Hair loss when washing - anyone suggest why?

[mummatotwo]

I have thick hair, always have and shoulder length.

Ive noticed that last few times Ive washed it, brushed it and blow dried it Ive ben loosing a far bit. Never thought anything of it but then the other day after washing the bath was noticebly full of strands, also when I squeezed out the excess water long strands came away.

Im really worried - Im not stressed - well no more than usual :), am well no ailments so am wondering why. BTW Im early 40's

Have you had a baby recently?

Or changed/stopped the Pill? I lost loads of hair when I stopped taking the pill.

I have thick long hair too and lose loads every time I wash or brush it. It's got worse as I've got older, but it never seems to get any thinner, so unless you're noticeably thinning or balding, I really wouldn't worry about it.

Just about to ask same thing if youv'e recently had a baby - mine started falling out about 4 months after having archie x

nope baby was 7 years ago lol! Yes I lost a lot then too.

Im thinking its down to age - but have read it could be related to thyroid???

Anaemia is a common cause of hair loss in women, easily tested for too.

If I were you I'd get GP to check for anaemia and thyroid function. Hypothyroidism can cause hair loss. Maybe also check hormone levels. Are you on any medication?

Do you wear your hair up a lot? I find that if I do, more comes out when washing than usual as it never falls out properly as it is held in by hair band etc

Just to second combinearvester. I never had full on anaemia, but was slightly iron deficient, which showed itself in my hair falling out too. I started taking a multivitamin with iron and it stopped after a bit. I also felt better in myself, though I hadn't noticed I wasn't 100% iyswim.

Mine fell out in huge clumps when my thyroid was under active. It was the most noticeable, and alarming, symptom. Ask your GP to check it.

I wouldnt say it was "clumps" but more strands. I feel well although tired but that is too many late nights.

wear hair down but come home and pop it up to get out of face so no dont wear it up alot

When my thyroid was very overactive I lost loads of har, especially when brushing, might be worth checking with GP

Loads of hair, not har - type above - sorry

Are you getting enough protein? Too little can cause hair loss.

Can be many things -

Just a normal phase of shedding (although alarming, nothing to worry about)

Stopping the pill, starting the pill, or any other medications starting can cause it.

Anaemia (good idea to get checked for this)

Thyroid (good idea also to get checked in the same test)

Dermatology stuff (think you would have noticeable scalp problems with that though?)

Auto-Immune (again, you would probably have other noticeable symptoms of these type of things)

Hormone Levels - this is what mine was caused by - excess 'male' hormones from PCOS.

If it's worrying you I'd go to your GP and insist on blood tests - full blood count, CRP, thyroid and hormone profile (including LH, FSH, testosterone, and free testosterone).

x x x

Thyroid or iron maybe as others have said. Worth checking out