Teen FAQ
For over 10 years, teens have been asking us questions on every topic imaginable. While we are no longer taking new questions, we have a wealth of information we would like to share with teenagers.
Questions about suicide? Call the NATIONAL SUICIDE HOTLINE 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).
Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Hair & Shaving > Thinning hair
Posted on: 12/29/2004
Question
How much hair is lost per day? What is normal? I've been very stressed the last few months and feel that I have lost half of my hair volume. Am I thinning? I am a young female.
Answer
You can normally lose up to 200 pieces of hair per day normally. There are periods of time, especially when under stress, that you lose more hair than usual. This is called telogen effluvium. The explanation is that each hair follicle has a cycle of accelerated hair growth, then slowing down then stopping with eventual fall of the hair until a new cycle begins. During stress the hair follicles "reset" their cycles so that a greater number of them lose their hair resulting in greater hair loss than usual until a new cycle begins. The treatment is to avoid stress, eat healthy including protein from meat and dairy, and get enough sleep. Other causes of hair lose include thyroid disease and anemia, so if it's not better in the next month of so see your physician.