Why Are You Suddenly Losing So Much Hair?
Hello Reader!
Have you noticed more hair collecting in your shower drain, filling your hairbrush, or coming out when you run your fingers through your hair?
A little shedding is normal. In fact, most people lose approximately 50โ100 hairs per day. But when you're noticing significantly more than usual, it's worth asking what might be contributing to it.
5 Potential Reasons You're Shedding More Hair
1. Low iron stores
Iron plays an important role in normal hair follicle function. Low iron stores, even without anemia, may contribute to hair shedding in some women.
Ferritin is one laboratory marker that helps assess your body's iron stores.
2. Thyroid dysfunction
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can contribute to diffuse hair shedding.
If your hair changes are accompanied by fatigue, changes in bowel habits, temperature intolerance, or menstrual irregularities, your thyroid may deserve a closer look.
3. Hormonal changes
Pregnancy, postpartum hormone shifts, perimenopause, and menopause can all affect hair growth patterns.
Changes in androgen, or testosterone, levels may also contribute to female pattern hair loss, which often presents as gradual thinning along the part or crown.
4. Physical or emotional stress
Significant stress, illness, surgery, or rapid weight loss can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium.
Interestingly, the shedding often doesn't begin until approximately 2โ3 months after the triggering event.
5. Not eating enough calories
Your hair follicles require adequate protein, energy, and essential nutrients to support normal growth.
Restrictive diets, rapid weight loss, or nutritional deficiencies can disrupt the hair growth cycle.
What Can You Do About It?
Before investing in expensive hair supplements, serums, or treatments, consider these three steps:
- Look at the timeline. Did your shedding begin after an illness, stressful event, medication change, or major dietary change?
- Prioritize nourishment. Eat enough protein, maintain a balanced diet, and avoid unnecessary restrictive dieting.
- Investigate the cause. Depending on your symptoms and history, evaluating iron status, thyroid function, and other potential contributors may be appropriate.
And remember: hair growth takes time. Even after addressing the underlying cause, noticeable improvement can take several months.
Let's Get to the Root of Your Hair Concerns
At Oasis Health & Medicine in Encinitas, I take an individualized approach to women's health, considering your symptoms, medical history, nutrition, and appropriate laboratory testing to help identify potential contributing factors.
You don't need to wait until your symptoms become overwhelming to start prioritizing your health.
Whether you're ready to investigate lingering symptoms, navigate hormonal changes, or simply build a healthier foundation, I'd love to help.
Wondering if we'd be a good fit?
I see patients at Oasis Health & Medicine in Encinitas, with virtual consultations available for patients throughout California.
Start with a discovery call and tell me a little about what's been going on.
Excited to work with you!
Holiday gifts under $50
Getting a head start on holiday shopping, but don't want to break the bank? Here are my favorites that are under $50 that every woman would appreciate.
โLittle Luxuries Under $50โ
For the Foodie in Your Life
For the person who loves cooking, hosting, or simply spending time in the kitchen! Here are my picks for beautiful cookware, practical kitchen upgrades, and thoughtful gifts that make everyday meals feel a little more special.
โFoodie Gift Guideโ
Some of the links in this post/newsletter are affiliate links. That means if you decide to buy something through my links, it helps support my work at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. For the full rundown of what this means, check out my Affiliate Disclosure.โ |
โ
Although I am a doctor, I may not be your doctor. The information contained within the pages of this site is for educational purposes only and should not be used to treat conditions. Please consult with your doctor before implementing any of the treatments, diets, supplements, etc. mentioned in this newsletter.
โ