Women how much hair loss is normal

The medical term for this condition is telogen effluvium. Experiencing lots of stress caring for a loved one who is sick, going through a divorce, losing a job.

Most people notice the excessive hair shedding a few months after the stressful event. For example, a new mom can see excessive hair shedding about two months after giving birth. The shedding usually peaks about four months after giving birth. This shedding is normal and temporary. As your body readjusts, the excessive shedding stops. Within six to nine months, the hair tends to regains its normal fullness.

If the stressor stays with you, however, hair shedding can be long lived. People who are constantly under a lot of stress can have long-term excessive hair shedding. Hair loss occurs when something stops the hair from growing. The medical term for this condition is anagen effluvium. The most common causes of hair loss include:.

If you have hair loss, your hair will not grow until the cause stops. For example, people who undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatments often lose a lot of hair. When the treatment stops, their hair tends to regrow. If you suspect that a treatment or drug is causing your hair loss, talk with your doctor.

Serious side effects can occur if you immediately stop a treatment or drug. Other causes of hair loss may require treatment. In other cases, there may be a medical cause. This article looks at the causes…. Diet and nutrition can have a big effect on hair, skin, and nail health. In this article, we look at the best foods for hair growth, including eggs…. Vitamins play a role in hair health, but can they reduce hair loss?

Learn what the research says about vitamins and other products for reducing hair…. How much hair loss is normal? Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Number of hairs Brushing Washing Causes Summary A certain amount of hair loss is normal in both males and females. Number of hairs. Hair falling out while brushing. Hair falling out while washing. Causes of excessive hair loss. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. Hair breakage: 10 causes and ways to repair.

Causes and treatments for hair loss. Causes and treatments for thinning hair. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Top 5 foods for hair growth. The psychological impact in females tends to be greater than in males, because females often place more importance on their physical appearance than do males.

It is also more socially acceptable and understood when hair loss occurs in males, since hair loss is more recognized in this population.

Females often utilize hair as a way to alter and enhance their physical appearance, through changing style, length, or color.

When hair loss occurs, the ability to alter hair is compromised. The investigational study mentioned above found that females suffering from hair loss tend to have a less positive body image, more social anxiety, poorer self-esteem, and decreased quality of life compared with females without hair loss. It is important to understand that not all females will be affected by alopecia to the same degree.

Some females may more easily accept hair loss and be less bothered by it. Other females may find it extremely unsettling, even to the point of trauma resulting in psychological illness e.

Female patients have different ways of coping with alopecia. Patients may choose to wear eye-catching clothing, jewelry, or makeup to draw attention away from the scalp. Another method is to conceal the area of hair loss with accessories such as hats, scarves, and wigs.

Alopecia is a significant problem for many females that should not be casually disregarded. Whether or not a patient decides to utilize pharmacologic treatment, there are minimization strategies that can help reduce hair loss. Therefore, it is important to address both the medical and the emotional health needs of female patients with alopecia. American Academy of Dermatology.

Hair loss. Accessed January 15, Evidence-based treatments for female pattern hair loss: a summary of a Cochrane systematic review. Br J Dermatol. Mirimirani P. Managing hair loss in midlife women. Hair loss in men and women androgenetic alopecia : beyond the basics. Accessed January 29, Hair: what is new in diagnosis and management? Female pattern hair loss update: diagnosis and treatment. Dermatol Clin. Factors associated with female pattern hair loss and its prevalence in Taiwanese women: a community-based survey.

J Am Acad Dermatol. Accessed April 23, Chapter Skin manifestations of internal disease. Alopecia areata. N Engl J Med. Global Alopecia Mission. About alopecia areata. Lexicomp Online. Micromedex Healthcare Series 2. Truven Health Analytics. Finasteride treatment of hair loss in women. Ann Pharmacother. Skin Therapy Lett. Scheinfeld N. A review of hormonal therapy for female pattern androgenic alopecia. Dermatol Online J. Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata.

Arch Dermatol. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Updated April 22, Cash TF.