Excessive hair loss?

[ICriedAllTheWayToTheChipShop]

I seem to be losing quite a lot of hair every time I wash it these days, and I'm not sure whether this is a normal thing that comes with age or if I should be going to my GP about it.

For context, I have very thick curly hair which is about bra band length. Because it's so dry, I only tend to do a "proper" wash (rather than just wetting it and putting some product on) once a week. I am also 45 and have been perimenopausal for a couple of years now, and on top of that I take medication that has hair loss as a side effect.

The picture shows what comes out after one wash (I have normal sized hands, btw!). It's quite a big clump, but is it because I only do it weekly and the dead stuff builds up over time?

I have thick, wavy hair the same length as yours OP. I lose hair every time I wash it too, and a similar amount to what is in your hand. Often more when I brush it! The only times I noticed significantly more hair come out, was about 2mths after a diet. Even though I was losing weight slowly, the hair did seem to come out alot more than usual. It soon stopped though.

Have you been dieting or ill? Any deficiencies? Anaemia, thyroid and diabetes can all cause hair loss more than normal. Have you recently given birth?

If you are feeling patches on your scalp, it might be alopecia, if its general hair loss from all over, its likely to be either normal hair loss from or a deficiency or illness.

I've had flu and 6 months later covid really badly , my hair was falling out in handfuls. My hair dresser said she's seeing lots of clients with the same. Mine has settled down down thank goodness.

I wash my hair every 5 days, I am post menopause. I lose more hair than that each time I wash but the thickness of my hair doesn't change and my hairdresser always says I have new hair growing.

According to my hairdresser...if worried about hair loss, have a blood test, and also flag any other symptoms such as tiredness, weight gain or loss, joint pain. Then follow up blood test results based on what they say.

If blood test is ok, note whether overall thickness changes (i.e. circumference of ponytail, or visibility of scalp if hair too short to make a ponytail) or any changes to texture. Hairdresser can also tell you if new hair is growing to replace what falls out.

Also hair fall should vary according to the seasons (if you live where there are pronounced season changes, like the U.K.) Typically heaviest in early autumn.

I think you will notice the fall more if you wash less frequently. That same quantity divided by 7 (if you washed daily) would be barely noticeable.

Also look at whether it is whole hairs or breakage.

OP, I have naturally curly hair like you. I wash it once a week, sometimes only once a fortnight. I easily lose twice as much hair as you each time, not to mention at least the same again, if not more, that ends up all over the carpet, bed etc etc. I honestly wouldn't give it a second thought!

Thanks all, I feel reassured. I have had Covid recently but this predates it by several months and I don't think it's got any worse.

It's whole hairs with roots. My hairdresser has said that I have good amounts of new growth but I will check if that's still the case next time I go.

And yes, my carpets and soft furnishings are caked in the stuff as well. I'm thinking of getting one of those special pet hair hoovers!

I use one of these, so effective, far better than any hoover I have ever tried! (Use in small circular motions. Great workout for your arms too!)