Associated symptoms
The accompanying symptoms of hair loss are related to the underlying disease. Iron deficiency due to low iron intake or chronic blood loss is manifested as tiredness, paleness of the skin and mucous membranes, stress-related breathing difficulties and a feeling of tightness in the chest. Hyperthyroidism can be associated with its enlargement.
Typical signs are palpitations, high blood pressure, hand trembling, restlessness, irritability, diarrhoea, sleep disturbances and weight loss. During the menopause, sweating, dizziness, headaches, depressive moods and disturbance of night sleep can also occur. These accompanying symptoms are indications of the underlying disease, which the treating physician should examine closely. What could also interest you: Hair loss in women
Diagnosis
In case of minor and symptom-free hair loss, consultation with a doctor is not necessary. If severe hair loss occurs with additional feelings of weakness and chronic fatigue, the cause should be investigated. By means of a hair root analysis (trichogram), hair loss can be determined by a dermatologist. In addition, they should address the issue in gynecology. In case of iron deficiency, this can be substituted or thyroid hormones in case of hypothyroidism.
Causes
In addition to many other causes such as thyroid dysfunction, menopause, iron deficiency anemia, side effects of medications such as valproic acid, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, heparin injections, adalimumab, an alternation of oral anticontraceptives, thallium or arsenic poisoning during pregnancy also play an important role. During pregnancy, women benefit from an altered hormone balance. Since increased estrogen levels ensure the growth phase, the life cycle of the hair is extended.
Postpartum, i.e. a few weeks to months after pregnancy, hair loss is more likely to occur. The falling estrogen levels put the hair into a resting phase. After about 6 months to a year, the hair loss usually subsides by normalizing the hormonal balance. Which could also be of interest to you:
- Causes of hair loss
- Iron deficiency during pregnancy
All articles in this series:
