“Hairfall in Young Girls – Is It PCOS or Stress?”

These days, many teenage and young adult girls are walking into skin and hair clinics with one major complaint:

“Doctor, my hair is falling a lot. I’m scared.”

Hair on the pillow.

Hair in the shower.

Hair on the comb.

And sometimes, even visible thinning on the scalp or a widening hair part.

So what’s causing it?

Is it PCOS?

Or just stress?

Or something else?

Let’s understand this together — in simple language.

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🌸 Hairfall in Young Girls – What’s Normal?

First, remember —

Losing 50–100 strands per day is normal.

Hair has a growth cycle. Every strand grows, rests, and falls.

But if you’re noticing:

• Hair coming out in bunches

• Your ponytail feels thinner

• Visible scalp or widening hair part

• More breakage or miniaturization (thinner strands)

Then yes, it’s time to look deeper.

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🤔 1. Is It Stress?

Yes, stress alone can cause serious hair issues.

Board exams, peer pressure, late-night phone scrolling, sleep problems, relationship drama, and even social media anxiety – all these can silently damage your hair.

This is called Telogen Effluvium – stress shocks the hair cycle, pushing more strands into the falling phase.

Signs it might be stress-related:

• Hairfall started after a major event (exam, breakup, illness, etc.)

• General feeling of burnout or low energy

• No major health issue otherwise

• Hair loss is diffuse, not in patches

🟢 Good news:

Stress hairfall is reversible with right care, nutrition, and calming habits.

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👩‍⚕️ 2. Is It PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that’s becoming very common among young girls.

Signs it might be PCOS-related:

• Irregular periods (too late, skipped, or very heavy)

• Facial hair growth (chin, upper lip)

• Acne that doesn’t go away

• Oily scalp + hair thinning, especially at the crown

• Sudden weight gain or difficulty losing weight

PCOS causes an imbalance in androgens (male hormones), which can shrink hair roots and lead to pattern hair loss – also known as female androgenetic alopecia.

🔴 Important:

If you suspect PCOS, don’t ignore it. Hairfall might just be one clue from your body.

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🧪 Other Reasons to Consider

Not every hairfall case is PCOS or stress. It might also be:

• Poor diet (junk food, skipping meals, crash diets)

• Vitamin deficiencies (B12, D3, Iron)

• Excess hairstyling (tight ponytails, heat tools, harsh shampoos)

• Recent illness (typhoid, dengue, Covid, etc.)

• Thyroid imbalance

• Dandruff or scalp infections

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🍎 What Can Be Done?

✅ Meet a dermatologist – Don’t self-diagnose from Google. Every case is different.

✅ Simple blood tests can help:

• CBC

• Vitamin B12

• Iron

• Thyroid profile

• Hormonal profile (if PCOS suspected)

✅ Hair-friendly habits:

• Eat a protein-rich diet (eggs, dal, paneer, nuts)

• Get 7-8 hours of sleep

• Limit heat styling

• Don’t oil aggressively or tie wet hair

✅ Use mild shampoos and prescribed serums if advised by your doctor

✅ If PCOS is diagnosed:

• You may need diet changes, exercise, and hormonal guidance

• Hair treatments work better when PCOS is under control

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👩‍⚕️ Dr. Rizwan’s Advice to Young Girls:

“Don’t panic. Hairfall is common, but treatable.

Talk to your doctor early. Stop copying Instagram routines.

Your skin and hair deserve personal care, not online advice.”

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💡 Final Thought

Hairfall doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with you.

It just means your body is asking for attention.

Whether it’s stress, PCOS, or something else — it can be managed.

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📍Visit Dr. Rizwan’s Skin, Cosmetic & Laser Clinic, Shahjahanpur for expert advice and customized hair treatment plans for teenage and young adult girls.