Hair loss whether baldness, thinning hair, or full body hair loss can occur for several different reasons. Sometimes hair loss is a side effect of a health problem that needs to be addressed and will remedy itself when the health problem is properly treated. A variety of factors from illness to poor nutrition to hormonal imbalances to major stress can contribute to hair loss.
Who is at Risk of Full Body Hair Loss?
Several factors can increase your risk of hair loss, including a family history of balding on your mother’s or father’s side. Your risk of hair loss also increases as you age or when you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and lupus. People dealing with stress and poor nutrition may also increase the risk of body hair loss.
What are the Causes of Full Body Hair Loss?
- Polycystic ovary syndrome. Hormonal imbalance due to PCOS can either causes hair loss or excessive hair production. Seek medical help to counteract the symptoms of PCOS and manage hair loss.
- Autoimmune disorder. Diseases such as Alopecia areata causes your immune system attacks hair follicles, making it hard for hair to grow. You may get bald patches on your head or other body parts. Sometimes, all your body hair falls out.
- Thyroid condition. Talk to a doctor if your hair loss comes with fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss or gain, or dry skin. You might have a thyroid problem. Medicine can help your thyroid work the right way and hair regrows after several months of treatment.
- Genetic hair disorders. You can be born with a condition that affects hair growth such as hypotrichosis. It is when you are born with sparse, thin, and fragile body hair and sometimes, you might go bald or keep losing body hair over time. Medicine may help you thicken or grow new hair.
- Iron deficiency. Low iron levels may also cause full body hair loss along with anemia. Treatment for this may include eating iron-rich foods and taking iron supplements. Your doctor can run a blood test to find out if you’re anemic or just low in iron.
Treatment for Full Body Hair Loss
Effective treatments for some types of hair loss are available. You might be able to reverse hair loss, or at least slow it. Hair transplant surgery and laser therapy is the latest approved treatment for hair loss. Lifestyle and home remedies can also help such as a proper diet or eating foods that are rich in iron. You can also use hair grower products such as: