Why People Shed Hair: Understanding the Causes

Why People Shed Hair: Understanding the Causes

It can be alarming to notice more hair in the shower drain, on your pillow, or in your brush. Hair shedding is a normal part of the growth cycle, but when it feels excessive, many people begin to worry about hair loss or thinning. As clinicians, we reassure patients that shedding hair is often temporary and influenced by many factors—from nutrition to stress, to underlying medical conditions.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we help patients uncover the why behind their hair shedding and offer treatments that address both the symptoms and the root causes.

The Normal Hair Growth Cycle

Hair does not grow continuously. Instead, it follows a cycle:

  1. Anagen (growth phase): Lasts 2–6 years, when the hair actively grows.
  2. Catagen (transition phase): A short, 2–3 week phase where growth stops.
  3. Telogen (resting phase): Lasts about 3 months before the hair naturally sheds.

On average, it’s normal to shed 50–100 hairs a day. Problems arise when more hairs than usual enter the telogen phase or when new growth is disrupted.

Common Reasons People Shed Hair

1. Stress and Hormonal Changes

High stress levels can shock the body, pushing many hairs into the shedding phase at once. This is known as telogen effluvium, often seen after surgery, illness, childbirth, or extreme stress. Hormonal changes—such as thyroid dysfunction, menopause, or low testosterone—also directly influence hair growth.

2. Nutrient Deficiencies

Your hair is a reflection of your overall nutrition. Low levels of iron, vitamin D, zinc, and biotin are well-known contributors to increased shedding. At our clinic, we often perform advanced nutrient testing to identify hidden deficiencies that traditional labs may overlook.

3. Medical Conditions

Hair shedding can be linked to autoimmune diseases such as lupus, or metabolic issues like prediabetes and insulin resistance. Inflammation in the body often shows up in the hair and skin first. That’s why we use a functional medicine approach to look deeper when hair loss seems unexplained.

4. Medications

Certain medications, such as blood thinners, chemotherapy drugs, antidepressants, and even some blood pressure medicines, may cause increased shedding as a side effect.

5. Age and Genetics

As we age, hair naturally thins. Men and women may both notice hereditary thinning patterns—male-pattern baldness and female-pattern hair loss. While these are genetically influenced, newer regenerative treatments like PRP/PRF hair restoration can stimulate dormant follicles and slow progression.

6. Scalp Health

Inflammation of the scalp, fungal infections, or buildup of products can block healthy hair growth. Maintaining a clean, nourished scalp environment is essential.

Functional and Aesthetic Solutions for Hair Shedding

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we treat hair loss with a comprehensive approach:

  • Functional Medicine Evaluation: We look at hormone balance, nutrient levels, and underlying inflammation.
  • PRP/PRF Hair Restoration: By using your body’s own growth factors, we stimulate healthier, stronger hair growth naturally. Learn more about our PRP and PRF services.
  • Nutritional and Lifestyle Support: Correcting deficiencies, optimizing protein intake, and lowering stress can make a major difference.
  • Laser and Red Light Therapy: Low-level light therapy improves scalp circulation and cellular energy, supporting regrowth.

When to Be Concerned About Hair Shedding

While shedding is normal, there are times when you should seek medical evaluation:

  • Sudden, dramatic hair loss
  • Patchy bald spots
  • Accompanying symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or joint pain
  • Scalp pain, redness, or scaling

These may signal a deeper issue that requires professional attention.

Supporting Healthy Hair at Home

Here are some simple, evidence-based strategies to support hair health:

  • Eat a nutrient-rich diet with lean proteins, omega-3 fats, and leafy greens.
  • Manage stress through mindfulness, exercise, or counseling.
  • Avoid harsh hair treatments like frequent bleaching or heat styling.
  • Maintain scalp health with gentle cleansing and occasional scalp massage to improve circulation.

A Personalized Approach

Every patient’s hair story is unique. For some, shedding is temporary and stress-related. For others, it’s tied to hormonal changes or medical conditions that need attention. At our St. Louis office, we combine medical expertise with regenerative therapies to not only slow hair loss but also promote new, healthy growth.

Final Thoughts

Hair shedding can be stressful, but it’s often the body’s way of signaling that something needs attention—whether that’s nutrition, hormones, or inflammation. With the right evaluation and treatment, many patients experience noticeable improvements.

If you’re noticing more shedding than usual, schedule a consultation at Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine). We’ll work with you to uncover the cause and create a treatment plan that restores confidence from the inside out.

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