I’m Going Bald - Menopause related.

NameChangeObvsx1 · 2022-12-18T00:17:40+00:00

So yeah, my hair is falling out. I’m 53, been peri menopausal for about two years. This year, my hair, which has always been fine is just getting finer. Anyone out there have the same? Started using Plantur but as it says for hair over 40 I’m obvs too late. Putting this in AIBU for traffic.

Itaintwhatyoudoitsthewaythatyoudoit · 18/12/2022 00:21

Have you had blood tests and checked your ferritin levels?

Iam4eels · 18/12/2022 00:22

Have you have your thyroid checked too?

justasking111 · 18/12/2022 00:26

My hair thickened up during the lockdown when I bit the bullet, went grey, didn't wash as often and rarely blow dried . Makes you wonder .

I've no idea why my writing has gone all weird either

PlinkPlonkFizz · 18/12/2022 00:28

Check your iron / ferritin stores.

Original poster

NameChangeObvsx1 · 18/12/2022 00:30

Iam4eels · 18/12/2022 00:22

Have you have your thyroid checked too?

No. Haven’t heard of that but will research, thank you.

OP posts:

RobertaFirmino · 18/12/2022 00:33

Mine was going too but a year on HRT has slowed the loss right down.

Original poster

NameChangeObvsx1 · 18/12/2022 00:33

That was to all of the above. Thanks for the research suggestions.

I thought the worst thing about menopause was the hot flushes but this hair loss is incredibly depressing.

OP posts:

dolor · 18/12/2022 00:50

Are you on HRT at all?

Doggydarling · 18/12/2022 00:57

You've mentioned you're having hot flushes, are you on hrt? If not, is there a reason? I foolishly put up with menopausal symptoms for years, I now know that I was peri menopausal at 38, ayear after I got married, my gp blamed everything on the fact that I'd developed fibromyalgia aged 12 after a viral infection, every ache and pain, fatigue, brain fog, hot flush (fibro can make it difficult to regulate body temperature), missing libido, even missed periods were dismissed, after being period free for over a year I looked for hrt and she refused so I went else where and it changed so much for me. My hair has thinned but I just had my hrt tweaked yesterday and I'm hoping that'll make the difference.

Nat6999 · 18/12/2022 02:07

I was losing my hair due to underactive thyroid, menopause & it had never properly grown back post pregnancy. I started taking selenium & iron supplements as I was very anaemic & a year later my hair is thicker & I can now have a full fringe cut in.

R2G · 18/12/2022 03:55

Nat6999 · 18/12/2022 02:07

I was losing my hair due to underactive thyroid, menopause & it had never properly grown back post pregnancy. I started taking selenium & iron supplements as I was very anaemic & a year later my hair is thicker & I can now have a full fringe cut in.

Which brand of supplement do you recommend?

BCBird · 18/12/2022 04:05

I have two bald patches. One is about 2cm in diameter and the other slightly smaller. I have gone through menopause. Doc did blood tests. I been under extreme stress the last three years so that probably doesn't help. Could that be a factor for you? Hope things start to improve. Someone else mentioned fibromyalgia, I got that too and have probably had for years- different diagnosis until recenly. On a side note I have noticed wen the hair on my legs gas slowed down in growth rate- shame it hasn't had a conversation with that in my face🤣

ScrabbleRabbler · 18/12/2022 04:40

Iron needs to be above 70

rowanbush · 18/12/2022 05:13

Doggydarling · 18/12/2022 00:57

You've mentioned you're having hot flushes, are you on hrt? If not, is there a reason? I foolishly put up with menopausal symptoms for years, I now know that I was peri menopausal at 38, ayear after I got married, my gp blamed everything on the fact that I'd developed fibromyalgia aged 12 after a viral infection, every ache and pain, fatigue, brain fog, hot flush (fibro can make it difficult to regulate body temperature), missing libido, even missed periods were dismissed, after being period free for over a year I looked for hrt and she refused so I went else where and it changed so much for me. My hair has thinned but I just had my hrt tweaked yesterday and I'm hoping that'll make the difference.

HRT didn't thin your hair did it?

Just worried as I'm hoping to get some for peri menopause symptoms soon.

Fraaahnces · 18/12/2022 05:18

There are so many reasons why peri/menopausal women lose hair. No one here can diagnose you properly. You really need to get a referral to see a trichologist or specialist dermatologist who will recommend blood tests (usually in advance of the appointment) and probably get you to collect several weeks worth of hairfall in labeled ziplock bags to be counted and examined so that that they can tell exactly where in the hair cycle your hair is falling out. They may also do some scalp biopsies. Once they have collated all the information from all of this, they may prescribe supplements and/or medication.
I have been diagnosed with telogen effluvium and androgenic alopecia. I have been prescribed Spironolactone and oral Minoxidil (the same medication that is in Rogaine). I also have a dead thyroid and take meds for that too.

CleopatrasBeautifulNose · 18/12/2022 05:26

While you check out medical causes male sure your diet is supporting your body properly...
www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/hair-loss/foods-for-hair-loss

JE17 · 18/12/2022 05:51

Definitely pay a visit to your doctor. I was losing my (already fine) hair and had several bald patches. I assumed it was due to my age too. Blood tests showed that the cause was an under active thyroid. Within a couple of months of taking the medication the bald patches had disappeared and my hair was back to normal for me.

ChimChimeny · 18/12/2022 06:16

Have you tried flaxseed? Pharmacist friend recommended it to.me when mine started calling out, not clumps but definitely.more than usual. I have a spoonful on my breakfast everyday & it turned around v quickly. Friend has hers in a daily smoothie if you want an alternative. She said it helps with her other symptoms too (she's also.on HRT)

Mumtobabyhavoc · 18/12/2022 06:39

It might be worth seeing an endocrinologist to rule out anything else. If all is ok (as can be from menopause) discuss it with the endo and gp. I'm sorry you're dealing with this. I had same post-partum and my hair hasn't fully recovered. I still have a high hairline and the regrowth is so uneven throughout. I know how it feels.

Original poster

NameChangeObvsx1 · 18/12/2022 21:06

Doggydarling · 18/12/2022 00:57

You've mentioned you're having hot flushes, are you on hrt? If not, is there a reason? I foolishly put up with menopausal symptoms for years, I now know that I was peri menopausal at 38, ayear after I got married, my gp blamed everything on the fact that I'd developed fibromyalgia aged 12 after a viral infection, every ache and pain, fatigue, brain fog, hot flush (fibro can make it difficult to regulate body temperature), missing libido, even missed periods were dismissed, after being period free for over a year I looked for hrt and she refused so I went else where and it changed so much for me. My hair has thinned but I just had my hrt tweaked yesterday and I'm hoping that'll make the difference.

Yes, because I’m on numerous medications for depression and anxiety and read there can be contraindications. Even without that being the case, my body rattles with everything as it is.

I really don’t know how to get round this. Will doctors check thyroid/ferrin etc if you request it?

OP posts:

Original poster

NameChangeObvsx1 · 18/12/2022 21:11

And thank you to everyone for the suggestions. I shall have to look into this further. I only really noticed how bad it was when I recently had my hair cut quite a lot shorter. Prior to that I was wearing it in a pony tail most days (not scraped back too hard) and did notice some hairfall in the shower but other than that I guess it was disguised.

OP posts:

ChristmasJingleBalls · 18/12/2022 21:15

I think if you’re unsure about hrt then listen to Dr Louise Newsome’s podcasts. She seems to be of the mindset that there is little reason not to prescribe it. I’ve found it very useful.

Neveragain85 · 18/12/2022 21:18

My hair started falling out after starting Estrogel. My doctor did some blood tests & said my iron was too low, prescribed strong iron tablets & the hair loss has stopped. Never had low iron before. I would ask for blood tests

Cryalot2 · 18/12/2022 21:20

Ok am older than you and didn't hit menopause until mid 50s, though the mood swings were there years before.
I had no hair loss with it, but not sure if this will help.
During lockdown I had covid from hell, and long covid which left me looking like a monk. Thankfully it was both lockdown and winter. I had no idea that I could lose my hair. Had tried planture and not impressed. A message to my hairdresser told me to try Alpecin double strength caffeine shampoo. Massage well into scalp.
It worked for me and hope it does for all who try it.
The other option is function of beauty shampoo and conditioner. I just use the conditioner, if using this get a proper analyse from your hairdresser.
Whilst my hair is not quite as thick as it was , I still have a good healthy head of long hair.
Hoping this helps