what causes hairfall - #23084
I am really worried about something that's been happening to me. Like, for the past few months, I’ve noticed that I’m losing a LOT of hair! I wake up every morning and there’s like a little pile of hair on my pillow. What causes hairfall like this? I tried changing my shampoo, thinking maybe it was that, but still no luck. I’ve also been super stressed with work – you know how it is! A couple of weeks ago, I read something online about how nutrition impacts hair health, and I might not be eating enough healthy stuff. Could that be a cause too? Also, my friend mentioned hormones could play a part in what causes hairfall, especially since my periods have been a little irregular lately. I guess, I just feel kinda lost about what causes hairfall and what to do about it. Should I see a doctor? Or is there something I can try at home? I don’t want to wake up one day and have a bald spot or something. Any advice would really help!
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Doctors' responses
When it comes to hairfall, there are indeed several potential causes ranging from physical, hormonal to lifestyle factors. To start with, stress—as you’ve noticed—can certainly contribute to hair loss. This happens through a condition called telogen effluvium, where stress pushes hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to increased shedding couple of months later. Since you’ve mentioned irregular periods, it’s worth considering that hormonal imbalances could be a factor too, especially involving the thyroid or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affect hormone levels and might lead to hair loss.
Nutritional deficiencies, like in iron, vitamin D, and protein, can also affect hair health; a balanced diet rich in lean protein, leafy greens, and fruits might help restore balance. Over-styling, harsh shampoos, and chemical treatments can further aggravate the issue, even though your shampoo change didn’t yield results, gentle hair care practices are beneficial. It’s indeed wise to consult a healthcare professional; they can provide a detailed evaluation, including blood tests to rule out reasons like anemia, thyroid dysfunction, and nutritional deficiencies or even androgenetic alopecia.
If immediate medical intervention isn’t necessary, there are home-care steps you can take to support hair health until you consult a healthcare professional. Using mild shampoos, avoiding heat styling, and incorporating hair-friendly nutrients can be helpful. If there’s a visible increase in hair thinning or bald spots, please don’t delay seeking medical advice, as early intervention can be beneficial in managing or reversing hair loss in many cases.
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