Hair fall is one of the most common concerns for both men and women today. While shedding a few strands daily is normal, excessive or sudden hair loss may indicate an underlying medical issue. The good news? Most causes of hair fall can be identified and effectively treated with the right care.

This SEO-friendly guide explains the top medical causes of hair fall and the best treatment options recommended by hair and scalp specialists.

What Causes Hair Fall? Top Medical Reasons Explained

1. Genetic Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Also known as male or female pattern baldness, this is the No.1 reason for hair thinning worldwide.
It occurs when hair follicles become sensitive to a hormone called DHT, causing them to shrink over time.

Signs:
✔ Receding hairline (men)
✔ Widening hair part (women)
✔ Gradual thinning on top of the scalp

2. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones play a major role in controlling the hair growth cycle. Imbalances can lead to temporary or long-term hair fall. Common triggers include:

• Thyroid disorders
• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
• Pregnancy and postpartum changes
• Menopause

When hormones fluctuate, hair enters the shedding phase sooner than normal.

3. Medical Conditions Affecting Hair Growth

• Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disorder where the body mistakenly attacks its own hair follicles, causing sudden round patches of hair loss.

• Scalp Infections: Fungal infections such as tinea capitis can lead to scaly patches and breakage.

• Chronic Illnesses: Conditions like lupus, uncontrolled diabetes, and severe inflammation can weaken hair follicles and stop normal growth.

4. Nutritional Deficiencies

Hair needs essential nutrients to grow. Deficiencies in the following can cause noticeable thinning:

• Iron
• Zinc
• Protein
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin B12

Crash diets, poor eating habits, or digestive health issues often contribute.

5. Stress & Shock (Telogen Effluvium)

Emotional stress, sudden illness, surgery, or trauma can push hair follicles into a resting stage.
Hair fall usually becomes noticeable 2–3 months after the stressful event.

This type of hair loss is often temporary once the stress is managed.

6. Medications That Cause Hair Fall

Some medicines may list hair fall as a side effect, such as:

• Chemotherapy drugs
• Blood pressure medications
• Depression medications
• Arthritis medications
• Heart medications

A doctor may adjust your prescription if needed.

Best Treatment Options for Hair Fall

1. Fixing the Root Cause

Successful treatment always begins with identifying and correcting the underlying trigger.
This may involve:

• Treating thyroid imbalance
• Improving nutrition
• Managing PCOS
• Adjusting medications
• Correcting anemia

Once the medical issue improves, hair growth often resumes.

2. Dermatologist-Approved Medications

1. Minoxidil: A topical solution that increases blood flow to the scalp and boosts hair growth. Approved for both men and women.
2. Finasteride: A prescription pill for men that reduces DHT levels and slows male pattern baldness.
3. Corticosteroid Injections: Helpful for autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata.

3. Advanced Hair Restoration Treatments

1. PRP Therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Your own plasma—rich in growth factors—is injected into the scalp to stimulate follicles. Results include improved thickness and reduced shedding.
2. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Uses gentle red-light technology to increase hair density.
3. Hair Transplant Surgery: A permanent solution for advanced hair thinning using FUE or FUT techniques.

When Should You See a Specialist?

Visit a dermatologist or hair expert if you notice:

• Sudden or patchy hair loss
• Rapid thinning
• Hair fall lasting longer than 3 months
• Signs of scalp infection
• Family history of pattern baldness

Early diagnosis ensures faster and more effective results.

Hair fall can occur due to multiple medical reasons—but with early evaluation and the right treatment plan, most cases are completely manageable.
If you’re struggling with ongoing hair loss, The Wellness Story Clinic can help you identify the cause and customize a treatment that works for your hair type and condition.