What Causes Hair Loss? Getting To The Root Cause

Hair loss can affect your confidence and quality of life, but you’re not alone.

One of the most common forms of hair loss is androgenic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness. It affects up to half of Australian men and a quarter of Australian women, and while it can be frustrating, understanding the cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

Hair loss can be caused by genetics, hormonal changes, stress, nutritional deficiencies, medical conditions, medications, or ageing. The most common cause is androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss), but many other conditions can also contribute to thinning hair or increased shedding.

What causes hair loss?

Androgenic alopecia is largely genetic and is linked to hormones called androgens, particularly DHT (dihydrotestosterone)¹. Over time, DHT can shrink hair follicles, shortening the hair growth cycle and eventually stopping new hair from growing.

This condition typically presents as:

• A receding hairline or crown thinning in men
• Diffuse thinning along the part line or at the crown in women

How is the cause of hair loss diagnosed?

Hair loss can have many different causes, which is why identifying the underlying reason is an important first step before starting treatment. While pattern hair loss is common, other factors such as nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, thyroid disorders, stress, or certain medical conditions may also contribute to hair thinning and shedding.

A doctor will typically assess hair loss by reviewing:

Your Symptoms and Hair Loss Pattern

The pattern and timing of hair loss can provide important clues.

For example:

• A receding hairline or thinning crown may suggest pattern hair loss.
• Sudden increased shedding may be linked to stress, illness, or nutritional deficiencies.
• Patchy hair loss could indicate an autoimmune condition such as alopecia areata.
• Hair thinning around menopause may be related to hormonal changes.

Your Medical History

Your doctor may ask about:

• Family history of hair loss
• Recent illnesses or surgery
• Significant stress or life changes
• Pregnancy or childbirth
• Menopause symptoms
• Existing medical conditions

Medications and Supplements

Some medications can contribute to hair loss, including certain treatments for:

• High blood pressure
• Depression
• Autoimmune conditions
• Cancer treatment

Your doctor may review any prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you are taking.

Blood Tests

Depending on your symptoms, blood tests may be recommended to investigate potential underlying causes, including:

• Iron levels and iron stores (ferritin)
• Thyroid function
• Vitamin B12 levels
• Vitamin D levels
• Zinc levels
• Hormone levels where appropriate

Identifying and treating an underlying deficiency or medical condition may help reduce hair shedding and support healthy hair growth.

Referral to a Specialist

In some cases, a GP may recommend referral to a dermatologist if:

• The diagnosis is unclear
• Hair loss is severe or progressing rapidly
• Scarring hair loss is suspected
• Specialist treatment may be required

The good news? It’s treatable

While you can’t change your genetics, there are clinically backed treatments that may slow, stop, or even reverse the effects of androgenic alopecia (hair loss). Treatments include:

• Topical treatments
• Oral medications
• DHT-blocking shampoos and supplements
• Laser therapy and PRP treatments
• Hair transplants, for more advanced stages

We recommend speaking with an experienced GP to find the best solution for you. Early intervention is key, and appropriate management strategies may help decrease hair loss over time¹.

References

^{1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430924/}