hair falling out

Hi, Fran,

I might also ask if your daughter has started any new medications within the last six months or so?

Or has had a noticeable change in her diet? Had some serious weight loss, perhaps?

Has she had a new kind of stress in her life recently? Has she been ill recently, or had an infection?

Or has she been wearing her hair in a very tight style, such as cornrows?

All these things could cause hair loss. Our hair, like our skin and fingernails, reflects what's going on inside our bodies, with such things as nutrition and hormones. When we lose hair, it tends to be a couple of months past the event that caused it -- for instance, a drug that causes hair loss might not cause it for the first couple of months of taking it.

There are also some underlying things that can cause hair loss, such as diabetes or lupus. I echo Alysia's concern; have you taken her to a doctor to check this out?

Please write back and let us know some more information, or update us on the situation. And take care.

Hi, Franinfl:

I'm sorry your daughter is going through this. Has she been particularly stressed, lately? Have you taken her to your doctor?

Alopecia is a condition that causes hair fallout. Princess Caroline of Monaco was one celebrity who brought this to public attention when she suffered with it for a time. Little Edie Bouvier Beale is another notable person who suffered with it most of her life.

Here is more information @ empowHer about Alopecia

Please also feel free to ask one of our empowHer Experts your question.

Please stay in touch and let us know how your daughter is doing.