Seriously struggling with hairloss...

[Sarahlouiseis33]

Hi All,

Really struggling on and off for the last 16 months with increased hair shedding. Had a biopsy last week at a private dermatologist and he suspects telogen effluvium / female pattern loss. Dianette knocks the hair loss on the head but gives me side effects. Has anyone had anything similar? I’m 40 now this started at 39. I’ve attached a photo. Is it obvious I’m suffering hair loss?

[blisstwins]

lt is not even a little obvious, but I have been through similar and know that you can tell there is a difference and it is a horrible feeling. I use men's minoxadil 5%. When I first started using it I developed more peach fuzz, but it is no big deal. I use a twinkle or schick demaplane like razor to take it off. When I used to feel more self conscious I also used toppick, little fibers in the area that looked thin. Finally, I sometimes get teeny tiny extensions in that area--just little ones (microdot,I think they are called) if I have a special event. Honestly, after a period of thinning everything stabilized and I don't think of it much and no one but me can tell. During the worst I told myself if I were a Hollywood actress there would be a cosmetic solution to this problem, so I will figure it out. You look great and no one could tell. You are wise to have seen a derm. Good luck!

[Pelleas]

It's not at all obvious from that picture - your hair looks very healthy - but you're doing the right thing by getting it investigated.

[Fluffycloudland77]

This isn’t your first thread on this is it?.

[Fuckityfucksake]

It doesn't look obvious no, but I appreciate what looks fine to others might not feel fine to you.
I've suffered with hair loss too, mine has more than halved in thickness and it upsets me sometimes.
Mine was/still is because of vitamin deficiencies - D and some B's
My body doesn't retain D properly so my levels are constantly really low. They're currently trying to work out why and supplement me in the meantime.
I hope you get some answers and can find something to help.

[openupmyeagereyes]

Have you seen a GP to rule out obvious things like low iron or thyroid issues? Do you suffer from heavy periods? Are you vegetarian?

Taking a decent iron supplement may help though it’s best to see a GP so they can advise you on a treatment level rather than maintenance.

High strength vitamin d can help too as a pp said.

[openupmyeagereyes]

Also, try a hair care range like Nioxin. It won’t stop your hair falling out (i.e. fix the cause) but it will encourage regrowth IME.

[Londonborncatty]

I don’t mean to be rude, but where? Your parting shows no signs at all of hair loss.

[Mellonsprite]

I’m really not seeing it, your hair look thick to me?

[GreyHare]

I know it's subjective but your hair does not look obviously thin, it still looks very healthy, mine has thinned but to low b12 and anaemia but has I think regrown slightly after a jab and now I take vitamins and have found taking a supplement called Hair Jelly helped although I only take one a day rather than the two as they are huge and stink.

Outdoor picture is a year ago indoor picture was taken a minute ago but hair desperately requires a wash but you can see it's a little thicker, but I have always had fine hair.

[CoffeeandPastries]

OP, I remember your last thread a few days ago.

Question - do you think your hair looks thin from those photos?

[Hyperfish101]

Looks fine to me. My hair on the other hand is receding!!!!!

[AllWashedOut]

I feel for you OP. When you start looking and worrying about hair loss you see it everywhere. I do, and am a similar age to you. I started taking Hair, Skin and Nail supplements from Holland and Barret about six months ago, and just this week have notices significant regrowth at the nape of my neck. Perhaps try that as it can't do any harm. I wouldn't personally go down the specialist route as I believe they'll prescribe any old crap to justify their jobs - making you feel bad to boot. What exactly IS 'female pattern loss' other than hair loss in women? How is that measured? They're just going on your word for it. When I look about me, plenty of older and younger women alike have thick hair, and plenty of older and younger women have fine/thinning hair. This is the pattern of life. I hope that helps you relativise it.

[Mydarlingsleepthief]

I’m the same age and wear wigs now, it’s fantastic you can change your look every day!

[SingleHandSue]

I’m the same op, I don’t think mine looks too bad day to day, however I wish mine looked like yours.

[monkeytennis97]

@Londonborncatty

I don’t mean to be rude, but where? Your parting shows no signs at all of hair loss.

Agree.

[frenchonion]

Ignore any responses saying your hair doesn't look thin. It doesn't matter because the anguish comes from you knowing yout hair isn't 'right' so any responses, affirmative or negative won't make a blind bit of difference to your mental state about it. Look at getting your bloods done, particularly bit B levels and ferritin, but don't accept GP assurances that levels are 'normal' as the lower ferritin figures thatare classed as within the range of normal isn't high enough to allow new hair growth. Good supplements to take are biotin, magnesium, zinc, a soluble iron supplement like spatone, ashwagandha, saw palmetto, vit C, vit b12, apple cider vinegar. Massage the head daily to stimulate follicles and use a shampoo with a DHT blocker and caffeine. I like the watermans 'grow me' one because it gives the appearance of thicker hair too, and I add a couple of drops of peppermint oil to stimulate blood flow to the follicles. Rub a protein growth serum into the scalp, plus rosemary and cedarwood essential oil nightly. Do a castor oil and pumpkin oil deep condition once a week. Squalene oil also might help. Diet wise, aim for plenty of healthy fats (coconut oil, olive oil, avocados), oily fish, nuts, leafy green veg. Basically just eat good healthy fresh food. Try to eat a cortisol lowering/anti inflammatory foods and stay well hydrated, stay away from refined sugar as much as you can. Try to be accepting of it and keep stress levels low. Yoga/meditation is ideal, plus visualisation! I can't say definitively it works but it's no bad thing to practice mindfulness etc. It will keep you feeling positive and proactive if nothing else! Treat your hair gently - minimal heat, gentle brushing etc. but don't avoid washing because of the hair loss. The gold news is TE is completely reversible. I didn't bother with minoxidil during my latest TE battle, I used it the first time around because it does cause something us alopecians call the 'dread shed' (it causes more hair loss before it gets better! The cruel irony!!) and doesn't work for everyone, plus it's bloody ecpensive. You have my sympathy, it's fucking shit. But you are MORE than your hair. Play with hairstyles, scarves and accessories, hair fibres, the coloured 'root sprays' or even brown eye shadow to cover thin hair along the part or patches. Love x

[Hyperfish101]

There are some good YouTube videos about covering up thinning partings and receding hairIines with make up.