How do I manage excessive hair fall?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand how distressing excessive hair fall can be, and I want to reassure you that you have done the right thing by seeking advice early.

Based on your history, vitals, and reports shared (the attachments were removed to protect the patient’s identity), your general health parameters, such as blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and temperature, are within normal limits, which is reassuring.

The sudden increase in hair fall from last year, after being relatively stable earlier, strongly suggests a non-scarring and reversible cause rather than permanent hair loss.

The most likely diagnosis in your case is telogen effluvium, which is very common in adolescent girls. This condition occurs when a higher number of hair follicles enter the resting (telogen) phase due to triggers such as

1. Academic or emotional stress.

2. Recent illness or fever.

3. Nutritional deficiencies (especially iron).

4. Hormonal changes during adolescence.

5. Sudden weight changes.

6. Irregular eating habits.

Hair fall in telogen effluvium usually begins two to four months after the triggering factor and presents as diffuse shedding from the entire scalp, which can feel alarming but is usually temporary and reversible once the cause is corrected.

However, it is important to rule out underlying contributing factors. I strongly advise checking serum ferritin (iron stores), TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), vitamin D, and vitamin B12 levels, as deficiencies are extremely common in teenage girls and can cause significant hair shedding even when hemoglobin levels appear normal.

In female patients, a brief history to rule out PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is also important, including questions about irregular periods, acne, excessive facial hair, or weight gain.

At this stage, androgenetic alopecia is less likely due to your age and the sudden onset, but a scalp examination and photographs can help exclude it.

Regarding treatment, I suggest you follow the suggestions below:

1. You may continue gentle oiling if it comforts you, but excessive oiling or frequent massage is not required.

2. Homeopathic oils and tinctures are not harmful but should not replace evidence-based treatment.

3. I recommend starting a nutritional hair supplement once daily, such as a multivitamin containing biotin, zinc, iron, amino acids, and antioxidants.

4. Equally important is dietary correction. Ensure a protein-rich diet that includes eggs, milk, yogurt, pulses, legumes, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, fruits, and adequate water intake.

5. Avoid crash dieting, junk food, excessive styling, heat exposure, or tight hairstyles.

6. Use a mild shampoo two to three times per week and avoid aggressive combing, especially when the hair is wet.

Please remember that in telogen effluvium, improvement takes time. Hair fall usually reduces over eight to 12 weeks, and visible regrowth appears by three to four months once the cause is addressed.

You are young, and your hair follicles are healthy. This condition is reversible with the right approach. Stay calm, follow the plan consistently, and you should see improvement.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again for further queries.

Thank you.