Hair loss patterns may indicate underlying health conditions

Medical experts and the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) state that losing between 100 and 200 hairs per day is considered normal. However, a change in hair loss patterns—such as visible thinning, reduction in volume, or patches on the scalp—may indicate underlying health issues.

Various conditions can trigger hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia (influenced by genetics and hormones), autoimmune alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium. The latter often occurs months after physical or emotional stressors, such as high fever, surgery, childbirth, or restrictive diets.

Specialists warn that persistent hair loss can also serve as a marker for systemic health problems, including anemia, iron deficiency, thyroid alterations, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal changes. Experts recommend medical evaluation and trichoscopy to identify the root cause rather than treating only the aesthetic symptoms, as treating the hair alone may mask more serious internal issues.