Hair Loss Can Have Many Underlying Causes

Q:  I am 85-years old, and a widow. For the last 18 months, I have been experiencing progressive hair loss that involved my eyelashes, and now my eyebrows are completely gone. I've seen two doctors over the past several months and have had a variety of tests including thyroid function The results have all been normal. I've been started on a hormone preparation that thus far has not helped. Where can I go to get help and find out the cause?

A:  Unexplained hair loss is a frustrating yet fairly common problem. From your question, it's not entirely clear whether you are describing only facial hair loss in that in addition to hair loss from your scalp. I'll assume that both are an issue in my response. One or two causes that may already have been considered should be mentioned.

The first is the aging process itself and an associated significant decrease in the overall number of hair follicles that, in combination with other factors could partially explain this situation.

You did not mention the names of other medications you are taking or any chemicals you are using in your makeup or hair care, some of which may also be a factor in hair loss.

The presence of some additional disease states besides a thyroid disorder, such as diabetes, are worth considering in addition to nutritional deficiencies. Factors including emotional stress and some autoimmune problems have also been implicated. In the final analysis, a visit to a dermatologist would be the next step. You may at least get a better explanation and treatments aimed at hair restoration.

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