Factors that can interrupt a normal hair growth cycle

If you are experiencing sudden and significant hair loss, it is likely to have been caused by an interruption to the normal growth cycle of your hair.

Hair follicles go through three stages – growth (the anagen phase), transitional (the catagen phase) and a period of rest (the telogen phase). The anagen phase normally lasts between four to six years, before resting for just a few months.

If the follicles experience too short a growth phase or enter telogen early, this can cause massive shedding or thinning of hair. But what causes this interruption to the normal growth cycle? The most commonly known triggers include:

• Sudden hormonal changes such as those which occur after childbirth
• Acute physical, psychological or even surgical trauma
• Diseases such as lupus and diabetes
• Chemotherapy and radiotherapy
• Burns
• Severe and sudden change to diet
• Thyroid problems
• Certain medications, such as some birth control pills, medication for blood pressure and anti-depressants
• High fever

If you believe that any of the above is causing your hair to fall out, the most important thing to do is to see your doctor, dermatologist or trichologist for a formal diagnosis.