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What Causes Severe Hair Loss?
Question: My 17 year old daughter, in good health, is losing/shedding lots of hair...it is alarming and very tough on her self esteem. I noticed it gradually when I was sweeping etc. She had a physical and blood work done that came out WNL in July 2014. She also (shared recently when I asked) has slow bleed 2 week periods per month. I am hoping these are related so that there is some help for this. She has been followed by her doctor (pediatrician--time to move on to gynocologist I guess) for yearly physicals. Blood work/CBC came back fine back in XXXXXXX Frightened--we both are. As it would be for anyone, Alopeica would be a nightmare. Thx in advance, Mary Comas/daughter XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Investigations/treatment by specialist
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for the query.
You both are going through a stressful period at present. Though it is natural to be so, you need not be scared- there are scientific ways to find out the cause & you will get a way out.
Hair fall can be due to multiple causes like Genetic, hormonal, infection of hairs, calcium/iron deficiency, psychological stress.
Looking at the information given by you ( good health, normal blood counts, impaired periods, stressful mind) I feel the cause is mostly Hormonal or psychological.
* Hormonal -
1) Thyroid problems
- Hyperthyroidism( associated with - thin built/ normal built person , big protruding eyes,hyper actvity,hair fall, irregular menses )
- Hypothyroidism( with obesity, slow movements ,hair fall, irregular periods)
2) PCOD- It is hormonal imbalance in menstrual cycle ( obesity, painful irregular periods, hair fall)
3) Testosterone predominance ( accompanied by hirsutism -hairs at chin,upper lip,cheek, scalp hair fall, irregular periods.)
* psychological stress- It can bring about- mal nutrition with deficiencies, Hormonal imbalance& irregularity in menses,hair fall)
* To pin point the cause she will need investigations like-
hormonal assessments, serum calcium/iron, USG abdomen, & psychological analysis.
- Rest assured after the investigations, pin pointing the cause will be possible followed by specific treatment.Ideal hair care along with specific treatment would return her normal hairs!
She will need to consult an Endocrinologist/ psychotherapist.
I hope, I have answered your query & satisfied you. Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
Investigations/treatment by specialist
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for the query.
You both are going through a stressful period at present. Though it is natural to be so, you need not be scared- there are scientific ways to find out the cause & you will get a way out.
Hair fall can be due to multiple causes like Genetic, hormonal, infection of hairs, calcium/iron deficiency, psychological stress.
Looking at the information given by you ( good health, normal blood counts, impaired periods, stressful mind) I feel the cause is mostly Hormonal or psychological.
* Hormonal -
1) Thyroid problems
- Hyperthyroidism( associated with - thin built/ normal built person , big protruding eyes,hyper actvity,hair fall, irregular menses )
- Hypothyroidism( with obesity, slow movements ,hair fall, irregular periods)
2) PCOD- It is hormonal imbalance in menstrual cycle ( obesity, painful irregular periods, hair fall)
3) Testosterone predominance ( accompanied by hirsutism -hairs at chin,upper lip,cheek, scalp hair fall, irregular periods.)
* psychological stress- It can bring about- mal nutrition with deficiencies, Hormonal imbalance& irregularity in menses,hair fall)
* To pin point the cause she will need investigations like-
hormonal assessments, serum calcium/iron, USG abdomen, & psychological analysis.
- Rest assured after the investigations, pin pointing the cause will be possible followed by specific treatment.Ideal hair care along with specific treatment would return her normal hairs!
She will need to consult an Endocrinologist/ psychotherapist.
I hope, I have answered your query & satisfied you. Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Answered by
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