Hair loss in young women

[smj214]

Hello,

I'm only a sophomore in college, and I am experiencing rapid hair loss.  I used to have fairly thick hair.  I have lost probably about two-thirds of what I once had.  It started when I began taking college classes when I was 16 years old.  I assumed that that was stress-related.  After a few years, I am still experiencing hair loss, although I am no longer stressed.  I wash my hair twice a week.  I lose about 50-70 strands in the shower, and on days where I do not wash my hair, I probably lose about 10-20 strands.  I then thought it might have been a nutrient deficiency.  I have been taking supplements (including those with plenty of biotin and collagen) for about five months, but I have not seen any positive change.    

The hair loss is even around my head; there is no patchiness.

I have been losing eyelashes faster than usual, and I have also noticed that the bulbous end of the strands of my hair are larger than usual.  

My hair quality is pretty much the same.  My hair has always had a nice texture and luster.

And fyi, my iron level is good.    

I hope this is a sufficient amount of information to complete a proper online diagnosis.   :)

smj214

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
For the hair fall, causes could be due to stress, fungal infections, alopecia aereata, hormonal imbalance (overproduction of dihydrotestosterone and thyroid hormones irregularities),malnutrition, telogen effluvium and sebum plugs on skin.

Sometimes, more hairs enter into the telogen phase at the same time and fall with obvious note by the person. At other times, it may be due hair disorder or some other underlying disease. So, the causes for excessive hair fall may be physiological or pathological and include hormonal changes, fungal infection, physical effects (traction, heat, chemicals), psychological & stress-related reasons, thyroid disorders, iron deficiency anemia, excessive intake of Vitamin A, hereditary reasons etc. I suggest you to take opinion of a Dermatologist who will do a methodical medical check-up and advice accordingly.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Angebelle]

Adults normally lose between 50-100 strands per day.  So what you're experiencing isn't abnormal.  Anything more than that would be called "alopecia."  Its best to see a doctor specializing in hair disorders, because it can be various things that cause it.  Stress may be a factor, but so can a thyroid imbalance, endocrine disorder, and iron deficiency.  A blood test would be able to pinpoint the reason.

However, from personal experience, I learned that my unhealthy diet during college was causing my hair follicles to slow new growth.  It wasn't until I moved out of the dorms (and the nasty cafeteria where I barely ate anything) and had a kitchen of my own that I started eating healthier and my hair thickness returned to normal.

[meniere135]

Have you been to a dermatologist or endocrinologist yet?  They could run some bloodwork on you and see what your hormones are doing.  By iron level do you mean Ferritin level?  Hairloss is tough to figure out.  They are starting to do more research lately (long overdue) on the causes.  I don't know if your hairloss is autoimmune or hormonal or both.  Do you have any other symptoms - greasy hair, itchy head with dandruff, hairloss at a certain time during your cycle, acne (especially around the jawline, back, etc. )  If your hairloss is all over your head that is considered diffuse patterned.  Are you having any intestinal issues?  I know celiac disease can cause that type of hairloss also.  Do you have female family members with early hairloss?  Do you have any symptoms of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)?  So many things could be at the root of this problem.  Some people report hairloss with too much diet soda (aspartame?).  I hope something I've mentioned helps.  Sorry my post is all over the place.  If you don't know what some of the above diagnoses are - look them up on the internet.  Good luck finding answers.  My kids started losing their hair at 8 years old - runs in my husband's family.  I'm about to start the doctor appts. to see if there is help.  I know how you feel.  Keep looking for answers.