If you’re losing your hair and think it might be related to chronic kidney disease (CKD), you aren’t alone. Hair loss or thinning isn’t a typical symptom of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgA nephropathy, IgAN, or Berger’s disease), but it can happen.

Several complications linked to IgAN may contribute to hair loss. Here’s what you need to know if you’re living with IgAN and wondering whether it could be affecting your hair.

1. Many People With Kidney Disease Notice Hair Loss

In a study of 101 people on dialysis for kidney failure or end-stage kidney disease (also called end-stage renal disease), almost 10 percent reported hair loss. While this suggests a possible link between CKD and hair loss, especially in its later stages, more research is needed.

This small study doesn’t reflect the typical experience of someone with IgAN. Most people living with IgAN do not reach kidney failure — and many never do. That said, if you’re noticing hair thinning or hair loss and think it may be connected to your kidney health, it’s worth bringing up with your doctor.

2. A Lack — or an Excess — of Nutrients Can Cause Hair Loss

Hair health is closely tied to nutrition. Deficiencies in nutrients such as selenium, zinc, iron, and vitamins A, B, C, D, and E can sometimes lead to hair loss. Kidney disease may contribute to deficiencies by affecting how the body stores these nutrients.

In IgAN, nutrient deficiencies may happen because of chronic inflammation, poor appetite, restricted kidney diets, and some side effects of medications. These complications — not IgAN itself — may lead to hair loss. Dialysis and some medications, including immunosuppressants and steroids, can also increase nutrient loss through urine.

Kidney function plays a key role in handling certain vitamins. For example, riboflavin (a B vitamin) is partly stored in the kidneys, and the kidneys help activate vitamin D into a form the body can use. If the kidneys aren’t working well, these processes may be disrupted, potentially affecting hair health.

At the same time, getting too much of certain nutrients, such as through supplements, can be harmful, especially when damaged kidneys can’t remove excess waste. Studies have linked high levels of selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin E to hair loss.

3. Boosting Nutrient Levels Through Diet or Supplements Could Help

In some cases, correcting vitamin or mineral deficiencies may help stop or reverse hair loss. Some research has shown that, for people with low vitamin D levels, taking supplements may help with hair loss — though these studies weren’t done in people with kidney disease.

Supplements may not be helpful — or safe — if your kidneys aren’t working well. Your kidneys may not be able to process or remove excess vitamins, which could lead to harmful buildup in your body. More research is needed to know how effective supplementation is for hair loss in people with kidney disease and what the right dose might be.

Vitamin loss related to IgAN tends to happen more in the later stages of the disease. If you’re thinking about changing your diet or taking supplements, talk with your nephrologist first. They’ll help you understand if dietary changes or supplements are safe and potentially helpful for you.

4. Severe Itching (and Scratching) May Lead to Hair Loss

Moderate to severe itching is a common symptom in advanced stages of kidney disease. When the kidneys can’t properly filter waste products, these substances build up in the bloodstream, which can lead to intense itching.

Frequently scratching an itchy scalp can cause hair loss. Scratching may pull out hair, and if it’s already weakened by a vitamin or mineral deficiency, it can break more easily. This type of hair loss is unlikely in the early stages of IgAN, as these deficiencies usually occur in later stages.

If you notice hair coming out when you scratch your scalp, talk with your doctor. They can help treat the itching and give your scalp a chance to heal.

5. Lack of Protein May Cause Hair Loss

Protein is essential for hair growth. In IgAN, you might lose too much protein through your urine (called proteinuria) or cut back too much on protein to protect your kidneys.

People with IgAN are often advised to limit protein because their kidneys may not process it well. However, eating too little can lead to protein malnutrition, which has been linked to hair loss. Some amino acids (the building blocks of protein) may help the body absorb vitamins and minerals, so getting enough protein supports more than just hair.

For people with IgAN, it can be tricky to get enough protein but not overtax the kidneys. Your nephrology team can determine how much protein you need, and a registered dietitian can work with you to build a kidney-friendly eating plan. Because everyone’s needs are different, it’s important to get personalized advice.

6. Your Hair Loss Might Be Unrelated to Kidney Disease

Even though kidney disease can cause hair loss, it’s often not the cause — especially if your IgAN is stable. In many cases, hair loss is unrelated to kidney disease. Common causes include:

• Aging
• Family history of hair loss
• Stress or illness
• Certain medications
• Hairstyles that pull on the hair
• Hair treatments or chemical exposure
• Hormonal changes, such as those related to pregnancy, giving birth, and menopause
• Genetic conditions
• Scalp infections, such as ringworm

If your kidney disease is under control and you haven’t had hair loss related to it before, something else might be the reason. Talk with your healthcare provider. They can help identify the cause and recommend ways to slow, stop, or reverse hair loss.

7. Treating Kidney Disease May Help Hair Loss

When hair loss is caused by a medical issue, like kidney disease, treating the underlying condition is usually the first step. Getting treatment for IgAN may help stop hair loss, but this isn’t guaranteed.

If you notice new or worsening hair loss, it’s important to talk with your nephrologist and primary care doctor. When your kidneys are working well, your body is better able to get the nutrients it needs, which may give your hair a chance to stop shedding or grow back. Your doctor may recommend treatment options like ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, short-term steroids, or recently approved therapies for IgAN, along with lifestyle changes to help protect your kidneys.

Even with treatment, hair loss may not stop, and hair may not grow back or return the way it was before. If this happens, your kidney care team can help coordinate care with other healthcare specialists. Hair loss may also have causes unrelated to kidney disease, and some people need additional treatment to support hair regrowth. Working with your medical team can help ensure both your kidney health and hair concerns are addressed.

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