Changes in hair texture, density, and hair loss patterns can reveal underlying health problems. In some cases, hair loss can be an early symptom of serious illnesses, according to the US health website Healthline .

Hair loss can be a warning sign of the following underlying diseases:

Thyroid disorders

This is one of the most common health problems that has hair loss as a symptom. The most common thyroid disorders are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

The thyroid gland plays an important role in metabolism, including the hair growth cycle. An imbalance in thyroid hormones disrupts the normal growth phases of hair, leading to increased hair loss and thinning.

Hair loss due to thyroid imbalance will occur all over the scalp, not in patches. Not only the hair on the scalp but also the eyebrows can sometimes fall out due to thyroid imbalance.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Hormonal imbalance is another major cause of hair loss, especially in women. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome cause women’s bodies to produce too much of the male hormone androgen. This causes hair to thin on the scalp, while stimulating hair growth in other parts of the body, such as the face.

High levels of androgen hormones cause hair loss by shrinking hair follicles. This type of hair loss causes hair loss primarily on the top of the head. Treatments to reduce hair loss usually involve balancing hormones, adjusting diet, or taking anti-androgen medications.

Autoimmune disorders

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system attacks healthy hair follicle cells. Hair loss occurs not only on the hair but also on other parts of the body. On the scalp, the hair loss patches can be small or large depending on the severity of the disease.

To treat it, your doctor may use corticosteroids, immunotherapy, or other medications to modulate your immune system, according to Healthline .