Hair falling out continuously

[Dawndelion]

Ever since the birth of my son in 1994 I have noticed my hair fall out continuously. It is all over the bathroom floor, brush, comb and when washing in the shower it pulls out in strands of about 10 hairs.  By looking at me you would never notice, my hair does not look any thinner than before my pregnancy, but it worries me that I do not know what is causing it.
I have spoken to other woman and get a multitude of "could be's" like lack of Iron, or that it is just normal after having a child.. but this has been going on for 11 years. Could it be nutrition related? Do I need to seek out Iron or other vitamins and minerals?
It would sure be nice to see my hair on my head and not all over the floor and counter etc.

[Linzyluhoo]

I would go to your Dr. before starting an Iron supplement...because if your not anemic, and you take too much iron, it can be bad for you.

[oceans3]

i do know that its natural to lose up to 100 strands of day. are you sure you arent just more "aware" of it causing you to think its much more than that? stress (as with just about everything) can be the culprit as well. i know for a while i went through thinking and worrying i was loosing a whole lot of hair. one simple thing, i needed to clear my comb and brush of the loose hairs because those strands were coming out as i brushed and i thought i was loosing a heck of a lot more hair than i really was. also, you seem to shed more during the winter months. for every hair you lose, one grows back in its place. woman and hair loss is becoming much more "popular" for lack of a better word. more acceptable, and more research.

[marriedlove]

You might try consulting a dermatologist about this.  They deal with hair loss issues all the time, and can probably give you a good idea of whether your loss is in the range of normal or represents something else at work.

Best of luck to you!  Always frustrating to have the sense that something isn't quite right, but not be sure what or why.

marriedlove (who always finds that her symptoms mysteriously disappear after the doctor's appointment is *finally* made)

[oceans3]

YES!!!!!!!!
(about symptoms disappearing...) how true, how true

[david'sgirl]

Check out tellogen effluvium. I had the same problem with hair falling out, BUT it may be different since you say it's been going on for 11 years. If you've had this problem for 11 years and it is indeed as bad as you say it is, I think the problem would be more visible and that's why I think you shouldn't worry so much.

[AfricanGrey]

I had the same thing after the birth of my daughter.  It was a thyroid problem.  Consult a doctor.

[AfricanGrey]

I had the same thing after the birth of my daughter.  It was a thyroid problem.  Consult a doctor.

[Aruba417]

If it's any comfort to you, I'm 25 and also have thick, long hair. Every time I brush, you could make a wig out of the hair that gets all over the bathroom. I have to clean out the shower drains about every 4 months because it's FILLED with my nasty hair! The hair gets all over the house, it's stuck to the broom. It's really horrible and kinda gross! I've never been pregnant, but this has been happening since the DAY (I swear) I hit puberty! And it never seems to thin out, either! Good luck to you!

[Pipa]

My Mom and I have both had this problem, my mother's doctor suggested she try a zinc supplement and it helped her tremendously.  I, however, had a poor reaction to it in that I was throwing up every time I took it, this is a possible side effect but I don't think happens in majority.  Of course, ask your doctor first, I will say that while I was taking it I noticed an immediate difference in the amount of hair falling out, I was having to rake it off the bathroom floor each day after blow drying my hair.  If it hadn't been for how it affected my stomach I would still be taking it.  Good luck.

[jifnif]

i agree that it could be a thyroid or an adrenal problem.  definitely contact your dr and also do your own research.  a dr will run tests to diagnose you and then want to correct you by way of drugs.  sometimes this is the best way, but research an all natural alternative as well.  just my opinion.  best wishes.

[lmroswell]

I have really thick hair to begin with and lots of it, but, after the birth of each child I lost a lot of hair, too.  That is normal.  I also have experienced from time to time hair loss.  I just went through it.  With every shower ( I wash my hair every day, we live in FL) I would find a hugh amount on the drain.  Then while drying my hair, a huge amount on the floor.  I never panick because it happens once in a while, maybe once a year and I have so much.  I started back on my vitamins, and wouldn't you know, my hair stopped falling out.  Now, I lose the normal amount of hair.  So, for me it is diet.  The vitamins really help.  I know that stress can be a factor too.

[Dawndelion]

Wow what an overwhelming response! Thanks to each and everyone of you for your comments and suggestions..I appreciate each and everyone of them. I will consult my DR. And I am sure my diet doesn't help, I eat everything the doesn't run away fast enough ha ha and I don't take vitamins. Maybe with DR. tests, a change in diet and some suppliments things will improve. Stress could definately be a factor too...Stress is my middle name. =) Will also check out the thyroid and other possiblities. Thanks so much everyone! Dawndelion =)

[princess26forever]

Get your thyroid checked,and your iron level checked too. Then when you find out the results listen closely to what the doctors says. Also, in the mean time try taking multi vitamins,and washing your hair 2-3 times each week.  Plus, try eating more fruit,and other healthy snacks twice a day,and eating healthy balanced meals. Do you drink milk?  If not start now. Drink a glass a milk 1-2 times each day.  Also,try going to the womans day magazine website,www.womansday.com  to read articles on  healthy tips on proper hair care.  Hope this helps.