Hair Loss and Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system fails to differentiate between external invaders and healthy cells, attacking its own tissues instead.
The exact causes of autoimmune diseases remain unclear. However, various theories suggest factors such as bacteria, viruses, medications, or environmental triggers.
How Are Autoimmune Diseases Related to Hair Loss?
Depending on the type, an autoimmune disease can affect one or more tissues in the body. Hair loss is a possible symptom of several autoimmune diseases, but in some cases, the connection is more direct. Additionally, the diagnosis of one autoimmune disease increases the likelihood of developing a second, which may also be linked to hair loss.
Key Autoimmune Diseases Associated with Hair Loss
Alopecia Areata
This condition is a direct link between autoimmune disease and hair loss, as the immune system attacks hair follicles, disrupting hair growth.
• Commonly affects people under 20 but can occur at any age.
• Characterized by patchy hair loss.
• Hair regrowth is possible but less likely if there’s a family history, extensive hair loss, or additional autoimmune conditions.
Lupus
Lupus affects various body systems and organs, causing a wide range of symptoms, including hair loss.
• Hair loss can result from the disease itself or as a side effect of medication.
• In some cases, hair regrows after treatment ends.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism.
• Hair loss may result from suppressed thyroid hormones, inflammation, or poor blood circulation to hair follicles.
• Increased testosterone levels in women, often due to high insulin levels, are a common cause of hair thinning in Hashimoto’s patients.