4 months huge hair loss everywhere on scalp (Pohto)

Sudden and significant hair loss over a short period, such as four months, can be alarming and may be caused by various factors. Here are some common causes:
**Telogen Effluvium**: A common form of hair loss triggered by stress, illness, surgery, or significant life changes. It causes a large number of hair follicles to enter the resting phase and fall out.
**Nutritional Deficiencies**: Lack of essential nutrients such as iron, protein, vitamins (especially vitamin D and B vitamins), and minerals can lead to hair loss.
**Hormonal Changes**: Conditions like thyroid disorders can cause hair loss.
**Medications**: Certain drugs used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, and high blood pressure can cause hair loss as a side effect. **Autoimmune Disorders**: Conditions such as alopecia areata, where the immune system attacks hair follicles, can cause sudden hair loss.
**Infections**: Scalp infections like ringworm can lead to hair loss.
**Hairstyling Practices**: Frequent use of heat styling tools and chemical treatments can damage hair and lead to hair loss.
**Medical Conditions**: Chronic illnesses, like lupus or diabetes, can cause hair loss. I suggest a complete workup and blood tests.
**Sudden Weight Loss**: Rapid weight loss or eating disorders can lead to nutrient deficiencies and hair loss.
**Psychological Stress**: High levels of stress and anxiety can trigger hair loss.
Ir is essential to consult an experienced hair loss expert to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Good luck.
Jeff Rapaport MD FAAD
Realself Hall of Fame
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Hello and thank you for your question. I understand your concern. There are lots of possibilities as to why you have sudden hair loss. I think the best place to start is to get a complete blood work up and take it from there. Best of luck to you.

Dr. T

In your case, the differential diagnoses would be telogen effluvium, alopecia areata incognito or even seborrheic dermatitis. I would still recommend you to see a dermatologist who is specialized in trichology to help you getting the right diagnosis and treatment.
Further investigations like complete blood count, serum ferritin, thyroid function test, serum vitamin D may be helpful if there's an abnormality. A scalp biopsy might be necessary if your hair loss is not getting better even after some treatment.