a sign of an underlying condition, such as androgenetic alopecia.
If you are experiencing sudden and severe hair loss and are concerned about your symptoms, consider speaking with a doctor. They can help rule out any underlying conditions and recommend treatment options that may help regrow your hair.
Is hair shedding common?
bondarillia/Getty Images
If you find some hair on your pillow when you wake up, this is typically not a cause for concern. Experiencing some hair loss is common and natural and occurs in about 85% of males and 40% of females.
However, consider speaking with a doctor if you notice excessive shedding. This is because excessive or sudden hair loss may suggest an underlying condition.
Some people may have a genetic predisposition to hair loss. Widespread or localized hair loss may be a symptom of alopecia, a disorder that causes hair shedding and can affect anyone regardless of age or sex.
Need a prescription or refill for hair loss medication? You can get discreet and expert on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes through Optum Perks with no video or appointment required. For $25, answer a few questions online and get a treatment plan from a board certified healthcare professional. Get started here.
100% online care
Treatment plans in 15 minutes or less for 40+ conditions.
certain health conditions, such as vitiligo, psoriasis, hay fever, and thyroid disease
stress
depression
childbirth
taking illegal drugs
certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy
eating a less nutritious diet
mineral or vitamin deficiencies
sudden weight loss or eating a low calorie diet
having obesity
an excessive intake of minerals and vitamins
If you experience complete hair loss, this may be a sign of hormone imbalances, an infection, or a genetic predisposition to hair shedding and alopecia.
Treatment options for hair shedding
Several treatment options can slow or even reverse hair loss. However, doctors must diagnose the underlying cause of hair shedding before recommending the appropriate treatment.
If your hair loss is due to an underlying condition, treating this can help stop or slow it. However, if you have hereditary hair loss, several medications can help, including:
Medications are not the only treatment available for hair loss. If you develop permanent hair loss, low level laser therapy may help with hair regrowth. This procedure uses a cold laser to irradiate your scalf with photons, which are absorbed in the weaker cells of your scalp, encouraging hair growth. This procedure is safe and less invasive than undergoing hair transplantation.
However, surgery can be a treatment option for the most severe cases of hair loss. During the procedure, a surgeon removes hair from a part of the body, generally another area of the scalp, and transplants it to the affected spot.
It is important to know that a hair transplant is painful, and you will need time to recover. It also will not stop hair loss, and you may need multiple surgeries to get the desired effect.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Always speak with a doctor if you notice any sudden change in your hair or experience unexpected or severe hair loss. This is because losing hair may be a sign of an underlying condition that may need treatment.
Ignoring sudden or severe hair loss without addressing its underlying cause may lead to additional health complications or the onset of new symptoms linked to the underlying disease.
You can also contact a doctor if you have any concerns about your health or want to know the treatment options available to prevent hair loss and help regrow your hair.
Summary
Hair loss is common and natural. However, speak with a doctor if you experience severe or sudden hair loss, as it may suggest an underlying condition. Stress, depression, or vitamin and mineral deficiencies can also increase hair shedding.
Doctors can determine the underlying cause of your hair loss and recommend the most appropriate treatment. If you have an underlying health condition causing hair loss, treating it may stop excessive hair shedding.
