When To Talk To your Doctor About Hair Loss

November 10, 2025

If you notice your hairline is thinning or you’re losing more strands of hair than usual, it can be alarming. To help slow or reverse hair loss, a healthcare provider needs to determine and treat the underlying cause(s).

Mahrosh Ahmed, MD, a family physician with Franciscan Physician Network in Lafayette, Ind., provides details on the top causes of hair loss, when to seek professional treatment and how genetic hair loss may be prevented.

Key Takeaways: Hair Loss

Hair loss can be a sign of underlying health issues, including hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems or nutritional deficiencies.
Sudden or patchy hair loss warrants medical attention, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue or weight changes.
Early intervention can improve outcomes, whether through medication, lifestyle changes or addressing root causes.
Dermatologists and primary care providers can help identify causes and recommend appropriate treatments or referrals.

Common Causes Of Hair Loss

Genetics, an underlying health condition or lifestyle factors can all cause hair loss. Some people experience multiple types of hair loss at the same time.

The exact causes for your hair loss can determine whether your hair:

Falls out gradually or abruptly
Thins
Regrows on its own or needs treatment to regrow
Needs immediate care to prevent permanent hair loss

The following health conditions can contribute to hair loss:

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss that's triggered by your immune system mistakenly viewing hair follicles as threats to your health. This can trigger patchy hair loss on the head, complete hair loss on the head or the loss of body hair.

The autoimmune condition -- which can be genetic and for which there is no cure -- is most common among children and adults in their early 20s.

Tell your doctor if you notice sudden or severe hair loss in round bald patches. Hair loss in these patterns is not typical and may be a symptom of alopecia areata.

Androgenetic Alopecia

By far the most common form of hair loss, androgenetic alopecia impacts both men and women. It is also known as male pattern or female pattern hair loss.

“Genetics or hormone shifts can influence androgenetic alopecia, and it can start at any age,” said Dr. Ahmed.

Despite some old wives’ tales, the genes for this condition can come from one or both parents.

This type of hair loss occurs differently for men and women:

For men, this typically starts with a receding hairline, and then the hair begins to thin at the crown (top) of the head.
For women, thinning appears in the middle part, while the hairline typically remains the same. It usually starts with a widening of the center hair part.

Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may develop androgenetic alopecia due to an increase in testosterone (male hormone) in their body.

Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, or CCCA, causes hair loss in the center of the scalp. This is the most common type of hair loss seen in women with darker skin tones, affecting nearly 15% of Black women. CCCA can cause scarring by destroying hair follicles. Once the hair follicle scars completely, regrowth becomes difficult, and the hair loss may be permanent.

Telogen Effluvium

This hair loss typically occurs about three months after a stressful event, such as:

Certain medications, including chemotherapy or acne treatment (Accutane)
Emotional stress
Hormonal changes
Major surgery
Physical stress
Serious illness
Significant weight loss

“If the stressor is not addressed or resolved, the hair loss will continue, and people may develop a chronic condition that can lead to ongoing stress,” explained Dr. Ahmed.

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia results from regularly wearing hairstyles that pull the hair too tightly over many years or decades.

Other Health Conditions That Can Lead To Hair Loss

Several health conditions or medical treatments can lead to hair loss. These include:

Psoriasis, which doesn’t directly cause hair loss. However, psoriasis causes a lot of inflammation on the scalp which can block hair growth.
Chemotherapy
Radiation treatment to your head or neck
Recovering from childbirth
Experiencing an extremely stressful time in your life, such as a divorce or a death
Scalp infection can lead to scaly and sometimes inflamed areas on your scalp.
Syphilis, which can cause patchy hair loss
A problem with your thyroid
Too little biotin, iron, protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12 or zinc in your diet
Too much vitamin A or selenium in your diet

Learn more about other causes of hair loss from the American Academy of Dermatology.

Diagnosing Causes Of Hair Loss

If your healthcare provider has ruled out underlying medical conditions for your hair loss, they will likely perform blood work to check for metabolic problems, such as a thyroid issue, or a vitamin or mineral deficiency.

If your blood work reveals these nutrient levels are not optimal, your doctor may recommend supplements, medications or lifestyle changes. Over time, these changes may decrease your hair loss.

Treatments For Hair Loss

The best treatment for your hair loss depends on its underlying cause. Treatments may include:

Cosmetic treatments, such as a hair transplant or platelet-rich plasma injections
Minoxidil topical cream (such as Rogaine)
Oral medication, such as Finasteride (to block dihydrotestosterone or DHT, a byproduct of testosterone)
Supplements such as collagen

Results From Hair Loss Treatment

Because hair grows slowly (about a half-centimeter per month), it can take a long time to see results from hair loss treatment. Expect to use a topical cream consistently for at least three months before you see results. It generally takes at least three to six months of oral medications to see results. And if you choose a cosmetic treatment for hair loss, it may take six months to a year to see full results.

If androgenetic alopecia causes your hair loss, you’ll need to continue treatments for as long as you want to see results and prevent further hair loss. If hormone changes or an underlying health condition cause your hair loss, it will usually resolve once you address your other condition.

How To Promote Good Hair Health

Keeping your scalp healthy can help you grow healthy hair. There are steps you can take to help keep the hair you do have, including:

Addressing any physical or mental health concerns
Avoiding processed foods
Eating a mostly whole-foods diet
Getting enough sleep

“Our bodies are so complex,” Dr. Ahmed said. “If you’re not getting the right nourishment, growing healthy hair will not be the body’s priority.”

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should speak with your primary care provider (PCP):

Burning
Itching
Other uncomfortable sensations on the scalp

“These symptoms may be a sign that inflammation or an infection is contributing to your hair loss,” Dr. Ahmed said. “If you let inflammation go on long enough without proper treatment, it can lead to permanent hair loss.”

Your doctor may be able to diagnose your condition and treat you for hair loss. If your situation is more complex, they may refer you to a dermatologist specializing in treating hair loss.

Preventing Hair Loss

If hair loss runs in your family, you can start early to help reduce your chances of hair loss. Discuss topical options that are available over the counter with your provider.

“These creams are medicated and can have interactions with other medications,” Dr. Ahmed said. “Speak to your provider about options and before initiating any new medication.”

Get Help From Franciscan Health

If you notice you’re losing more hair than you used to or that your hairline is receding, start by speaking with your Franciscan Health primary care provider.