It's still good to consider prescription and over-the-counter drugs because many types of medications can cause hair loss, even if you have been taking the drug for a long time.
Sometimes an underlying medical illness is the cause of hair loss. For example, thyroid problems, both an overactive and underactive thyroid gland, can cause hair loss.
Symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism):
- Feeling jittery or anxious
- Weight loss
- Heat intolerance
- Racing or irregular heart beat (palpitations)
- Insomnia
- Tremor
Symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism):
- Weight gain
- Feeling sluggish
- Cold intolerance
- A slower than usual heart rate
- Dry skin
Does either of these sets of symptoms apply to you?