Trying not to freak out

[LarsMal]

I know stressing won't help...my hair is falling out like crazy- again!

It's not quite as bad as the horrible pp shed I had aftet C, but almost. I have a lot of hair, and I've always been a shedder, but this seems excessive. It's the first time I've been worried.

DV bother me, but I started taking a couple of the kids' daily chewy ones to get some extra vitamins, hoping they are gentler on my body. I don't know if it's more my diet or something else. I don't eat eggs because of L's allergies, but I might need to find a way to add them back in. I don't eat much fish either. It seemed that all the foods listed as good for hair health are not big in my diet.

Could thyroid affect this? Should I see a doctor and get bloodwork done? I'm not losing handfuls of hair, but it's just strand after strand all.day.long. More when I shower and brush it.

[TxCat]

Thyroid can definitely do this. If you are worried, it's worth getting checked out (you are the best judge of what is "normal" for you). Not sure how old you are, but your hair will thin more with age as well, and often at ages younger than people think. Usually it's a gradual process, but it still can be surprising when it happens. The other things that come to mind are changes in diet or weight, besides stress which you already mentioned.

[marymoo86]

this is me too - i thought it was the shedding cycle since giving birth but it seems to keep going on and on

still taking prenatals (with fish oil) and calcium supplement - no dietary restrictions for allergies so don't know why this is still happening

[LarsMal]

Thyroid can definitely do this. If you are worried, it's worth getting checked out (you are the best judge of what is "normal" for you). Not sure how old you are, but your hair will thin more with age as well, and often at ages younger than people think. Usually it's a gradual process, but it still can be surprising when it happens. The other things that come to mind are changes in diet or weight, besides stress which you already mentioned.

I just turned 34. I thought maybe age and possibly summer heat (do we shed like animals ). I guess it wouldn't hurt to get my blood checked anyway. I haven't had it done since I was pg with C.

[wendibird22]

I had increased shedding when using Mirena and have read of women losing a lot of hair with Mirena. Don't know what, if any, BC you are using.

[npace19147]

I have this too, got my thyroid checked and nothing. I just seem to shed a lot since DD2. Annoying but it seems to be status quo for me.

[ThreeofUs]

Have your thyroid function tested. Too low TSH = excessive shedding.

[cckwmh]

have your ferritin levels checked (not just iron). your iron can be normal, but if ferritin is <50, your hair will fall out. iron supplements will dramatically improve it. It does take several months of supplementation. Low ferritin is more common than thryoid for hair loss.

[LarsMal]

have your ferritin levels checked (not just iron). your iron can be normal, but if ferritin is <50, your hair will fall out. iron supplements will dramatically improve it. It does take several months of supplementation. Low ferritin is more common than thryoid for hair loss.

Hmmm...I wouldn't be surprised if I have low iron, but I had to look up ferritin! I don't eat beef, and I don't eat a lot of fish. I get most of my iron through cereal/pasta/bread and veggies. I was anemic when I was younger. That might have something to do with it.

Definitely getting my blood checked now!

[KpbS]

I was just coming here to post something similar. Mine is shedding for post-partum reasons but it is getting ridiculous! I am going to be more diligent about supplements. Anyone remember how long is "normal" to lose hair following a birth? I'm tempted to cut it really short b/c it's driving me crazy.