Hair loss in men and women can be  psychologically damaging so it’s important to know what causes hair loss and what is considered normal hair loss.

Here are some facts about hair growth and loss:

• We are born with all of our hair follicles
• The growth of hair follicles is cyclical
• A normal scalp will shed about 75 to 100 hairs a day
• 80%-90% of our hair follicles are in the growing stage
• 5%-10% of hair follicles are in the resting stage
• 1%-3% of hair follicles are in the involutional stage (aging stage)
• the growth phase lasts 2-3 years
• the resting phase lasts 2-3 months
• the involutional phase lasts 3-4 weeks

Causes of hair loss include:

• under or overactive thyroid
• iron deficiency
• certain medications such as beta blockers (used in the treatment of hyptertension), anticonvulsants, and antidepressants
• traumatic psychological events (hair loss can occur 3-4 months following the event)
• pregnancy
• major illness and surgery

The Pull Test

If you believe you have abnormal hair loss, one easy way to check is to grasp 2 to 3 dozen hairs and gently tug on them. If  more than 5 hairs come out (with the little bulb on the end of them), then the hair loss is abnormal.

If you have any concerns about abnormal hair loss, be sure to speak with your health care provider.

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