Hair loss - when to be concerned?

[Theromanempire]

Over the last 6 weeks or so, my hair seems to be falling out at an alarming rate. Everytime I comb it after washing, the comb is full of hair plus I often find hair all over the place throughout the day.

My hair has always been thick but looks noticeably thinner (to me anyway). It actually looks better and if it stayed like this, I would be happy but just concerned that it is going to get thinner and thinner.

I mentioned it to my hairdresser last time I went and she said that it wasn't noticeable at all which did reassure me as she knows my hair better than me

So, at what point should you seek medical assistance about it?

I am 42 btw

[Polkadotties]

I would go to the doctors as soon as you can and ask for a blood test, make sure they test your ferritin. When mine was low I lost loads of hair

[Theromanempire]

What is ferritin?

[LegoCaltrops]

Have you changed or increased any medication in the last year? I was on a prescription drug for nearly a decade, that has cost me a lot of my hair (like about 75% of the thickness). Stress can cause hair loss, as can contact allergies, eg. to your shampoo or hairspray etc. Also vitamin problems, thyroid issues. Definitely speak to your doctor ASAP, & don't be fobbed off.

[Theromanempire]

Don't take any medication and no stressful events at all.

Will make an appointment with my GP.

Thank you

[DdJames]

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron- it was hair loss that took me to the doctors, a blood test showed my ferritin levels were very low (4). I've improved my dietary intake of iron and take iron tablets when I remember regularly.

[Theromanempire]

Could it be connected to the menopause (think I am in peri-menopause)

[CallarMorvern]

I've lost about 50% of my ponytail width, used to wrap a bobble round twice, now it feels like a bobble wound round three times us going to fall out. It's noticeably thin on one side of my fringe, so I'm parting I from the centre now.

Went to Drs for blood tests, my iron is low, so I'm taking iron now. I'm 47 so had my hormones checked, they are fine, no sign of menopause. Hair loss seems a lot less now. Tbh it's always seemed to shed a lot, but has never actually seemed thinner before.

[CallarMorvern]

Sorry, ignore typos.

[YNK]

Get tests for B12 folate ferritin and thyroid panel plus FBC. Don't test B12 unless you are 4 months clear of any B12 supplement including any multivit or energy drink.
Good luck