Shedding is a natural process that occurs when your hair follicles go through their normal growth cycle. At the end of the cycle, the older hairs fall out and are replaced by new ones. Most people lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day. However, if you're shedding more than that, it could be a sign of a problem.
There are several possible causes of excessive hair shedding, including:
* Hormonal changes. A sudden increase or decrease in hormones can cause your hair to enter into its resting phase (telogen) prematurely. This can happen after childbirth, during menopause or with an underactive or overactive thyroid gland. Once your hormone levels return to normal, your hair should stop shedding excessively.
* Medications and medical conditions. Certain medications (such as those used to treat cancer, arthritis, depression and heart problems) and medical conditions (such as autoimmune disorders and lupus) can cause excessive hair shedding. Treating the underlying condition usually stops the hair loss.
* Nutritional deficiencies. Not getting enough protein or iron in your diet can lead to thinning hair and excessive shedding. Eating a well-balanced diet should help correct any nutritional deficiencies that may be causing your hair loss.
If you're concerned about excessive hair shedding, talk to your doctor for further evaluation and treatment options