Intermittent hair loss – what are the triggers?

Table of contents

1. Intermittent hair loss due to stress or nutritional deficiencies
2. Symptoms of shortened hair growth cycles
3. Treatment options for diffuse hair loss
4. Is a hair transplant necessary if hair falls out in phases?
5. Periodic hair loss always has a cause

Intermittent hair loss due to stress or nutritional deficiencies

The main cause of periodic hair loss is stress. However, nutritional deficiencies are also possible. If you smoke, reaching for cigarettes more often can also increase hair loss, and if you smoke less, the number of hairs in your brush or in the drain will also decrease. Any symptoms that occur at intervals can be easily pinpointed and attributed to a change in your habits. For example, women suffer from increased hair loss once a month because their regular cycle causes hormonal changes, and during their period, the body loses additional iron, resulting in a deficiency of this important mineral . In most cases, you can find the cause by honestly assessing your physical and/or psychological stress.

Symptoms of shortened hair growth cycles

Those who suffer from phased hair loss are affected by a shortened hair growth cycle. Hair can fall out both during the growth phase and prematurely during the resting phase. Only when the scalp begins to show through should you seriously consider the problem and consult a dermatologist. Often, the problem is related to an overactive or underactive thyroid. Whether this is the case in your case can only be determined by a specialist doctor. Symptoms of a change in hair growth cycles include hair loss, broken hair, hair that is difficult to style, or hair that is "flyaway." If you notice one or more of these symptoms, you should carefully observe your body and, ideally, record the intervals at which you experience hair loss. This record can usually provide information over a period of two to three months and prove helpful in making a diagnosis.

Treatment options for diffuse hair loss

Once you've identified the cause, such as increased stress or a radical diet, you can lay the foundation for stopping hair loss. If you experience phased hair loss, you're most likely suffering from diffuse thinning. The formation of a receding hairline, a tonsure , or complete baldness is generally ruled out. Nevertheless, observe closely whether your hair is thinning particularly quickly in one area, while, for example, it doesn't seem to be falling out at the back of your head. People who suffer from periodic hair loss can improve blood circulation by massaging their scalp. Shampooing hair with growth-promoting plant essences has also been shown to be effective in treating this problem. You should avoid medications and prescription drugs without knowing the cause of your hair loss . A nutrient-rich diet and plenty of rest are always beneficial and not only promote new hair growth but also improve your overall well-being and health.

Is a hair transplant necessary if hair falls out in phases?

Those who only suffer from intermittent hair loss generally don't need to consider a hair transplant. The decisive factor is how the hair grows after the loss and whether bald patches have already formed. If your hair is falling out in large quantities and is not growing back properly, a hair implant can be a good option for combating baldness. A hair implant is an option if you have enough hair follicles in the donor area for transplantation. If a hair implant is a relevant solution for you, you shouldn't wait too long to visit a hair clinic . Especially if your hair thins after each hair loss phase and the hair loss is disproportionate to the growth, the minimally invasive procedure can be the solution for new self-confidence. During the consultation, the treatment team will carry out a diagnosis so that you can be sure before treatment that the already known cause is actually the reason for the hair loss.

Periodic hair loss always has a cause

People who suffer from phased hair loss primarily suffer from hectic lifestyles and excessive stress at work or in their personal lives. However, temporary hair loss can also occur due to an unhealthy diet, temporary overexertion in sports, or thyroid problems. Even if your hair eventually recovers and the problem disappears, you should still get to the root cause. No one loses more hair than normal for no reason. Consider the loss as a symptom, which is a signal from your body that it is suffering from a deficit during the phases of hair loss. Even if you don't feel stressed, you can release too many stress hormones, thus exacerbating symptoms. Even if you perceive the stress as positive and are practically living life in the fast lane and experiencing great success, the hormone release will negatively impact your hair growth.