What Causes Hair Loss?
Hair loss has many different causes, and often more than one factor is present at the same time. The most common causes include androgenetic hair loss that progresses through genetic and hormonal effects (male- and female-pattern hair loss), iron and ferritin deficiency, B12 and vitamin D deficiency, thyroid disease, the postpartum period, intense stress, rapid weight loss and past febrile illnesses.
Hormonal conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, certain medications and scalp diseases can also cause hair loss. Alopecia areata, in which round patches of baldness form, is a separate condition related to the immune system.
It is important to distinguish the type of hair loss: sudden shedding from all over the scalp is usually due to a temporary trigger, whereas thinning that progresses slowly over the years at the crown and front usually suggests androgenetic hair loss. Treatment is shaped according to this distinction.
Who Is It Suitable For?
- People whose hair loss has clearly increased in recent months
- Those who notice thinning at the crown, the front hairline or the parting
- Those who experience heavy shedding after childbirth, illness or a stressful period
- Men at the beginning of male-pattern baldness
- Women whose hair is thinning or losing volume
How Is the Treatment Planned?
- A detailed history is taken, covering when the shedding started, family history, diet, medications and sources of stress.
- The hair and scalp are examined and the type of hair loss is identified.
- A complete blood count, ferritin, vitamins, thyroid and, if needed, hormone tests are requested.
- Any deficiencies found are corrected, and referrals are made for underlying conditions where necessary.
- Where appropriate, topical medical treatments and procedures such as hair mesotherapy and hair PRP are added to the plan.
In androgenetic hair loss, topical minoxidil and, in suitable people, oral medications used under a doctor’s prescription are among the treatment options with scientific evidence. The use of these medications, their possible side effects and expectations are discussed in detail at the consultation.
What Should You Keep in Mind During Treatment?
- Because the hair cycle is long, treatment should be continued regularly for at least 3–6 months.
- A balanced diet with enough protein is important.
- Tight hairstyles, high heat and frequent chemical treatments should be avoided.
- Supplements that have not been recommended should not be taken at random; taking too much can also be harmful.
- Attention should be paid to sleep and stress management.
Possible Side Effects and Who Should Not Have It
With topical treatments, itching or dryness of the scalp, or a temporary increase in shedding in the first weeks, may occur. Because some oral medications can have hormonal side effects, these treatments are used only after a doctor’s evaluation and with follow-up. With injection procedures, mild pain, redness and, rarely, bruising may occur.
Many hair loss medications and procedures are not used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. An active scalp infection, certain blood disorders and the use of blood-thinning medication are assessed separately for injection procedures.
Dr. Fulya Koç’s Approach
Dr. Fulya Koç does not see hair loss as a problem limited to the scalp; she evaluates iron, vitamins, thyroid and hormonal balance together. The close relationship of her nuclear medicine specialty with thyroid disease helps ensure that thyroid-related shedding is not overlooked. Unnecessary procedures are not recommended; in some people, correcting deficiencies may be enough.
In cases of advanced baldness where surgical options such as hair transplantation may be needed, this information is shared openly; medical treatment and scalp procedures can be planned as supportive measures in that process.
Fulya Koç
Frequently asked questions
Iron and ferritin deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency and vitamin D deficiency are the conditions most often linked to hair loss. Inadequate zinc and protein can also play a role. Having tests done before taking supplements helps avoid unnecessary or excessive use.
Yes. Both an underactive and an overactive thyroid gland can cause hair loss. Once thyroid disease is treated and levels are balanced, shedding often decreases.
Diffuse shedding that begins within 2–3 months after intense stress, childbirth or a febrile illness (telogen effluvium) is often temporary. Once the trigger is gone, the hair generally recovers within a few months.
Common causes in women include iron deficiency, thyroid disease, the postpartum period, polycystic ovary syndrome, menopause and genetic predisposition. For this reason, hormonal status is also taken into account when evaluating hair loss in women.
The information on this page is general. Whether the treatment suits you, its possible risks and the results you can expect are assessed individually at your consultation. Results vary from person to person. Image is illustrative.
