Why losing hair all of a sudden?

Hello Bathsheva,

Thank you for your question.

By the age of 60, over 85% of all women notice considerable hair loss or thinning. Genetics, hormones, and stress are the main causes.

Hereditary female pattern hair loss affects about 50% of women mostly occurring in their late 50s or 60s.
Bathsheva, did any of your mother's close relatives - mother, sisters, grandmothers or aunts similarly experience hair loss?

Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels contribute to hair growth. During perimenopause and at menopause, hormone levels first fluctuate and then drop dramatically. This can contribute to hair loss or thinning in postmenopausal women.

Hair loss by stress is also called telogen effluvium. If you are undergoing extreme levels of stress, your body is shocked by its response and sends messages to your follicles to rest. This begins the phase of hair loss and thinning.

Hair loss and thinning can negatively affect a woman's self-image.
Determining the cause of the problem can help find a way to stop it.
There is nothing you can do about genetics. If stress is the reason, calming exercises might help to avoid further hair loss.

Consult with a physician to determine the cause and ask about treatment options.

Regards,
Maryann