Can hair loss be caused by polycystic kidney disease (PKD)? Hair loss indeed is an embarrassing thing for young people. It may be common along with aging, but sometimes, it indicates more serious conditions, like kidney damage.

How does Polycystic Kidney Disease Cause Hair Loss?

Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disorder which is featured by multiple fluid-filled sacs on the kidneys. With the development of illness condition, the cysts on the kidneys may become larger and larger which can oppress the kidney itself and surrounding tissues and organs, leading to numerous symptoms. Although hair loss is rare in polycystic kidney disease patients, sometimes patients indeed will suffer from the condition. Because some systems of the body has been damaged by decreased renal function. With the decreased renal function, patients’ hair will become visibly abnormal, because hair may be very dry and brittle. For some patients, hair problems can occur before dialysis or after being on dialysis. In order to give your a detailed explanation, we list several specific reasons for your reference.

1. Malnutrition

It is well know that hair is made up of protein. However, for patients with PKD, they are suggested to have a low-protein diet so as to reduce the kidney’ burden, because too much protein intake will produce more metabolic wastes and toxins. Actually, a correct protein intake is very essential for people with kidney damage.

2. Electrolyte imbalance

Patients with kidney damage run a certain risk for electrolyte disturbance. When zinc imbalance occurs, hair loss will occur as a clinical manifestation.

3. Hormone imbalance

Hormone imbalance is also one cause of hair loss for patients with kidney disease.

Aside from the mentioned above, lack of water, adverse effects of medications also can lead to hair loss. But the root cause is the kidney damage and decreased kidney function. Therefore, the root treatment is accordingly repair kidney damage and improve renal function.

If you do have no idea about how to deal with the condition, you can talk with our Online Doctors or leave a message to renal-disease@hotmail.com and we will reply you within 48 hours.