Hair loss -- medically known as alopecia -- is a common complaint, affecting approximately 50 percent of women, according to the American Academy of family Physicians. This condition can occur anywhere on the body, but the most common location is on the scalp. Many of the conditions that cause hair loss in young women also cause decreases in potassium levels. "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine" notes that potassium levels are considered low if they fall below 3 millimoles per liter, or mmol/L.
Cushing's Syndrome
According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," Cushing's syndrome is an adrenal gland disorder where the release of the hormone aldosterone is increased substantially. This hormone causes the kidneys to excrete excessive amounts of potassium in the urine. In addition to that, Cushing's syndrome results in muscle wasting and substantial hair loss in women.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a common condition in women, where the thyroid gland is producing insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone, according to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." This condition results in female-pattern hair loss.
An article in the "American Journal of Physiology Renal Physiology" states that hypothyroidism affects the sodium-potassium pump in the cells, thus lowering the serum potassium level.
Chemotherapy
The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that hair loss occurs up to 90 percent in the two weeks following chemotherapy. This form of hair loss is called anagen effluvium. The main cause is the chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer. This is a self-limiting condition that resolves a few months after chemotherapy is stopped.
"Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine" indicates that vitamin and electrolyte levels, including potassium, significantly drop during chemotherapy, especially when the drug cisplatin is used. The treatment is to supplement potassium and other essential vitamins and minerals.
References
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Diagnosing and Treating Hair Loss
- "The Johns Hopkins Hospital: The Harriet Lane Handbook"; Dr. Jason Roberston and Dr. Nicole Shilkofski; 2005
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Dr. Anthony Fauci, et al (eds.); 2008
- "American Journal of Physiology Renal Physiology"; Potassium Adaptation in Hypothyroidism: Changes in Transport Adenosinetriphosphatases; M.M. Salem, M.D., et al.; 1993
- "Cummings Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery"; Paul Flint, M.D., et al.; 2010
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