Hair thinning is often one of the earliest signs of hormonal imbalance and there’s a lot you can do from topical and oral solutions to light therapy and deeper metabolic support.

Most people shed about 50-100 strands every day. Don’t worry if you find a few in your hairbrush or on your clothes. But if it starts to fall out in clumps or if you notice it getting thinner over time, check with your doctor.

There’s no single cause. Triggers range from medical conditions — as many as 30 — to stress and lifestyle factors, like what you eat. Your genes play a role, too. Sometimes doctors can’t find a specific reason. As a starting point, hair loss experts suggest you get tested for thyroid problems and hormone imbalances. Hair often grows back once the cause is addressed.

Hair loss can be triggered by childbirth, ringworm, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid problems, the birth control pill, crash diets, tight hairstyles, cancer treatment, extreme stress, and other hormonal cycles including perimenopause and menopause.

Hair loss can be treated with minoxidil in women-oral and topical, laser therapy, and hair transplants.

Following up with a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss, plastic surgeons who perform hair transplants and healthcare professionals who can treat you with minoxidil are ways to remedy hair loss.