By Dr. Demirel, Head of Surgery – Ideal of MeD
*Note: Patient names and identifying details have been anonymized to protect privacy.
Every week, patients come into my consultation room with different backgrounds but the same quiet worry.
- Michael*, a 32-year-old engineer, sat down and said, “My father went bald early. I’m afraid I’m next.”
- Emma*, a new mother, told me, “I’m shedding hair everywhere. I didn’t expect this.”
- James*, a teacher in his forties, noticed a round patch on the side of his head. “It just appeared overnight,” he said.
Different people. Different causes. But all connected by one question: Why am I losing my hair? To answer it properly, let’s walk through the science in a clear way.
How Hair Really Grows
Your scalp isn’t just full of hair – it’s full of cycles.
Every hair goes through:
- A growth phase – lasting years
- A resting phase – lasting weeks
- A shedding phase – where a new hair pushes the old one out
- Most of your hairs are growing at any given moment. Losing 50–100 hairs a day is normal.
Problems begin when something shifts this balance.
The Four Most Common Reasons Hair Loss Happens
1. Hereditary Hair Loss (Pattern Baldness)
When I examined Michael, I could see classic hereditary thinning.
This is the most common reason for hair loss in both men and women.
What happens?
- The hair becomes gradually thinner
- Each new hair grows shorter and finer
- Eventually, some follicles stop producing hair altogether
This type of hair loss often runs in families. More than half of men experience noticeable thinning by age 50, and a significant number of women experience a diffuse version of the same process.
It’s slow, predictable, and caused by sensitivity to certain hormones – not by stress, shampoo choice, or wearing hats.
2. Stress-Related Shedding (Telogen Effluvium)
Emma’s story is extremely common. After childbirth, or after an illness, major stress, rapid weight loss, or a deficiency in iron or vitamins, many people notice sudden shedding.
This usually happens because:
- The body shifts more hairs into the resting phase
- A few months later, those hairs shed all at once
It can be frightening, but it’s often temporary. Once the trigger is addressed, new hair typically grows back over the next several months.
3. Autoimmune Hair Loss (Alopecia Areata)
James’ sudden circular patch of hair loss is classic for alopecia areata – an autoimmune condition.
In this case:
- The immune system mistakenly targets the hair follicle
- Hair falls out rapidly
- Follicles are not destroyed, so regrowth is possible
The course can be unpredictable. Some people have a single episode; others experience repeated cycles of loss and regrowth.
4. Scarring Hair Loss (Permanent Follicle Damage)
Unlike the previous types, scarring hair loss involves actual destruction of the follicle.
This can happen from:
- Certain inflammatory skin diseases
- Severe infections
- Years of extremely tight hairstyles
- Some autoimmune conditions affecting the scalp
Once the follicle is destroyed, regrowth isn’t possible. This is why early diagnosis is essential – ideally before permanent changes occur.
How We Identify the Real Cause
In medicine, guessing is not acceptable. Hair loss needs a thorough, structured evaluation.
At Ideal of MeD, the process typically includes:
1. Your Story
When did the shedding start? Has anything changed in your health or life? Does hair loss run in your family?
2. Scalp Examination
Patterns tell us a lot – hereditary thinning looks different from stress shedding or autoimmune patches.
3. Blood Tests (when appropriate)
We check iron levels, thyroid function, vitamin status, and other factors.
4. Imaging or Biopsy (in select cases)
These help us confirm or rule out inflammatory or scarring conditions. This step-by-step approach ensures accuracy – and prevents misdiagnosis.
What Treatment Looks Like
If the cause is hereditary: We focus on slowing the process, strengthening existing hair, and – when appropriate – considering surgical restoration.
If the cause is stress-related: We address the trigger, correct deficiencies, and support regrowth.
If the cause is autoimmune: We manage flare-ups and encourage regrowth through targeted medical therapy.
If the follicles are permanently damaged: We explore surgical options, but only when the condition is stable and well understood.
There is no single “best treatment” – only the treatment that fits your diagnosis.
A Final Thought
People often think hair loss is cosmetic. After years of listening to patients, I don’t agree. Hair changes impact confidence, identity, and emotional well-being. Understanding the reason behind the hair loss often brings relief long before treatment even begins.
If you’re experiencing thinning or shedding, the most important step is simply this:
- Find out why during a free consultation.
Once you know the cause, the path forward becomes much clearer.