Let's face it: dealing with hair loss of any kind isn't easy. It's normal to feel confused and seek out options to stop shedding and fallout in general, but if you begin to experience certain types of hair loss, then you want to make sure that you call your doctor as soon as possible. Hair loss can make you feel embarrassed, but the sooner you visit the doctor, the sooner you can find a solution for dealing with the condition. In this case, your body will almost always give you signs that it's time to see a doctor, especially if the hair condition is chemically related as opposed for example, anxiety-related. Here are three situations where you'll need to see the doctor about your hair loss as soon as you can:
1. Sudden and Excessive Hair Loss:
If you find yourself shedding a handful of hair, clumps the size of golf balls, or bigger, very frequently, you should consider scheduling a visit with your trusted hairstylist, and/or physician as soon as possible. You might be suffering silently from a medical condition that is causing your hair to shed. Many hair conditions can be treated or cured successfully with lifestyle changes. Hair loss could be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that needs your attention.
2. Scalp Abnormalities and Dermatological Issues:
Having a dermatological issue with your scalp can also contribute to losing hair right from the bulb. When the skin becomes inflamed, irritated, infected, oozing, or even bleeding, it creates an unstable environment for hair follicles, making the hair fragile and easier to fall out. Even something that seems as harmless as dandruff can be attributed to hair loss. Dandruff among other issues leads to an itchy scalp. Any excessive scratching can possibly lead to hair loss as well. If your scratching is so severe that it's leaving you with an uncontrollable, itchy scalp, it's time to call the doctor. If you must scratch your scalp, do not use your fingernails. Fingernails have harmful undetectable bacteria that will worsen your condition.
3. Medication and Health Conditions:
Do some research on your own to see if any of the prescriptions you take have hair loss as a side effect? If you are taking more than one prescription medication at a time, be sure to discuss the possibility of any adverse reactions to taking your prescriptions together. Be your own advocate. Don't assume that physicians or nurses will 'just know' to tell you about all potential precautions. Even the best of us will forget things. Women who suffer from anemia, hyperthyroidism hypothyroidism, or even menopause may take quite a few medications or nutritional supplements that may affect the thickness of their hair. Additionally, the imbalances mentioned above are directly the cause of the loss or, or thinning of hair and fingernails.
Be prepared and advocate for yourself:
Make sure to really evaluate all circumstances of your hair loss; when it occurs, how long it's been occurring, and how much sheds before calling the doctor. Ensure that your physician has as much information about your observations, experiences, and concerns as possible. Also, take note of new lifestyle or environmental changes in your life. Believe it or not, a toxic relationship, moving, school, or depression can be significant contributors to hair loss. Your doctor should have an entire snapshot of your recent or ongoing stressors. If you've simply been wearing braids or weaves for a long period of time, or too many times consecutively, that could also be causing your hair loss. In these instances, schedule an appointment with a trusted hairstylist to evaluate your hair and hair care regimen. However, If you've been wearing braids, or hair weave sew-ins AND you have an existing medical condition that causes hair loss, then you'd definitely want to chat with your primary care physician and/or dermatology specialist.
The bottom line is that our hair will let us know how we as women are generally handling life and that of our overall health. After all, whatever goes in your body will show itself through your hair and fingernails-- good or bad. When it comes to your health, take nothing for granted. Some of us will be seen by a doctor for hair loss only to discover an underlying medical issue that we were not aware of! Remember, diagnosis is the first and only step towards the treatment of a healthier you. By providing thorough information to your healthcare provider, you can facilitate an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs.
COMMENTS
If you've experienced hair loss requiring medical intervention, sharing your story can provide support and encouragement to others facing similar challenges. Consider leaving a comment below to share your experiences and let other women know they're not alone in their journey to reclaiming hair health.