Hair loss symptoms that should not be ignored

Feb, 06 2020 | By Dr. Sangay Bhutia (Hair Transplant Specialist in Delhi)

You will know when it happens. This statement is right in many situations, but in the case of hair loss—it is a truism.

Hair loss doesn't happen overnight. It takes a while. And in most cases, it gives you enough opportunity to take remedial measures. There are clear hair loss symptoms that you should not ignore. What are they? How do we identify them? And what to do next? We will list it out here in some detail.

There are at-least four symptoms that you should not ignore:
Excessive hair fall
Hair on your pillow, on your clothes, or in the shower, you can easily identify more than normal hair fall. We do shed about 50-100 strands a day, which is perfectly normal. But in case it is significantly more than that and it is happening regularly, you should not ignore it. Excessive hair fall over a period can be an important symptom of hair fall and also easy to identify.

Thinning
Trust someone in your close family or friends to tell you of your thinning hair. They have their ways of saying it. And in case that doesn't happen - then you will soon figure out. After a haircut or even a shower, thinning will begin to show at least on the top of the head. It should not be ignored. Hair fall can be symptomatic of many things: illness, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalance, or stress. It is a way for your body trying to tell you something. If hair loss is diagnosed on time, you will be able to get the reason behind it identified as well. And with the right medication or expert help, it can be taken care of.

Bald patches
Bald patches are a very important symptom of hair loss. They are difficult to point at initially but make themselves visible over a period. They can be either irregular or circular in shape. But what is more important is the fact that bald patches on your scalp tell you that you are suffering from hair loss.

Receding hairline
A receding hairline normally happens as we age. However, if it becomes noticeable at an early age, say in your late twenties or early thirties, then it can be a clear symptom of hair fall. Hair line usually recedes around the temples and can progressively take an M shape on the scalp. But this is largely a sign in men, for women, thinning is a close equivalent.

Over and beyond these symptoms you should also be aware of some hair fall basics. As we discussed, there could be a variety of reasons for early symptoms and eventual hair fall. Genetics is an important factor as well. It is likely that you are experiencing premature hair fall because of your genes. Pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia is a common occurrence in middle-aged or older men, however some people in their 20s or 30s also experience it. The important thing is that if you notice hair fall or a receding hairline, and if it is diagnosed as pattern baldness, you can arrest it with the help of medication. And hair transplant procedures are readily available if you want to opt for a permanent solution for genetic hair fall.

The important thing in case you notice any of the hair fall symptoms is to not self medicate or self diagnose beyond noticing the initial symptoms. As we know, there are many reasons for hair fall - and you might not be equipped enough to understand all of them. It is therefore important that you consult an expert. They are best positioned to understand your medical history and make a prescription accordingly. Moreover, they can help you take remedial measures. These could include - medication, lifestyle and dietary changes.

Very often, people who notice early signs of hair loss get very depressed. It becomes a stressful and anxious time in their lives; it can even lead to depression. An expert can be very helpful in this situation. They can help you navigate this anxious time and provide the necessary counselling.

You will surely know when the symptoms show and they can be easily diagnosed by an expert. Hair fall will not happen with the blink of an eye. And even if it does, modern technology and medicine have a solution.