losing hair

About a month and a half ago, I began to notice I was losing a lot of hair when I brush or wash it. It didn't bother me too much at first, thought I just needed a haircut...so I got the haircut and the hair continues to fall out...not in clumps or anything but just lots and lots of strands of hair...and all the time, not just when I shower or brush it. I think it might have something to do with stress, but the major event that made my stress level shoot up about the time it started falling out is past and all is well on that count, so...I'm not sure. My family has a history of thyroid problems, and I was taking herbal supplements for that about a year ago but they didn't seem to have much effect. I know we tend to lose more hair certain times of the year, but I've never had anything like this before. Any ideas?

First of all, please see your GP as he or she will be able to give you a more qualified answer.

The following is a very general observation on the more common causes, which might help you or other women who suffer from hair loss.


Treating and diagnosing Female hair loss is not as simple and straightforward as male pattern baldness. Many physicians subscribe to the theory that women should immediately begin a regimen of growth stimulants (whether it be Rogaine for Women, or other). Like men's hair loss however, there are underlying causes, and the good news is that a large percent of women's hair loss is completely reversible. The general idea behind diagnosing and treating it involves a responsible informed physician and a series of tests to rule out, or rule in, the causes. The most common causes of hair loss in women are hormonally related. Whether it be an overactive thyroid, or the after effects of menopause or pregnancy, there usually is a "good" reason why women lose their hair. The key is to find out what the reason is, and to then evaluate your options in dealing with it. First things first though, let's find out how to help your doctor diagnose your condition.


The most common causes are:


The Birth Control Pill. Hair loss while on "the pill" has been reported. So too has diffuse Alopecia upon stopping the pill. A history of previous postpartum hair loss is variably present.

The Postpartum period. The months following childbirth are also a very common time for some women to experience hair loss. Each individual hair goes through cycles of growth and resting phases. During pregnancy, more hair follicles are maintained in the growth phase due to high estrogen levels. After pregnancy, a greater proportion of these hairs go into the resting phase than normal, causing a temporary "shedding" (really a mass-dormancy) of the hair, which typically is self-correcting over time.

Hormonal factors. Changes in hormone levels, especially those of the thyroid and sex hormones, influence the hair follicle. The associated hair loss usually disappears when the condition is put under control. Hypothyroidism is a very common cause.

Nutritional Factors. Crash dieting, or chronic nutritional deprivation (starvation or alcoholism) may result in some diffuse hair loss. Discontinuation of such practices typically results in hair re-growth. Iron and Zinc deficiency are also recognized as potential causes of Telogen Effluvium. A blood test can reveal whether this is a factor in your situation.

Systemic Illness. Various systemic illnesses including Crohn's disease and hepatic disease have been associated with diffuse hair loss.

Medications. A large number of drugs have been reported to cause or possibly cause, diffuse Alopecia, and inflammatory bowel disease.