Why am I losing more than 200 hairs a day?

Author: Rosella Weissnat  |  Last update: Thursday, May 1, 2025

The most common form of diffuse hair loss is telogen effluvium, which results in loss of more than 200 scalp hairs per day. It typically develops after an acute event, such as a severe illness, major surgery, thyroid disease, pregnancy, iron-deficiency anemia, malnutrition or rapid weight loss, or vitamin D deficiency.

Is it normal to lose 200 hair strands a day?

Yes it is normal. Every two or three months, the resting hairs shed, and new hairs grow in their place, So you could be losing between 150 and 200 hairs from your head per day.

Is it normal to shed 150 hairs a day?

It is normal to shed around 50-150 hairs a day. You might notice you shed more in autumn and this can be due to the temperature change. Colder weather makes our scalp drier, irritated and is more prone to breakage and shedding.

Why am I shedding so much hair all of a sudden?

Among the common causes are high fevers, childbirth, severe infections, severe chronic illness, severe psychological stress, major surgery or illnesses, over or under active thyroid gland, crash diets with inadequate protein, and a variety of medications.

Why am I losing 500 hairs a day?

Telogen effluvium does not generally lead to complete baldness, although you may lose 300 to 500 hairs per day, and hair may appear thin, especially at the crown and temples. A medical event or condition, such as a thyroid imbalance, childbirth, surgery, or a fever, typically triggers this type of hair loss.

8 Reasons Why You Might be Losing Hair

What is considered too much hair loss?

Anyone who is losing more than about 100 hairs a day or noticing large clumps of hair falling out could be experiencing excessive hair shedding. Hair shedding is not the same as permanent hair loss, which leads to the gradual thinning of the hair or a receding hairline. Shedding hair will regrow in the hair follicle.

What does hair loss from stress look like?

No Visible Pattern. With stress-related shedding, hair falls out evenly all over your scalp instead of in a defined pattern. You'll likely notice more hairs than usual coming out while shampooing, combing, or on your pillow, clothing, and bathroom floor.

Which deficiency causes hair shedding?

Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a component of two important coenzymes: flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) [22].

What does thyroid hair loss look like?

Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse.

Why am I losing so much hair when I brush it?

Brushing hair and hair loss are commonly associated with each other. The more you brush your hair and use artificial products, the more your hair will become open to damage and hair loss. It is important to let your hair breathe and relax instead of constantly brushing it throughout each day.

When I run my fingers through my hair it falls out?

It's perfectly normal to lose a few stray strands when running your fingers, or a comb, through your hair. But if you notice increased hair being pulled out when you are being gentle, this can be a cause of concern that you should get checked over.

What is a hair pull test?

This simple test measures the severity of hair loss. During a pull test, a dermatologist grasps small sections of hair, about 40 strands, from different parts of the scalp and gently tugs. If six or more strands fall out, you have what's known as active hair loss.

Why am I losing 300 hairs a day?

Telogen effluvium causes hairs to enter the resting stage from the growing stage prematurely. Most people who are healthy lose up to 100 strands of hair per day. If you have telogen effluvium, you may lose up to 300 strands of hair per day.

Can you reverse hair loss?

Effective treatments for some types of hair loss are available. You might be able to reverse hair loss, or at least slow it. With some conditions, such as patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), hair may regrow without treatment within a year. Treatments for hair loss include medications and surgery.

Does vitamin D help hair loss?

Vitamin D is essential for creating the cells that develop into hair follicles. It also supports healthy bones and your immune system. If you have hair loss and low vitamin D levels, your doctor may recommend vitamin D supplements.

What is a thyroid belly?

A common symptom of an underactive thyroid is weight gain, often around the abdomen. However, the American Thyroid Association states that the weight gain may not necessarily be due to the build up of fat, but the accumulation of salt and water.

How to reverse thyroid hair loss?

Here are a few ways to reverse hair loss caused by thyroid conditions:
  1. Treating the underlying cause: ...
  2. Monitor iron and nutrient status: ...
  3. Regulate your stress: ...
  4. Eat a balanced diet: ...
  5. Avoid hair treatments or abuse: ...
  6. Take only those hair supplements that are prescribed by the doctor: ...
  7. Maintain a healthy lifestyle:

What are signs that your thyroid is out of whack?

Symptoms
  • Tiredness.
  • More sensitivity to cold.
  • Constipation.
  • Dry skin.
  • Weight gain.
  • Puffy face.
  • Hoarse voice.
  • Coarse hair and skin.

Why am I losing so much hair as a female?

An underlying health condition like an abnormal thyroid, anemia, vitamin deficiency, etc. Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause). Certain medications and supplements (blood pressure medicines, gout medicines and high doses of vitamin A). Genetic predisposition (it runs in your biological family history).

Which vitamin stops hair fall?

The most famous and commonly heard B-vitamin is Biotin. The use of biotin for hair loss is very popular as it is found in almost all hair growth supplements and is a well-known anti-hair fall agent. We should consume Biotin in our everyday diet because it is a water-soluble vitamin.

How do I know if my hair loss is hormonal?

Unlike hair loss caused by chemotherapy or autoimmune disorders, hormonal hair loss is gradual. You might not notice it until your hairline has visibly receded, your ponytail has grown thinner, or your scalp has become visible.

How much hair loss is normal in the shower?

Quick Summary: Hair Loss In The Shower

Losing 50 to 100 hairs after showering or throughout the day is normal1. This is a natural loss of hair according to the hair growth cycle. Shampooing your hair can increase the amount of hair you shed to between 100-250 hairs per day.

What is the cause of extreme hair loss?

It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness.

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