Hair loss is a normal part of life. If you’ve noticed more hairs on your pillow or hairbrush than usual, you may be concerned that you’re losing your hair. It’s enough to make you want to yank your hair out if nature isn’t already doing it for you.
You could simply be shedding more hair than usual. There is a difference, of course. We lose about 80 strands per day on average; if you start shedding significantly more than that or notice they aren’t growing back, that’s when things start to get worrisome. Most of us worry about excessive hair growth, but on the other hand, when we begin to lose those lustrous locks – it is time to sit up and do something.
Causes of excessive hair fall
You might be religiously following a healthy diet and taking care of your hair but still wondering, “my hair is falling out why?”
Here are some of the most frequent causes of extreme hair loss, if you’ve noticed that it’s thinning out, falling out more frequently than usual, or growing more slowly.
1. Hair Loss Caused by Medications
Chronic hair loss has been linked to some medications, particularly those used to treat depression, cancer, high blood pressure, and arthritis. According to a study published in The American Journal of Medicine by Dr. Alan Segal, patients who received statin drugs reported hair loss(alopecia) as a side effect.
Consult your doctor if you believe your medication is causing hair loss. This type of hair loss is usually temporary. However, if your hair loss becomes chronic, your doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative medication that does not cause this side effect.
2. Underlying conditions
Thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, can cause excessive shedding. An excess of hormones can bring on hair loss as a result of an endocrine disorder like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
3. Stress
External factors like stress can adversely affect your hairline, resulting in anything from thinning to complete patches of hair loss.
Stress is associated with telogen effluvium, a form of hair loss that can interrupt hair’s natural growth cycle. Your body’s immune system can occasionally become self-destructive and attack your hair follicles when under a lot of stress. Thankfully, full recovery can happen if it is solely caused by stress.
4. Unbalanced hormones
The hair along the top of a woman’s head is affected by female pattern baldness, which is primarily genetic. This usually starts when hormone levels fluctuate. Most women experience significant hair loss a few months after giving birth. Some women experience increased shedding during menopause later in life. You may also experience hair fall if undergoing other hormonal changes, such as discontinuing birth control pills.
5. Nutrition deficiencies
Daily diet is related to hair loss because nutrients, vitamins and minerals are necessary for healthy hair growth. You are more likely to experience hair loss if your body does not receive any of these nutrients through your diet.
Nutrient deficiencies are linked to chronic telogen effluvium, female pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, and androgenetic alopecia, according to NYU Langone Health. Hair thinning can also be caused by a lack of iron, protein, or vitamin B12 in your diet. Consult your doctor about supplements if this occurs to you.
Although hair loss can be upsetting, talk to your doctor before you start worrying because thinning hair is often curable.
Losing your hair can make you anxious, but it’s crucial to understand how common female hair loss is and that if you have it, you are not alone and shouldn’t lose precious sleep over it.
One approach might not be enough to stop hair loss; you must also consider your general health, diet, and the best ways to care for your scalp and growing hair. Be patient and don’t give up, even though it may seem difficult.