Doctor named non-obvious causes of hair loss

In addition to stress, iron deficiency, and lack of B vitamins, hair loss can be triggered by infections with high fever, as well as the use of certain medications, including statins.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to "Gazeta.Ru", this was stated by Doctor of Medical Sciences, trichologist Yulia Gallyamova. According to her, telogen effluvium - a condition in which hair follicles prematurely enter the resting phase - is often caused by hidden iron deficiency anemia and lack of protein in the diet.

The expert explained that with anemia, the level of iron in the blood serum and bone marrow decreases, which disrupts the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells. In addition, iron plays a key role in the functioning of mitochondria - the "power plants" of cells.

"Hair is one of the first to react to protein and iron deficiency because under conditions of resource shortage, the body 'turns off' everything secondary," noted Gallyamova.

Among other common causes of hair loss, the doctor mentioned a lack of B vitamins (B12, B9, and B5), as well as thyroid diseases. Less obvious factors include infections accompanied by high fever.

According to the specialist, any infection with fever can trigger damage to hair follicles. As a vivid example, she cited the mass hair loss after having COVID-19.

The trichologist also reminded that hormones and cytostatics - drugs that suppress the division of malignant cells - can affect hair growth and quality. At the same time, some widely used medications, including statins used to reduce blood cholesterol levels, can cause similar effects.