Sudden Hair Loss In Men: Causes And Treatments

Reviewed by Sanaz Vosough, RPh.

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on November 23, 2023

Sudden hair loss refers to the rapid shedding of hair that can occur over a short period of time. It can be a startling and worrying experience for many men.

The goal of this article is to explore the potential causes of sudden hair loss in men, including medical conditions, lifestyle triggers, and genetics, and to provide information on treatment options. Identifying the underlying cause of hair loss is crucial in order to stop its progression and prevent further hair loss.

Topics covered in this article:

Potential Medical Causes

Sudden hair loss in men can be caused by a variety of medical conditions. Here are some of the most common medical causes of sudden hair loss in men:

Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid disorders are medical conditions that affect the thyroid gland, which is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are two common types of thyroid disorders that can affect hair cycles by altering thyroid hormone levels. Blood tests can check TSH, T3, and T4 levels.

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases are medical conditions that occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss. Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are other autoimmune diseases that are associated with hair loss. In these conditions, antibodies attack hair follicles and disrupt growth.

Scalp Infections

Scalp infections are medical conditions that occur when the scalp is infected with bacteria or fungi. Ringworm fungus is a common cause of scalp infections that can lead to shedding. Bacterial infections like folliculitis can also cause inflammation and hair loss.

Anemia and Nutritional Deficiencies

Anemia and nutritional deficiencies are medical conditions that occur when the body lacks essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and biotin. Low iron stores affect hair follicle health, while zinc and biotin deficiency also contribute to shedding. Blood tests can check iron/ferritin and vitamin levels.

Medication Side Effects

Certain medications like blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and antidepressants are linked to sudden hair loss. They potentially interfere with hair growth.

Lifestyle Triggers

Lifestyle triggers can be a major factor in hair loss. There are several factors that can contribute to hair loss, including genetics, age, and lifestyle. In this brief, we will focus on two different kinds of lifestyle triggers that can cause sudden hair loss: high stress levels and poor nutrition.

High Stress Levels

Stress can be a major factor in hair loss. When you’re under stress, your body produces hormones that can disrupt hair growth cycles. This can lead to a condition called telogen effluvium, which causes hair to shed more than usual. Managing stress is key to stopping stress-related hair loss.

Poor Nutrition

Crash dieting or not eating a well-balanced diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies that can contribute to thinning hair. Lack of protein, iron, and B vitamins are some of the most common nutrient deficiencies that can cause hair loss. Eating a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can help support healthy hair.

Read more: Linking Dandruff And Male Hair Loss: Unravelling The Facts

Genetic Hair Loss Factors

Understanding hair loss often begins with genetics, as family history is a strong indicator of one’s predisposition to male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia.

1. Androgenic Alopecia: This condition, strongly influenced by genetics, is the most common cause of hair loss in men.

If male pattern baldness runs in the family, you’re more likely to experience it due to inherited genes.

1. Family History as Predictor: A family history of baldness can often predict the likelihood and pattern of hair loss.

Observing the pattern of hair loss in relatives can offer clues about your own risk of balding.

1. DHT Hormones: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone linked to male pattern baldness.

High levels of DHT can shrink hair follicles and shorten the hair growth cycle, leading to thinning hair and eventual hair loss.

Evaluating Hair Loss Causes

To pinpoint the exact cause of hair loss, a comprehensive diagnostic approach is essential:

1. A dermatologist consultation is the first step, involving a thorough scalp examination to assess the health and condition of the hair and scalp.
2. Blood tests are conducted to rule out or confirm underlying issues such as thyroid dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, and deficiencies in iron or vitamins.
3. A personal review that covers medications, dietary habits, lifestyle factors, and family history can offer additional clues and should not be overlooked.
4. In certain cases, a scalp biopsy may be necessary to provide a definitive diagnosis, especially when the cause of hair loss is not clear from other evaluations.

Hair Loss Treatment Tactics

Addressing hair loss effectively requires a multifaceted treatment strategy:

Treating Underlying Conditions: Correcting the root cause is crucial, such as using thyroid medication for thyroid-related hair loss, immune-modulating drugs for autoimmune conditions, and antifungal or antibiotic medications for scalp infections. Iron supplements may be prescribed if hair loss is due to anemia.

1. Hair Regrowth Medications: Topical treatments for hair loss are known for their hair regrowth properties, while hair loss oral medications target the hormonal aspect by blocking DHT, a key player in male pattern baldness.
2. Laser Therapy: This non-invasive treatment involves low-level laser light to energize hair follicles, promoting increased blood flow and cellular metabolism, which can lead to hair regrowth.
3. Hair Transplants: For a more direct approach, hair transplants involve the redistribution of hair follicles that are resistant to DHT from denser areas of the scalp to balding spots, helping to restore a more natural hairline.

Read more: Unlocking Surgical Solutions For Hair Loss

Conclusion

In summarizing the fight against hair loss, it’s clear that uncovering and addressing the underlying cause is paramount. Early intervention not only enhances the potential to halt the progression but also optimizes the chances of reversing the effects.

Often, a combined treatment approach yields the most favorable outcomes, integrating medical therapies, lifestyle adjustments, and procedural interventions. By taking swift and comprehensive action, individuals facing hair loss can maximize their chances of restoring and maintaining a healthy head of hair.