Why is my hair falling out?

Hair loss can have a variety of causes, including:

1. Hereditary hair loss (androgenic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern hair loss), the most common cause worldwide, which develops with age and is related to genetics.
2. Hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women or changes in thyroid function.
3. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency, which can lead to brittle nails and other symptoms along with hair loss.
4. Stress and emotional shock, which can temporarily affect hair growth and cause shedding.
5. Medications, including those used in chemotherapy or certain supplements or treatments.
6. Poisons, like arsenic, thallium, mercury, and lithium, which can cause hair loss if ingested in large amounts.
7. Autoimmune conditions, including alopecia areata, where the immune system attacks hair follicles.
8. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as syphilis, which can lead to patchy hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, beard, and elsewhere if left untreated.
9. Traction alopecia, a hair loss condition caused by wearing hair tightly pulled back or when hair is put under consistent tension.
10. Excessive hairstyling, using hot-oil hair treatments, permanents, and tight hairstyles that damage the hair shaft or pull the hair.

If you're experiencing hair loss, it's essential to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan, as treatment strategies depend on the underlying cause. Not all types of hair loss are reversible, but in some cases, early treatment can improve the chances of a successful recovery.