Hair Loss: What’s Actually Causing It and What You Can Do About It

Written By Daniel Zavadak

What Causes Hair Loss in Men and Women?

Several factors can cause hair loss, including genetics, hormonal changes, autoimmune conditions, stress, medications, or underlying health issues. Effective treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis of the cause. 

Understanding Hair Loss and Your Treatment Options

The clumps of hair that come out in the shower or clog your hairbrush, or noticing a thinning area on your scalp can be concerning and frustrating. Although some shedding is normal, persistent or sudden hair loss could signal an underlying condition. The right hair loss treatment depends on why your hair is thinning, and a dermatologist can help you get to the root cause of your concerns to determine the most appropriate hair loss treatment. 

Common Causes of Hair Loss in Men

Genetics often have a significant part in male pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia. Inherited sensitivity to hormones causes hair follicles to shrink over time, leading to a receding hairline, thinning at the crown, or a combination of both. This process can begin in early adulthood and typically develops gradually. 

Other factors can also contribute to hair loss in men, including:

  • Significant stress

  • Certain medications

  • Nutritional deficiencies

  • Thyroid conditions

  • Autoimmune disorders (such as alopecia areata)

Some types of hair loss lead to temporary shedding, while others can be permanent or require ongoing treatment to slow progression. 

Common Causes of Hair Loss in Women

While it is less common, female hair loss is no less distressing than male hair loss. However, it is sometimes overlooked or simply attributed to aging without further evaluation. 

Female hair loss often emerges as gradual thinning across the top of the scalp or a widening part. Genetics and hormonal changes, including those associated with pregnancy and menopause, can contribute.

Women may also experience increased shedding as a result of:

  • Major illness

  • Surgery

  • Significant emotional distress

  • Thyroid disorders

  • Iron deficiency

  • Other health conditions

Since several causes may produce similar symptoms, it’s important for women not to assume hair loss is a result of aging and to bring it up with their healthcare providers. 

Which Hair Loss Treatments May Help?

The right hair loss treatment depends on the type of hair loss and its underlying cause. Options may include:

  • Topical Medications - Minoxidil can help slow pattern hair loss while encouraging regrowth in some patients. 

  • Prescription Medications - Depending on the diagnosis, a dermatologist may prescribe medication (such as finasteride (Oral Minoxidil)) to address pattern hair loss or another underlying condition. 

  • Holistic Therapies - Other approaches to addressing hair loss could include lifestyle changes or low-level laser therapy. 

  • Treating Contributing Health Issues - Addressing underlying health issues (such as thyroid dysfunction or nutritional deficiency) that contribute to hair loss is also necessary. 

  • In-Office Procedures - Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments or hair transplantation may be appropriate options for some patients. 

Results vary, and many treatments take several months to show improvement. Some require continued use to maintain their benefits. During an appointment, our dermatologist can explain the potential benefits, limitations, and risks of the options that may be best suited to your situation. 

Why a Dermatology Evaluation Matters for Men and Women

Since hair loss has several potential causes in both men and women, choosing a treatment before identifying the problem could delay appropriate care. During an evaluation, a dermatologist will:

  • Examine your scalp

  • Review your medical history and medications

  • Discuss any other symptoms you may be experiencing

  • Talk with you about your lifestyle

  • Ask you when you first noticed shedding or thinning

A blood test or scalp biopsy may also be recommended if appropriate. 

During your appointment, it’s also helpful to provide details that may narrow down potential causes, such as whether:

  • Hair loss is patchy or diffuse

  • Your scalp feels itchy or painful

  • You’ve recently changed medications

  • You’ve recently changed hair care routines or products

At Cornerstone Dermatology PC, we take concerns about hair loss in both men and women seriously. Your symptoms deserve thoughtful evaluation, especially when changes are sudden, persistent, or affecting your confidence. 

Find the Right Hair Loss Treatment for You

Since hair loss has many causes, no single solution works for everyone. An evaluation with a dermatologist can help you identify contributing factors and determine appropriate next steps. If you have questions about hair loss treatment, please contact us. 


Daniel Zavadak