According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, hair grows in a three-phase cycle: anagen, catagen and telogen. Growth occurs during the anagen phase. The root of the hair dies in the catagen phase and the telogen, or resting phase, is the time when hair sheds. Losing 50 to 100 hairs daily is normal; however, illness, stress or other unknown factors can cause some people to experience excessive shedding. Finding a successful solution to the problem of falling hair often depends on correctly determining the cause of the shedding.
Medical Treatment
Excessive hair loss can be a symptom of several medical conditions including anemia, lupus or diabetes. This is why it's important to consult your doctor about your hair loss before attempting to treat it yourself. If excessive shedding is caused by an underlying medical condition, treatment of that condition can help to stop the shedding. If shedding is caused by medicine your currently taking, your doctor will also be able to switch your medications to help alleviate hair loss as a side effect.
Drug Therapy
Currently, there are two drugs U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved as treatments for hair loss: minoxidil and finasteride. Minoxidil is most commonly known as Rogaine. It is available as an over-the-counter (nonprescription) treatment for both men and women and is usually applied as a topical treatment. Minoxidil must be used continuously to maintain effectiveness. This means if you stop using the product, your hair will begin excessively shedding again. Finasteride is a prescription drug that has only been approved for men and is most commonly sold under the brand name "Propecia." Finasteride works internally to lower the production of DHT, a hormone believed to cause the common form of male pattern baldness.
Herbs and Supplements
If your falling hair is caused by a nutritional deficiency, taking a daily multivitamin may provide your body with the vitamins and minerals you might be missing. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that, in addition to a regular multivitamin, B-complex, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin C supplements may also be useful in treating hair loss. Additionally, they suggest a topical application of peppermint, rosemary, and sage essential oils mixed in olive oil as a potential herbal treatment to alleviate hair loss.
Stress Relief
Continual stress from work, school, unexpected emergencies or just day-to-day life can trigger a multitude of illness ranging from heart disease to diabetes. Stress can also be a factor in excessive shedding. While you may not be able to eliminate stress completely from your life, activities like yoga, meditation, and prayer can help to lower the effects of stress on your body and, potentially, stop your hair from falling out.
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