Why Is My Hair Falling Out More Than Usual?

What's Normal Hair Shedding?

Before worrying, understand that losing 50-100 hairs per day is completely normal. Hair goes through natural growth cycles, and some shedding is part of this process. You should be concerned if you're noticing:

• Significantly more hair in your brush or drain than before
• Hair coming out in clumps
• Visible thinning or bald patches
• Changes in your part width or hairline

Common Reasons for Increased Shedding

1. Stress (Telogen Effluvium)

Telogen effluvium is one of the most common causes of sudden increased shedding:

• Triggered 2-4 months after a stressful event
• Can be emotional (divorce, job loss) or physical (surgery, illness)
• Usually temporary—hair regrows once stress resolves
• Learn about recovery timeline

2. Hormonal Changes

• Pregnancy/Postpartum: Hair loss after pregnancy is common
• Menopause: Declining estrogen can trigger shedding
• Thyroid issues: Both hyper and hypothyroidism cause hair loss
• PCOS: Hormonal imbalances affect hair
• Birth control: Starting or stopping can trigger shedding

3. Nutritional Deficiencies

• Iron deficiency: Very common, especially in women
• Protein deficiency: Hair needs protein to grow
• Vitamin D: Low levels linked to increased shedding
• Crash dieting: Rapid weight loss can trigger shedding

4. Genetic Hair Loss

Male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss can feel like increased shedding but follow specific patterns. Check if you notice:

• Receding hairline (men)
• Widening part (women)
• Crown thinning
• Family history of hair loss

5. Medical Conditions

• Alopecia areata: Causes patchy hair loss
• Autoimmune diseases: Lupus, etc.
• Scalp infections: Fungal or bacterial
• Chronic illness: Long-term health issues

6. Medications

Many medications can cause hair shedding:

• Chemotherapy drugs
• Blood thinners
• Antidepressants
• High-dose vitamin A
• Some blood pressure medications

When to See a Doctor

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Sudden, dramatic increase in shedding
• Hair coming out in clumps
• Patchy hair loss (sudden patches)
• Scalp pain, burning, or itching
• Hair loss with other symptoms (fatigue, weight changes)
• No improvement after several months

What Tests Might Be Ordered

A doctor may recommend:

• Complete blood count
• Iron and ferritin levels
• Thyroid function tests
• Vitamin D levels
• Hormone panels
• Scalp biopsy (in some cases)

What You Can Do Now

• Track your shedding—keep a hair diary
• Note any recent stressors or changes
• Review medications with your doctor
• Ensure adequate nutrition
• Be gentle with your hair
• Don't panic—most causes are treatable

Conclusion

Increased hair shedding can have many causes, from temporary stress to medical conditions. The good news is that most causes are identifiable and treatable.

Start by taking our assessment to identify your likely hair loss type, then consult with a healthcare provider if needed. Early intervention leads to better outcomes, especially for early-stage genetic hair loss.