Is Hair Loss a Sign of Underlying Health Issues?

Hair loss, or alopecia, as it’s medically known, can feel startling. It’s often chalked up to genetics or ageing. However, hair shedding can sometimes indicate deeper health matters, requiring you to look for solutions beyond hair loss treatment. In this article, we explore the causes, warning signs, and actionable steps you can take. 

Common Health-Related Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss isn’t always purely hereditary. Several health-related factors can be involved, which are explained in the table below. 

Health Factor	How It Affects Hair Growth
Autoimmune conditions	Conditions like alopecia areata cause the immune system to attack hair follicles.
Thyroid disorders	Both underactive (hypothyroidism) and overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can disrupt hair cycles.
Nutrient deficiencies	Iron, vitamin D, zinc, and biotin shortages are common in the UK and can impair hair strength.
Stress & lifestyle	Severe physical or emotional stress, crash diets, or sudden weight loss can trigger a temporary shedding known as telogen effluvium.

Autoimmune Diseases

Certain autoimmune conditions are known to affect hair health, sometimes severely. Alopecia areata is the most familiar autoimmune condition linked with rapid-onset hair loss, where circular patches appear suddenly. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it’s influenced by genetic predisposition and environmental triggers; in some cases, recovery is possible as follicles are not permanently destroyed.

Thyroid Problems

The thyroid gland plays a pivotal role in regulating metabolism and hair follicle health. If thyroid hormone levels dip or spike, hair may become brittle, sparse, or fall out entirely. Thyroid hormones are vital for nourishing hair follicles, so any imbalance, mild or severe, reflects quickly on hair health. Here are two common thyroid problems.

• Hypothyroidism: Slow thyroid function can lead to a sluggish hair growth cycle. Hair often appears dry, brittle, and prone to shedding.
• Hyperthyroidism: Overactivity can disturb the natural rhythm of hair growth, prompting faster shedding.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Dietary shortfalls are surprisingly common in the UK and can quietly contribute to hair loss. On the list below, we’ve introduced the common deficient nutrients that lead to hair loss.

• Iron / Ferritin (Iron storage): Iron deficiency anaemia starves hair follicles of oxygen and nutrients, often causing diffuse shedding. Ferritin levels under ~70 µg/L may still fall short for optimal hair regrowth.
• Vitamin D: Important for regulating the hair growth cycle; deficiency slows follicle activity.
• Zinc & Biotin: Key to strand strength, low levels can lead to breakage and general thinning.
• Magnesium & B-Vitamins: Though less frequently highlighted, deficiencies here may contribute to fatigue, scalp inflammation, and weaker hair overall.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

PCOS disrupts hormones, often elevating androgens (male-type hormones), which shrink hair follicles and shorten the growing phase. This can thin hair across the scalp and exacerbate shedding.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Beyond iron deficiency’s impact, anaemia itself impairs oxygen delivery to cells, including hair follicles, causing them to enter premature resting phases. Prolonged anaemia typically leads to noticeable, diffuse hair thinning.

Stress Disorders (Telogen Effluvium)

Severe physical or psychological stress, be it illness, major life events or chronic anxiety, can thrust a large number of hairs into the resting (telogen) phase. Weeks or months later, they shed suddenly in numbers. Though often temporary, telogen effluvium can be psychologically distressing.

Warning Signs to Watch for

Certain red flags suggest that hair loss might be signalling a deeper issue. Remember that if you notice any of these signs, it’s wise to consult a healthcare provider, as they may require further investigation.

• Rapid shedding over a short period
• Hair loss accompanied by fatigue, weight changes, dry/itchy skin, or other unexplained symptoms
• Loss affecting eyebrows or eyelashes too
• Scalp redness, scarring, lesions, or persistent inflammation

Read more: Scalp Treatments: Choosing the Right Option for Dandruff, Dryness, and Itchy Scalp

How to Diagnose and Test

Diagnosing the cause of hair loss often involves a combination of clinical evaluation and testing. Your doctor or dermatologist assesses the pattern of loss, examines the scalp, and asks about diet, recent stressors, medications, and family history. Then, they take blood tests to rule out or confirm underlying causes and check some key markers, including: 

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones (T4/T3)
• Full blood count (to check for anaemia)
• Ferritin (iron storage)
• Vitamin D, B12, zinc, and sometimes biotin
• Autoimmune markers if alopecia areata or lupus is suspected

Treatment Approaches When Health Is Involved

When hair loss is linked to an underlying medical condition, the most effective treatment focuses on correcting the root cause rather than only addressing the visible symptom. Some over-the-counter products might help temporarily, but long-term improvement depends on a personalised, medically informed plan.

1. Treating the Underlying Condition

If blood tests reveal hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, your GP or endocrinologist will prescribe medication (such as levothyroxine for low thyroid or antithyroid drugs for overactivity) to restore hormone balance. Hair often starts to recover several months after hormone levels stabilise.

Treating autoimmune problems includes topical or oral corticosteroids, immunosuppressive medication, or targeted biologic treatments, depending on the diagnosis. Early intervention can prevent permanent follicle damage in conditions like lupus or alopecia areata.

For PCOS, treatments often aim to lower excess androgen levels. These may include oral contraceptives, anti-androgen medications (like spironolactone), and lifestyle changes such as weight management and a balanced diet.

2. Correcting Nutrient Deficiencies

• Iron Deficiency/Anaemia: To restore healthy follicle function, iron supplements are prescribed after confirming low ferritin or anaemia. They’re combined with dietary changes, such as increasing red meat, leafy greens, and pulses.
• Vitamin D: Oral supplements, safe sun exposure, and dietary sources like oily fish and fortified foods help normalise levels.
• Zinc & Biotin: Supplements are useful only if a deficiency is confirmed, as excess intake can cause side effects.

3. Stress Management for Telogen Effluvium

Stress-related shedding usually improves once the triggering event passes. Helpful interventions are:

• Mindfulness practices or yoga
• Regular, moderate exercise
• Adequate sleep and balanced nutrition
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for chronic anxiety or stress disorders

Suggested article: How to Stay Confident During Hair Loss Treatment

4. Medical & Aesthetic Hair Treatments

In addition to medical management, targeted hair therapies can help stimulate regrowth and improve thickness. Let’s take a look at these treatments in the table below.

Treatment	How It Works	When It’s Used
Minoxidil (topical)	Increases blood flow to follicles and prolongs the growth phase.	Often used for androgenetic alopecia or diffuse thinning, sometimes alongside medical treatments.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy	Uses growth factors from your own blood to stimulate dormant follicles.	Suitable for various non-scarring hair loss types, especially when follicles are still active.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)	Light energy stimulates cellular activity in follicles.	Works best for early or moderate hair loss.
Microneedling with Growth Serums	Creates micro-injuries that trigger collagen production and improve absorption of growth-stimulating products.	Can complement other therapies for improved results.

Final Word

Hair loss can be a distressing experience, but it isn’t always solely an aesthetic concern. Sometimes, your body is signalling that something needs attention. The good news? Understanding the cause is the first step to resolving it. With timely assessment, appropriate testing, and a well-informed treatment approach, many people experience improvement, sometimes even full regrowth.

Thinking it’s time to start your journey to healthier hair? Schedule your appointment with MHB Aesthetic Clinic now and let’s get to the root of it, together.

FAQ

We hope you found this guide useful and empowering. If you’re curious about treatments or want to share your own experiences, leave us a comment below; we’d love to hear from you!