Anyone experiencing the problem because of the stress of the PhD? It would be nice to know that I am not alone. I estimate that over one quarter off my hair has fallen off. Going to the doctor soon to have a word with him.

Yes. Big time! You're not alone.

I started getting some white hairs appearing during (stressful) PhD attempt #1. They stopped when I quit!

Your doctor will probably run blood tests to check it's not thyroid problems, but deficiency in B vitamins can cause this (especially if you're vegetarian). If you're stressed are you eating well? But do go and see your doctor - I kept putting lots of vague symptoms down to stress and it turned out I was quite ill.

======= Date Modified 04 Oct 2012 18:44:15 =======
Thanks for the advice and support, to all of you who have replied here and via private messages. I also have white hair and I am only 32. Apart from medical advice, I think I will have to cut my hair really short, in order to make the roots stronger. I have stopped using chemicals. Last time I used hair colour was over 6 months ago.

The first thing to think about is whether you are actually experiencing hairloss- i.e. can you see thinning or is it just that you've noticed more hairs on your hairbrush etc. - if the latter then it really could just be your mind and the stress of thinking your losing hair may well be adding to it!

I'd second going to the doctors. PCOS causes hairloss and 1 in 10 women have it.