AIBU to ask whether dermatologists can help with hair loss?

[ladyofshertonabbas]

Hello, posting here for traffic- unreasonable already, sorry.

My hair’s really thinning at the front, to the point I can see scalp in photos. Tried Regaine for a month, but my hair was permanently grim looking, due to having the Regaine in it- didn’t want to spend the rest of my life like that. I’m only 46, and female.

The GP has referred me to a dermatologist, but I was wondering if anyone has any experience of seeing one for hair loss? Or are tricologists any good? I would look into paying for one, as don’t want to wait years to see someone.

Blood tests ok really, but testosterone on the low side, no sign of peri menopause, iron levels actually double the high normal range (being tested for heamachromatosis, but the hair loss started before iron issues). Was taking Perfectil, but can’t take it any more, due to it containing iron.

Any experience or paying to see someone would be so helpful. Am in the Dorchester/ Yeovil hospital area.

As a side note, does anyone wonder what happened to the lady who posted ham down an air vent when her cat got stuck in someone else’s house, then got a massive bill?I do!

My aunt had problems with hair loss, she was a little older then you at the time. The dermatologist was very helpful, her problem was allergies to cosmetic products. But hey where very helpful, she lost her eyebrows for a while as well until they got it sorted out.

Thank you miggirl! That sounds promising, amazing they can actually help, and helped your auntie.

It depends what the cause is. I have female pattern hair loss and there's nothing that can be done about it.

Did the GP include your TSH and T4, OP?
In my 40s, my hair fell out in clumps. I’m going on 52 and it’s MUCH better. I still lose some hair but I started supplementing about 2 years ago with biotin and that has made a real impact.
But to answer your question, yes the dermatologist can run further tests to get to the root (no pun intended) cause of such significant hair loss. It could be autoimmune, thyroid, hormonal, allergies. Your haemochromatosis will certainly be exacerbating the problem. My ex had the same problem and regularly donated blood. Is that a possibility for you/has your GP talked about this as part of your treatment?

I have an autoimmune disorder which was diagnosed in my 40s. On a self care note: I brush my hair every night before bed (something I stopped doing as an adult), wash it once a week, and soak it in coconut oil, massaging my scalp. It’s a bit of ‘me stuff’. I don’t know if it’s part of my improvement, but I think so. I use no products other than Cantu cream to smooth the hair or a bit of oil in between washes to nourish my scalp.

Oh no. I’m so sorry. I think k this is what I have, looking at the pattern of it.

Sorry, my reply above is for @Notadoormat4 .

You might be better off with a trichologist

Thank you so much @SerenityNowInsanityLater
Had a look, and TSH was normal, but no sign of a T4 test. Have just ordered some Biotin, can't wait for it to arrive now, and defo going to donate blood after all the iron thing is diagnosed. I feel I should be massaging scalp. It's good to hear an autoimmune conditions can get better, hoping for the same outcome.