my hair is falling too much - #23093
I am really stressed out because my hair is falling too much lately. A month ago, I noticed clumps of hair on my pillow every morning, and even when I shower, it feels like a lot has been lost down the drain. I thought it was just seasonal shedding at first, but now I’m worried it's something more serious. I started taking biotin, thinking it might help, but honestly, I haven’t seen much improvement. Even my friends are noticing and asking if I’m okay. I tried to remember if there was a change in my diet or any new products I used, but nothing sticks out. My hair is falling too much, and it’s really affecting my confidence — I find myself avoiding mirrors a lot. Went to a dermatologist who suggested stress might be a factor, but really? Stress can cause hair loss? I thought that was just a myth. Could my hair be falling too much from the products I used in the past? Be honest, can it just be temporary or should I be more concerned? I'm really hoping it's not permanent because I'm getting scared, and I don’t want to end up with bald spots. What do you all suggest?
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Doctors' responses
It’s understandable to be worried, but there are several possible reasons for your hair loss, and it’s crucial to approach this methodically. Hair loss can indeed be linked to stress—it’s called telogen effluvium, where stress can push hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to shedding. This is usually temporary and resolves once the stress is managed. However, it may take a few months to notice hair regrowth. In addition to stress, have you checked your iron levels, thyroid function, or any recent changes in your hormone levels? These can also impact hair. Products you used in the past are less likely to be the cause unless there was significant damage or allergic reactions. If there have been no dietary changes, it might be wise to review your diet for any nutrient deficiencies, mainly focusing on proteins, iron, zinc, and vitamins like D and B. Since you’ve mentioned seeing a dermatologist, they likely ruled out skin-related causes like scalp infections or alopecia areata, but a follow-up might be useful if the issue persists. Keep in mind biotin is frequently marketed for hair health, but its effectiveness can be limited unless there’s a clear deficiency. Instead, consider focusing on overall dietary balance and stress reduction techniques—exercise, mindfulness, or relaxation methods can help mitigate stress effects on the body. If hair loss continues or worsens, consider consulting a trichologist or endocrinologist for more specialized input. Monitoring the situation over the next few months is key. If there are still signs of worsening or significant changes such as bald spots, immediate further evaluation would be something to seriously consider.
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