On average, people shed about 50 to 100 hairs each day, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is part of the normal hair growth pattern and is not cause for concern. However, some people notice themselves losing much more hair than this, and this can be a sign of a serious illness or disease. Therefore, it is always best to discover which factors are causing the hair loss so medical attention can be sought when appropriate.
Heredity
Androgenetic alopecia, a genetic condition where the normal growth pattern of the hair slows down and the new hair begins not coming in as quickly, is a common cause of hair loss. People who have family members with this condition, regardless of whether it is on the mother's or father's side, will be at greater risk of losing hair themselves. Women with this condition typically only experience a thinning of their hair, while men can become completely bald, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Poor Nutrition
Not getting enough protein or iron can lead to hair loss, according to the Mayo Clinic, but so can overall poor nutrition. In addition, eating disorders and fad diets may also contribute to hair loss.
Hair Styles or Hair Treatments
Frequent highlighting, tinting, dying, straightening, curling, perming or bleaching your hair can contribute to hair loss. Although these hair treatments alone will rarely damage the hair, frequent use of these treatments over time can cause the hair to weaken and break, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Tight ponytails, over-styling and excessive hair brushing can also be hair-loss factors.
Stress or Illness
Stress or illnesses, infections and certain diseases may lead to a condition called telogen effluvium. When this occurs, too many hairs switch to the "resting phase" of the hair-growth cycle, where the hairs stop growing and eventually are shed. High fevers, severe cases of the flu, severe infections, chronic illness, major surgery, thyroid disease or experiencing a major trauma are some examples of experiences that may lead to hair loss, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Hormonal Problems
Pregnancy, recently going through childbirth, stopping birth control pills, menopause, thyroid problems, an increase in testosterone and other hormonal fluctuations are some examples of hormonal factors that contribute to hair loss. According to the Mayo Clinic, if the hormone change is temporary or if the hormones can be normalized or managed, normal hair growth should resume.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that can cause hair loss when it infects the skin of the scalp. However, when the ringworm infection is treated and disappears, hair typically resumes growing, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Diabetes and Lupus
Diabetes and lupus are two diseases that are also known to cause hair loss, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Frequent, sudden or unexplained hair loss should be reported to a doctor to rule out these serious diseases as the cause.
Medications or Medical Treatments
Medications may cause hair loss, particularly those that treat gout, arthritis, depression, heart problems and high blood pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic. Medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can also can hair to fall out. However, after stopping the medication or medical treatment, hair typically resumes normal growth.
Trichotillomania
Children or adults who twist or pull out their own hair suffer from a condition called trichotillomania. Although this can be a bad habit, it can usually be rectified by talking to the person or practicing behavior-modification techniques. However, it can be a warning sign of serious psychological problems, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Autoimmune Problems
Alopecia areata, which is thought to be an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss, can affect children and adults who are otherwise healthy. The hair generally falls out in clumps, creating totally smooth, round patches of skin on the scalp. It can even cause a complete loss of all hair on the head and body, although this is rare, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
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