what is the main cause of hair fall
I am really worried about my hair lately. Over the last few months, I’ve noticed way more hair in my brush and on the shower floor, like every time I wash it I’m noticing increased strands. I mean, I used to have pretty full hair, and now I feel like I’m losing more than usual, and it just isn’t normal, right? I have done some research about what is the main cause of hair fall and found so much info - it’s overwhelming. Stress seems to be a huge factor, but do you think it could be more than just that? My diet has been kinda off too, not eating as much protein as I should, and I’ve been feeling drained from juggling work and life. I even took some tests at the lab and they said my thyroid levels are fine, but I’m still like, what is the main cause of hair fall for someone like me? I mean, could it be hormonal changes or something? Plus, I read about alopecia but don’t think that’s what’s happening to me because I don’t have patches. Just this increase in shedding and I'm freaking out. What’s the deal? What should I do? Would love any help or thoughts on what is the main cause of hair fall. Thanks!
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Doctors' responses
Hair loss, or alopecia, can indeed be unsettling, especially when it feels sudden or unexplained. While stress is often a significant factor, hair fall can arise from a variety of causes and understanding these is essential. Telogen effluvium is a common type of temporary hair loss that often follows significant stress, a nutritional deficiency, or hormonal changes. Since you mentioned feeling drained and not consuming enough protein, diet plays a crucial role as hair is primarily made up of a protein called keratin. Ensuring you’re getting enough protein and essential nutrients like iron, vitamins D and B12, and zinc is vital for healthy hair growth. Since your thyroid levels are fine, we can reasonably rule out conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which are known to affect hair health. Hormonal imbalances, especially related to androgens, could also cause increased hair shedding; polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one such condition that might impact hair due to hormonal change, so it wouldn’t hurt to explore this with your doctor. Given the lack of patchy hair loss, it’s less likely to be alopecia areata, but a dermatologist would be best to confirm this. It may be beneficial for you to consult with a dermatologist who can provide a scalp examination and possibly conduct a pull test or request a biopsy to better determine the cause. While waiting for a consult, I recommend reducing stress with activities like yoga or meditation, rebalancing your diet with plenty of protein, fruits, and vegetables, and avoiding harsh hair treatments like excessive heat styling or chemical processes. If you’ve recently started new medication, this could also contribute and is worth reviewing with your doctors. Hair fall can be distressing, but remembering it often improves with the right adjustments, and medical guidance can make a significant difference.
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