Cause of this type of hair loss are:
- High fever or severe infection
- Childbirth
- Major surgery, major illness, sudden blood loss
- Severe emotional stress
- Crash diets, especially those that do not contain enough protein
- A number of medications, including retinoids, birth control pills, beta-blockers, certain antidepressants, NSAIDs (including iburpofen) and calcium channel blockers
Some women ages 30 - 60 may notice a thinning of the hair that affects the entire scalp. The hair loss may be heavier at first, and then gradually slow or stop. There is no known cause for this type of hair loss.
Other possible causes of hair loss, especially if it is in an unusual pattern, include:
-
Alopecia areata -- bald patches that develop on the scalp, beard, and, possibly, eyebrows. Eyelashes may fall out as well. - Autoimmune conditions such as
lupus - Burns
- Certain infectious diseases such as
syphilis - Excessive shampooing and blow-drying
-
Thyroid diseases - Nervous habits such as continual
hair pulling or scalp rubbing -
Radiation therapy -
Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp) - Tumor of the ovary or adrenal glands
