Hair Loss Stressing you out?

If you’re reading this, chances are you or someone you care about is dealing with hair loss—medically known as alopecia—and you’re looking for some answers, what is the root cause. As dermatologists, we have spent years helping people navigate this condition. Hair loss has many causes and can be distressing—it isn’t just about looks; it’s tied to how we feel about ourselves and can also be a sign of something else wrong in our body.. So, let’s discuss what alopecia is, the different types, why it happens, and what we can do to tackle it together.  

What is Alopecia? 

Alopecia is just the medical term for hair loss, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all deal. It can show up in different ways—maybe you’ve noticed a few patchy spots on your scalp, or perhaps your hair’s thinning out all over. Sometimes, it even affects eyebrows, eyelashes, or body hair. The most common types are:  

Alopecia Areata This one’s when your immune system gets a little confused and starts attacking your hair follicles, leaving round bald patches.  

Generalized Alopecia Think hair loss and thinning hair all over your scalp, not just discrete areas.

Androgenetic Alopecia Think male or female pattern baldness—usually tied to genetics and hormones.  

Telogen Effluvium A temporary shedding phase, often triggered by stress, illness, or big life changes.  

Scarring Alopecia A rarer form where inflammation damages the follicles permanently, leading to scar tissue.

Alopecia Totalis A very rare form of hair loss affecting not just scalp, but eyebrows, eye lashes, and body hair.

Why Is This Happening?  

Hair loss is a puzzle with lots of pieces. Here are some of the big players I’ve seen over the years:  

Genetics: If your parents or grandparents had thinning hair, you might’ve inherited the tendency. It’s not fair, I know!  

Hormones: Shifts—like those during pregnancy, menopause, or even from certain medications that alter estrogen or testosterone—can throw your hair growth cycle out of whack.  

Autoimmune Issues: With alopecia areata, scarring and totalis, your body’s defense system misfires, targeting your hair follicle!  

Stress: Ever notice more hairs in the shower after a rough month? Stress can push hair into a shedding phase. Metabolic stress, such as a diet or within the first few months of initiating GLP-1 agonist, can precipitate hair loss, known as telogen effluvium.  Having a baby is known to precipitate metabolic changes/hormonal changes that cause hair loss. Other good stressors like getting married, having a baby or starting a new job can also lead to hair loss.  

Nutrition: Low levels of iron, zinc, or vitamin D   

Thyroid issues:  Hypothyroidism is a common cause of hair loss and can be an early sign for thyroid issues.

Anemia:  Low blood iron stores can exacerbate or lead to hair loss, which is another link to other potential health issues.

Infections:  Yeast infections are the most common cause of reversible hair loss, typically presenting with itchy scalp.

Chemicals:  Hair treatments that irritate scalp and cause breakage of hairs can also present as hair loss.  

Just to name the top culprits....

Actually figuring out what you’re dealing with is step one. That’s where a thorough examination is so important—that is something here at Nashville Dermatology Physicians we pride ourselves in--

INDIVIDUALIZED TREATMENT   

When patients come to see us, we dig into their story—everything from family history to diet to recent life events. Sometimes we’ll most likely order lab work and maybe even a scalp biopsy, to get the full picture.  

So, What Can We Do About It?  

Here’s the good news: there are options, and they’ll depend on what’s driving your alopecia. At Nashville Dermatology Physicians in Brentwood, TN, both Dr. Jeffrey Berti and Dr. Toula Berti work with each patient to craft a plan that fits their situation. This is when the individualized, not one size fits all approach is paramount.  Finding out what is at the root of the issue and then providing a treatment plan is key.  Sometimes, there is more than one issue exacerbating the hair loss and this is when it is crucial that an experienced physician with years of training and patient interaction plays a pivotal role. 

The key? Patience. Hair grows slowly, and results can take months. But we’ll be with you every step of the way, tweaking things as needed.  

Why See Us at Nashville Dermatology Physicians?  

We are a team who’ve been at this for over 40 years combined, trained at the esteemed Mayo Clinic, University of Illinois and the University of Wisconsin. We started Nashville Dermatology Physicians because we wanted to bring that old-school, personal touch back to medicine. No corporate vibes here—just a small, local practice where you’re not a number.  

We’re located at 1001 Health Park Dr., Suite 470, Brentwood, TN 37027—just a hop from Nashville. It’s a cozy spot where we can sit down, talk through your concerns, and figure out what’s next. Want to learn more or book a visit? Request an appolntment our website at nashvilledermatologyphysicians.com or give us a call at 

(615) 212-2517.