My Hair Has Been Falling Out

I am 26 years old, and I am having the same problem. I had a full head of thick, curly hair about 6 months ago, and I think Ive lost about half of it. Im really worried. Whats going on?

There are many possible reasons but the first thing that comes to mind is a thyroid condition, possibly hypothyroid. I would go to a doctors and get that checked.

Thats the first thing I thought of too. But I had it checked out a few months ago. Not knowing what is going on is driving me crazy!

Some medications like thyroid meds will do that. I have lost so much hair over the year due to this. Or your body may be lacking a chemical (forgot the name) that would cause this also.

Very interesting post. Jan. 7, 2008 my wife and I began having diarrhea. Within one week of this symptom we both began experiencing sudden hair loss. Within one month my wife has 90% hair loss and I have 50% hair loss. We have had blood tests and stool tests indicating no problems. We are pending results for urine test for heavy metals at CDC's recommendation. To date, two doctors have no idea what is happening to us, never seen it before. We have been taking a fiber supplement to stop the diarrhea but the hair continue to fall out. We have searched the internet till we are blue in the face. Both of us are in great health (minus this) and don't take any medicines. We sure have stepped in something!?!

As a follow-up to my posting 3/14/08: My wife and I had been using a vitamin supplement, Total Body Formula which is now on the FDA recall list. Turns out that possible selenium overdose is the cause. Florida reporting many cases similar to our experiences; sudden hair loss, joint pain, muscle stiffness, diarrhea, etc. FDA is now testing the product to determine if selenium is in fact the culprit.

I know how much in need we are of medicationa and supplements and all. But, in my opinion, I think the FDA research study periods should be longer then they are for the saftey of the public. Maybe some of these side effects could be caught before entering the public distribution. Just my opinion.

whoa - I have these same problems! My doctor said she thinks it's because last year (ok it's a long story but I'll try) I got TMJ so I couldn't eat anything; I was having just a fruit and milk smoothie for each meal and I lost 40 lbs and all this stuff, but I went to a nutritionist in December and she helped me change my diet to a VERY healthy one, and then in early March my hair started just coming out in huge masses.

I never lost my hair before, but I would shampoo it and when I pulled my hands away from my head hair would be all over my fingers; then I'd brush it and my brush was covered; then when I run my hands through it strands come out all over me!

I've had my thyroid tested 3 times already and nothing, no illnesses, no deficiencies (but 1... hang on I'll get there), so we're thinking it was the diet.

THEN we realize "duh, I haven't had a cycle in 8 months" (don't worry - I'm getting that worked on), so we had the OB/GYN take blood and she tested my estrogen levels. I'm 18 yrs old and I had NONE. Absolutely none! So we think we've got that sorted out now, and I've noticed my hair doesn't come out as much - but it's still coming out.

Does anyone know if there's anything I can take/eat/do/not-do to help my hair look healthy again?!

(sorry I know that was a long post)