Hair loss caused by other health conditions

There are many different health conditions that can cause hair loss, including stress, vitamin deficiencies, and autoimmune conditions. Some treatments can also cause hair loss, like chemotherapy for cancer.¹

There are different treatment options available to help slow down and treat, hair loss. The treatment you have will depend on the cause of your hair loss. This might mean treating the hair loss itself or treating the underlying condition. Some people learn to live with their hair loss.

Many people with hair loss linked to health conditions find that their hair does grow back. For example, if your hair loss is caused by a vitamin deficiency taking vitamin supplements and changing your diet may help. Most patients undergoing chemotherapy will find that their hair grows back once their treatment has ended.

If you think your hair loss is caused by a health condition, it’s best to talk to your GP about the treatments may be available for you. Some treatments can help treat the hair loss itself.

Alopecia is also known as alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is one cause of hair loss and can affect anyone. Alopecia is an autoimmune condition, where the body mistakenly attacks healthy cells, causing hair to thin or fall out.²

Alopecia cannot be cured, but the hair loss it causes can be treated for some people. Corticosteroids, a form of steroids, are sometimes used to help manage hair loss caused by alopecia. They work by targeting inflammation around the hair follicles and are applied as a cream or with small needles.

Corticosteroid tablets are also sometimes taken to reduce inflammation across the body and allow hair to regrow. There are a range of other treatments if corticosteroids don’t work for you, such as contact immunotherapy, minoxidil and immunosuppressants.³

All treatments have advantages and disadvantages, including side effects. Some treatments may not be suitable for everyone. Talk to your GP about what treatment options are suitable for you.

You don’t need treatment for hair loss. Some people don’t mind losing their hair or get used to their new appearance over time. If your hair loss is caused by a treatment you’re taking, you may decide to wait for your hair to grow back after your treatment has ended.

But there are some aspects of hair loss some people find difficult that can be managed with medication. For example, keeping warm when you have less hair can be difficult, and losing your eyelashes may increase your sensitivity to light.

It’s always important to see your GP about any unexpected hair loss to make sure your health condition is well-managed. Depending on your health condition, treating the underlying cause can help regrow your hair too.

Some treatments for hair loss do have side effects, but they won’t cause side effects for everyone.

Talk to your GP or pharmacist if you do experience side effects and they’re troubling you. They can help you find the right treatment for you.

If you don’t want medical treatment for your hair loss, there are other options available which can help:

• Wigs and different kinds of head coverings can help boost your confidence.
• If you’ve lost your eyebrows, makeup can help you recreate them.

Losing your hair can be upsetting and difficult to come to terms with, especially if you’ve never lost any hair before. If you’re struggling with the effects of hair loss and want to talk to a professional, you may find counselling helpful. There are also support groups available for conditions like cancer and alopecia. Talk to your GP as they may be able to refer you to local support services in your area.