Why Is My Hair Falling Out? Common Causes of Hair Loss in Men and Women
Key Points
- Losing 50 to 100 hairs per day is completely normal. Anything significantly beyond that, especially if it is sustained, deserves attention.
- Hair loss has many possible causes including genetics, hormones, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and underlying medical conditions.
- Female hair loss is one of the fastest growing health searches on Google right now, yet it remains widely underdiagnosed and undertreated.
- Different types of hair loss look different, affect different areas of the scalp, and require different treatment approaches.
- Legacy Dermatology in Algonquin, IL offers expert hair loss diagnosis and personalized treatment plans for both men and women.
There is something uniquely alarming about finding more hair than usual on your pillow, in the shower drain, or coming away in your brush. It is the kind of thing that is easy to dismiss at first -- everyone sheds some hair, right? -- but once you start noticing it, it is hard to stop.
If you have been asking yourself why your hair is falling out, you are in very good company. Hair loss is the most searched beauty and health topic on Google in 2025, and searches for female hair loss specifically have surged by 125 percent in recent years. The concern is real, it is extremely common, and in many cases it is very treatable, especially when you get the right diagnosis early.
Here is a straightforward guide to the most common causes of hair loss in both men and women, what the different types look like, and when it is time to see a dermatologist.
What Is Considered Normal Hair Shedding?
Before jumping to conclusions, it helps to know what normal actually looks like. The average person loses between 50 and 100 hairs per day as part of the natural hair growth cycle. Hair grows, rests, and sheds in phases, and at any given time a small percentage of your hair follicles are in the shedding phase.
What is not normal is sustained, noticeable shedding that goes significantly beyond that baseline. Finding large amounts of hair in the shower consistently, seeing your scalp more than you used to, noticing your ponytail getting thinner, or developing visible bald patches are all signs worth taking seriously. If any of those describe what you are experiencing, it is worth getting it checked out.
You can learn more about what Legacy Dermatology offers for hair loss on the hair loss page and the hair loss treatments page.
The Most Common Causes of Hair Loss
Genetics: Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia, more commonly known as male pattern hair loss or female pattern hair loss, is by far the most common cause of hair loss. It is hereditary and driven by sensitivity to androgens, a group of hormones that causes hair follicles to gradually shrink over time. As the follicles shrink, they produce thinner, shorter hairs until eventually they stop producing hair altogether.
In men, androgenetic alopecia typically follows a predictable pattern, starting with a receding hairline at the temples and thinning at the crown. In women, the pattern is different. Rather than a receding hairline, women tend to experience diffuse thinning across the top and crown of the scalp while the hairline itself remains relatively intact.
Female pattern hair loss is significantly underdiagnosed because many women and even some healthcare providers assume it only happens in men. It does not. It is actually extremely common in women, particularly after menopause, but it can begin much earlier.
Hormonal Changes
Hormones play a powerful role in hair growth, which is why hormonal changes so frequently trigger or worsen hair loss.
Pregnancy is one of the most common hormonal triggers. Many women notice their hair actually looks thicker and fuller during pregnancy due to elevated estrogen levels that keep hairs in the growth phase longer. Then, after delivery, estrogen drops rapidly and those hairs all shed at once. This postpartum shedding usually begins around three to four months after giving birth and can feel alarming, but it is a normal biological response and typically resolves on its own.
Perimenopause and menopause are another major hormonal trigger, particularly for women. As estrogen declines, hair follicles can become more sensitive to androgens, which accelerates thinning. This is one of the reasons hair loss becomes more noticeable for many women in their 40s and 50s.
Thyroid dysfunction, both an overactive and underactive thyroid, is also closely linked to hair loss. Because thyroid hormone regulates many metabolic processes including hair growth, an imbalance in either direction can cause diffuse shedding across the entire scalp.
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is another hormonal condition that frequently causes hair loss in women. Elevated androgen levels associated with PCOS can trigger thinning at the crown and temples, sometimes alongside increased facial hair.
Telogen Effluvium: Stress and Shock to the System
Telogen effluvium is a type of diffuse hair loss triggered by significant physical or emotional stress. It occurs when a large number of hair follicles are pushed prematurely into the resting and shedding phase of the hair cycle all at once.
Common triggers include severe illness, surgery, rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, childbirth, and intense emotional stress. One of the trickiest things about telogen effluvium is the timing. The shedding typically begins two to four months after the triggering event, which makes it easy to miss the connection between the two.
The good news is that telogen effluvium is usually temporary. Once the underlying trigger is addressed, most people see their hair return to its normal growth cycle within six to twelve months. That said, chronic stress that does not resolve can lead to ongoing shedding that lingers much longer than expected.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Hair follicles are among the most metabolically active cells in the body, which means they are particularly sensitive to nutritional gaps. Deficiencies in iron, ferritin, vitamin D, zinc, folate, and biotin have all been linked to hair loss and shedding.
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional causes of hair loss in women, particularly in those who menstruate heavily. Low ferritin levels, which reflect the body's iron stores, can trigger significant shedding even when hemoglobin levels look normal on a standard blood test.
If you suspect a nutritional deficiency may be behind your hair loss, blood work ordered by a dermatologist can help identify exactly what is going on. Supplementing randomly without knowing your actual levels is not always effective and can sometimes cause imbalances of its own.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, causing hair to fall out in round or oval patches. It can affect the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, and body hair.
Alopecia areata is unpredictable. Some people experience one or two patches that regrow on their own within a year. Others experience more extensive hair loss, including a complete loss of scalp hair (alopecia totalis) or all body hair (alopecia universalis). Treatment can help stimulate regrowth in many cases, and a dermatologist can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate approach.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by sustained physical tension on the hair follicles. It is most commonly associated with tight hairstyles such as braids, ponytails, buns, cornrows, and hair extensions worn repeatedly over time.
The hair loss typically appears at the hairline and temples, where tension is greatest. Early-stage traction alopecia is reversible if the styling habits change before permanent follicle damage occurs. However, prolonged tension can cause scarring of the follicles, which leads to permanent hair loss in affected areas. This is an area where early intervention genuinely makes a difference.
Traction alopecia is particularly common in women with natural hair textures and in communities where protective styling is culturally common. Dr. Bradley at Legacy Dermatology has a specialty focus on skin and hair of color and understands the cultural context around these styling choices. Learn more on the about us page.
Scalp Conditions
Certain skin conditions affecting the scalp can also cause hair loss. Seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, and fungal infections can all create an environment that disrupts healthy hair growth. In some cases, scarring conditions can permanently damage follicles if left untreated.
If your hair loss is accompanied by itching, flaking, redness, or any unusual changes to your scalp, a dermatologist should evaluate the scalp itself as part of the hair loss workup. You can explore the full range of eczema and other skin conditions treated at Legacy Dermatology as well as the complete dermatology services menu.
Medications and Medical Treatments
A number of medications list hair loss as a potential side effect, including certain blood thinners, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and cholesterol-lowering drugs. Chemotherapy is the most well-known medical treatment associated with hair loss, though the mechanism is different from androgenetic alopecia and the hair typically regrows after treatment ends.
If your hair loss started or worsened shortly after beginning a new medication, that connection is worth discussing with both your prescribing doctor and your dermatologist.
How Do You Know Which Type of Hair Loss You Have?
The honest answer is that you often cannot tell on your own, and trying to self-diagnose can lead to treating the wrong thing entirely. The pattern of your hair loss, how quickly it developed, where on your scalp it is occurring, your personal health history, and your family history all factor into an accurate diagnosis.
A board-certified dermatologist will evaluate the pattern and distribution of your hair loss visually, examine your scalp, review your health and medication history, and in many cases order blood work to check for thyroid dysfunction, iron deficiency, vitamin D levels, and other contributing factors. In some cases a scalp biopsy may be recommended to get a definitive diagnosis, particularly for scarring or autoimmune forms of hair loss.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is the most important step because the right treatment depends entirely on the cause. Treating androgenetic alopecia is very different from treating telogen effluvium, which is very different from treating alopecia areata.
When Should You See a Dermatologist for Hair Loss?
You should book an appointment if:
- You are losing noticeably more hair than usual and it has been going on for more than two to three months
- You can see your scalp more than you used to or your hair feels significantly thinner
- You have developed bald patches or areas of noticeably reduced density
- Your hairline is receding or changing
- Your hair loss is accompanied by scalp symptoms like itching, redness, or flaking
- You recently experienced a major stressor, illness, or hormonal change and your hair has not recovered
- Hair loss is affecting your confidence or quality of life
At Legacy Dermatology, Dr. Bradley offers thorough hair loss evaluations and personalized treatment plans built around the specific cause of your hair loss. New patients are always welcome. Visit the new patients page to get started or explore the hair loss treatments page to learn about the options available.
FAQs About Hair Loss Causes
Is it normal to lose a lot of hair in the shower? Losing some hair in the shower is completely normal since water and shampooing dislodge hairs that have already shed. However, if you are consistently finding large clumps or noticeably more than usual, that is worth having evaluated by a dermatologist.
Can stress really cause hair loss? Yes. Significant physical or emotional stress can trigger telogen effluvium, which causes widespread shedding across the scalp. The shedding typically begins two to four months after the stressful event, which is why the connection is easy to miss.
Does wearing hats cause hair loss? No. Wearing hats does not cause hair loss. This is a very common myth. Hair loss from traction requires sustained, direct tension on the follicle itself, not simply covering the head.
Can hair loss be reversed? It depends entirely on the cause and how long it has been going on. Many types of hair loss, including telogen effluvium, postpartum shedding, and early-stage traction alopecia, are fully reversible with the right intervention. Androgenetic alopecia can be slowed and managed but not permanently reversed. Scarring forms of hair loss that have progressed significantly may result in permanent follicle damage. This is one of the most important reasons to seek evaluation early.
Is hair loss genetic? Genetics play a significant role in androgenetic alopecia, the most common type of hair loss. If your parents or grandparents experienced pattern hair loss, your risk is higher. However, many other types of hair loss are not genetic and are driven by other factors entirely.
Does diet affect hair loss? Yes. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in iron, ferritin, vitamin D, and zinc, are among the more common and underrecognized causes of hair loss. A dermatologist can order blood work to check your levels and determine whether nutrition is playing a role in your specific situation.
FAQs About Legacy Dermatology
Does Legacy Dermatology treat hair loss in both men and women? Yes. Dr. Bradley evaluates and treats hair loss in patients of all ages and genders, including female pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, traction alopecia, and more. Visit the hair loss page to learn more.
What hair loss treatments does Legacy Dermatology offer? Legacy Dermatology offers a range of treatment options tailored to the specific cause of your hair loss. Explore the full menu on the hair loss treatments page.
Does Legacy Dermatology have experience treating hair loss in patients with skin and hair of color? Yes. Dr. Bradley has a specialty focus in skin and hair of color, including conditions like traction alopecia that disproportionately affect certain communities. Learn more on the about us page.
Where is Legacy Dermatology located? Legacy Dermatology is at 2230 Huntington Drive N, Unit C-1, Algonquin, IL 60102.
How do I schedule an appointment? Call (847) 603-4146 or book online. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Is Legacy Dermatology accepting new patients? Yes! Visit the new patients page to get started.
Your Hair Loss Deserves a Real Answer
Hair loss is one of those things that is easy to put off addressing, but the earlier you get evaluated the more options you have and the better your outcomes tend to be. Whether you are dealing with a sudden shed, gradual thinning, or patchy loss, Dr. Bradley at Legacy Dermatology can help you figure out what is actually going on and build a plan to address it.
Call (847) 603-4146 or schedule your appointment online today.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, and should not be considered, medical advice. All information, content, and material available on this blog are for general informational purposes only. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The author and the blog disclaim any liability for the decisions you make based on the information provided. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
