Hair Loss Causes

The causes of loss of hair in women and men vary greatly. Men—commonly struck by male pattern baldness due to genetics—often wonder if common drugs that cause hair loss could contribute to the problem, and women find out all too quickly that the cause of female hair loss can be something as benign as stress and as serious as thyroid disorder. While hair loss in men is disconcerting, hair loss in women is cause for particular concern because of messages sent by society that link femininity with traditional beauty standards.

The question, “Can Prilosec cause hair loss?” remains controversial. Anecdotally, Prilosec has been identified as a cause of hair loss for some people, but it is not an identified side effect. As in the case of Prilosec, the concern about the weight loss drug Phentermine—namely, can Phentermine cause hair loss—remains an open question. Which drugs cause hair loss is a concern that should be shared with a medical professional.

Causes of hair loss in women include genetics—just as in men it ranks among the top causes of hair loss—but other possible causes of hair loss in women
Medications can play a role for women, as well, but there are many other possible causes of hair loss in women, making it even harder to treat. The cause of hair loss in women—especially the causes of sudden hair loss—should also be explored with a medical professional.

PCOS—Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, which affects some 10 percent of women—is in fact a fairly common hair loss cause among women and can sometimes be treated with lifestyle changes, vitamins, herbs, or prescription medications. Hypothyroid—an inactive thyroid—can also cause hair loss. Treating thyroid hair loss is relatively easy, since synthetic hormones are widely available by prescription.

Some causes for female hair loss are less serious. Women who have been pregnant often experience sudden hair loss following delivery. It results from the normal shedding of hair, a process partially interrupted during pregnancy. Hair can be expected to return within six to nine months.

Stress may also play a role in hair loss in both men and women, although it is unlikely without some underlying cause. Those prone to hair loss could certainly find the propensity stronger under times of stress.

Finding out what causes hair loss remains a top priority for many researchers, since successful treatment represents a multi-million-dollar market. It is unlikely that a single treatment will be successful for all hair loss causes, however, given the varied nature of the problem.