John had always taken pride in his thick, wavy hair. It was a big part of his identity. But over a few months, he noticed more hair in the shower drain and thinning around his temples. Initially, he chalked it up to stress or age. However, when small bald patches started to form, he sought medical advice. After several tests, John received a diagnosis of alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder where his immune system was attacking his hair follicles.
John’s experience is shared by millions who suffer from hair thinning due to autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata or lupus. The sudden and unexpected hair loss can be emotionally draining, and many feel lost when it comes to finding the right treatment. But with a better understanding of the connection between autoimmune diseases and hair thinning, more people can find effective solutions.
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. In the case of hair thinning, the immune system attacks hair follicles, disrupting the hair growth cycle and causing hair to fall out or thin.
Two of the most common autoimmune conditions that cause hair thinning are:
Other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disorders (e.g., Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), can also lead to hair thinning due to the disruption in normal hormone levels, which affects hair growth.
Hair thinning caused by autoimmune diseases often has distinct characteristics that differ from typical hair loss. Key symptoms include:
The emotional toll of losing hair to autoimmune diseases can be overwhelming. Many individuals experience feelings of anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal. Studies show that nearly half of individuals with alopecia experience significant emotional distress due to their hair loss.
Autoimmune-related hair thinning is more common than people may realize. The National Alopecia Areata Foundation estimates that about 6.8 million people in the U.S. will experience alopecia areata at some point in their lives . Lupus, on the other hand, affects approximately 1.5 million Americans, and many of these individuals report hair thinning as a key symptom .
Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that their hair thinning is related to an autoimmune condition and may spend months or even years seeking ineffective treatments.
Fortunately, there are various treatment options to help manage hair thinning due to autoimmune conditions. Results may vary depending on the severity of the condition, but many people experience significant improvement with the right approach.
1. Corticosteroids
2. Minoxidil
3. Immunosuppressants
4. State-of-the-Art Hair Systems
5. Hair Restoration Procedures
If you’re experiencing hair thinning and suspect it may be due to an autoimmune condition, it’s important to act quickly. The earlier you seek treatment, the better your chances of managing hair loss and encouraging regrowth.
At National Hair Centers, we specialize in diagnosing and treating all types of hair loss, including autoimmune-related hair thinning. We offer a wide range of solutions, from medical treatments and state-of-the-art hair systems to restoration procedures. Our expert team will work with you to find the treatment that best suits your needs, helping you regain your confidence and achieve the look you want.
Contact National Hair Centers today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you explore your options and find the right solution for your hair thinning.
Toll Free #: (855) 230-HAIR (4247)
Also serving Scottsdale, Mesa, Fountain Hills, Tempe, and Sun City West, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Gilbert, Ahwatukee Foothills, Buckeye, Encanto, Litchfield Park & out of state New Mexico residents
National Hair Centers has a huge on-site staff of trained hair replacement specialists and a large selection of the best hair replacement products and technology in the industry.
With a history of almost 50 years, but with a new generation of education, modern methods and products, the leadership and staff are all people dedicated to the science and art of making you look your very best.
We’re so proud of our services that many of us are customers as well!