Medical Conditions That Cause Hair Loss: Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Medical Conditions That Cause Hair Loss: Diagnosis and Treatment OptionsBy New Look Institute, San Jose, CA

Have you been noticing more hair in your brush or in the shower? It can feel scary when your hair starts falling out and you don’t know why. While stress and hair care habits can cause hair loss, sometimes the real reason is a medical condition.

Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand. Knowing what’s going on with your health can help you find the right treatment — and start your journey to stronger, healthier hair.

Common Medical Conditions That Cause Hair Loss

Hair loss is sometimes a sign that something else is happening in your body. Here are a few medical issues that might be the cause:

🦋 Thyroid Problems

• Both underactive (hypothyroidism) and overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroids can lead to hair thinning.

• You might also feel tired, gain or lose weight, or feel cold or hot more than usual.

🍩 Diabetes

• When blood sugar levels are high for a long time, it can hurt your blood vessels and slow down hair growth.

• Hair may fall out in patches or grow back slower than usual.

💊 Autoimmune Diseases (like Alopecia Areata)

• These happen when the body attacks its own hair follicles.

• You may notice round bald spots that show up suddenly.

🩸 Iron-Deficiency Anemia

• Low iron = less oxygen getting to your hair roots.

• Hair can get thin, dry, and fall out more easily.

🧬 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• A hormone imbalance that affects many women.

• Can cause facial hair growth and thinning hair on the scalp.

💉 Lupus

• A serious autoimmune condition that causes inflammation throughout the body.

• One of the first signs can be hair thinning or patchy hair loss.

How Is It Diagnosed?

If you think a health issue might be causing your hair loss, the best step is to see a doctor or a trichologist (a scalp and hair expert). They might:

• Ask about your medical history and lifestyle

• Run blood tests to check your thyroid, iron, or hormone levels

• Look at your scalp closely using special tools

• Check for signs of inflammation or scarring

Getting the right diagnosis is super important because the treatment depends on what’s really going on inside your body.

Treatment Options That Work

Once you know the cause, you can start on a plan that helps your hair grow back naturally. Here are some options that work for many people:

💡 Treat the Root Medical Issue

• Medicine for thyroid issues, diabetes, or anemia can help stop hair loss.

• Working with your doctor to manage your condition is step #1.

🌿 Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

• A gentle, non-surgical light treatment that helps boost blood flow to your scalp.

• Helps wake up sleepy hair follicles and encourage new growth.

🧴 Topical Hair Growth Products

• Minoxidil is FDA-approved and helps regrow hair in many cases.

• Natural serums with biotin, caffeine, or rosemary can support your scalp, too.

💆 Scalp Treatments with a Trichologist

• Deep scalp cleaning, detox masks, and oxygen therapy can help create the perfect environment for new hair to grow.

🧘 Lifestyle Changes

• Sleep, healthy food, and stress relief all play a big role.

• Even small changes, like drinking more water or taking daily walks, can make a difference.

Don’t Ignore the Signs

Medical hair loss can be upsetting, but it’s not something you have to live with forever. The sooner you find out the cause, the sooner you can start on the path to recovery — and regrowth.

At New Look Institute, we are experts on diagnosing hair loss caused by medical conditions. From thyroid imbalances to autoimmune disorders, we work with clients in San Jose and beyond to understand what’s happening beneath the surface. Our non-surgical treatments are gentle, effective, and backed by science. Book your free consultation today and let’s find a solution that works for you.