A certain amount of hair loss is normal especially as you get older; however, if you experience a sudden increase in hair loss, it may indicate a health problem. Certain medical conditions, stress, some medications and aging all can cause your hair to fall out or break off from being dry and brittle. Sometimes, with treatment, the hair loss is reversible. While you may chalk it up to balding and think hair loss is not serious, it is important to take time to determine the underlying cause.
Step 1
Check your comb and hair brush. You will likely have some hair that accumulates after each brushing. Remove the hair each day and look for increases. See your doctor if this hair increases sharply all at once, or continues to gradually increase over time.
Step 2
Check your shower drain. You may notice that your hair starts to come out in large amounts when you are washing it. This hair may get caught in your shower drain after each shower. Check to see how much hair clings to your shower and to your hands after washing.
Step 3
Examine your scalp in the mirror, Look for areas at the crown of your head and along your hairline for signs of hair loss. This often signifies pattern baldness, which can occur in men and women, according to MayoClinic.com. Feel for areas where the hair is thinner than in other scalp areas.
Step 4
See a dermatologist. If you cannot tell by looking or feeling that your hair is falling out, but you suspect it might be, a dermatologist can examine your scalp and run tests that will help determine if your loss rate is normal.
Step 5
Talk with your doctor about certain health problems like thyroid irregularities, diabetes or skin conditions that may contribute to hair loss.
Step 6
Evaluate your stress level. According to MayoClinic.com, excessive stress can force your hair into dormancy or cause it to fall out. If you've been unusually stressed lately and think your hair might be falling out, there's a strong correlation between the two symptoms. See your doctor to discuss potential treatment plans.
Member Comments