What Are the Causes of Weight Loss & Hair Loss?

A sudden occurrence of hair loss and weigh loss can signal that you may have an underlying medical condition that needs immediate treatment. Hair loss is characterized by handfuls of hair falling out when doing simple activities such as combing the hair or showering. Unexplained weight loss is characterized by losing 10 or more pounds when not changing diet or exercise routines. Both weigh loss and hair loss could signal a variety of different conditions.

Hair Loss

Hair loss can be a traumatic experience for both men and women. It is best to consult your doctor to determine what the cause of your hair loss is and what treatments are available. There are many different causes of hair loss some causes include pattern baldness, alopecia, telogen effluvium, nutritional deficiencies, diseases, changing medications, certain medical treatments, hormone changes, stress, ringworm of the scalp or trichotillomania. Hair loss often is diagnosed by a dermatologist. A dermatologist will look carefully at your medical history and ask you questions about family history, allergies, diet, medications you are currently taking and, if you are a woman, issues such as menopause, menstruation and pregnancy. They may also need to take a scalp biopsy, blood test or hair sample.

Weight Loss

Unexpected weight loss is not usually a cause for concern unless it is characterized by losing 10 or more pounds and the weight loss persists. If you experience persistent weight loss you should consult with your doctor as you may have an underlying condition. Weight loss can be caused by many things, such as a certain illnesses, gastrointestinal disease, thyroid condition, endocrine disorders, cancer, aging-related appetite disorders, infection, cardiovascular and lung disease, kidney disease or a neurological illness.

Causes of Hair Loss and Weight Loss

Often hair loss and weight loss can go hand in hand or can be caused by the same condition. While it is normal to shed about a hundred hairs daily, there are many factors that can cause a shock to the body and result in hair loss. Certain factors include childbirth, high fever, sudden weight loss such as crash dieting or surgery. Losing weight causes hair loss because the body is not receiving enough nutrients to maintain hair growth which then causes it to fall out. The condition of hyperthyroidism can also cause both weight loss and hair loss along with other symptoms such as intolerance to heat, insomnia, breathlessness, trembling hands, warm moist skin, fast heart rate, increased bowel movements, light or absent periods, fatigue and nervousness. Certain cancers and the condition of hypopituitarism also have been known to cause both weight loss and hair loss. If you experience both symptoms, you should check with your doctor to make sure that you do not have a serious medical condition.