Causes of Hair Loss at St. Louis in Kirkwood, MO

How Hair Growth Works and Why It Stops

Hair naturally grows in cycles of growth, rest, and shedding. Most hairs remain in the active growth phase. When illness, stress, hormones, or genetics disrupt this rhythm, more hairs are shed than usual, leading to noticeable thinning.

Understanding the trigger is the first step toward effective treatment:

Androgenetic Alopecia

Also called male or female pattern baldness, this hereditary condition is the leading cause of thinning. Men often notice a receding hairline or crown loss, while women typically see widening of the part.

Telogen Effluvium

This temporary form of shedding happens when stress, illness, surgery, or medication pushes more hairs into the shedding phase at once. It usually appears as diffuse thinning across the scalp.

Alopecia Areata

An autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, creating patchy bald spots. Hair may regrow on its own, but it often benefits from treatment. A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and discuss options.

Medication-Related Hair Loss

Drugs such as chemotherapy, anticoagulants, or retinoids can interfere with the hair cycle. Hair may improve after stopping/changing the medication, but this varies.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Low iron, vitamin D, or protein can weaken follicles and contribute to shedding. Restoring balance through diet or supplementation supports recovery.

Hormonal Causes

Thyroid disease, PCOS, and other hormonal imbalances can disrupt growth patterns. Treating the underlying condition is essential for improvement.

Traction Alopecia

Tight hairstyles, braids, or extensions place strain on follicles. Over time, this can lead to thinning or even permanent damage if left unchecked.

Scarring Alopecias

Inflammatory scalp conditions can destroy follicles and replace them with scar tissue. Early treatment is critical to slowing progression.