When does hair falling out change from being a nuisance to a proper health problem?

[foxinsocks]

I have always had very fine hair and a minorly receeding hairline.

My hair, I think, has always fallen out a fair amount. It's been nearly a decade since my last child so it's not that. I do have a minor vit B deficiency but I am taking supplements.

But my hair seems to be falling out quicker and quicker. I am having to clean the trap in the shower at least once a week and when I clean it, there is a big squashed down handful of hair. My hairbrush gets full of hair every few days and when I put my hand through my hair, some always comes out.

But what do you do if it is a problem - I mean who do you go and see and how do I know if it is an issue. I don't think the GP will be interested - I had a blood test around 6 months ago and the only thing isolated was the vitB issue.

shiney that's really interesting

you see, annoyingly, the doctor didn't even tell me what serum folate was but I am very low in that. Just looking back on the results, I had a low

red blood cell count
vitb12
serum folate
packed cell volume

but he didn't tell me to take any supplements (I just assumed I should but have just been taking a berocca every now and then half heartedly).

Did you get prescribed a supplement or did you just take one of those pots of vitamins?

I feel there may be light at the end of the tunnel!

thanks shiny, that's really interesting. Yes, your hair loss sounds exactly like mine. I was getting really quite concerned about it - I almost dreaded putting my hand through my hair anymore because loads and loads would just fall out! I was terrified of disturbing it too much in case I made it worse! You should see my chair at work! It looks like a labrador has been rolling all over it!

I will go and get those supplements today and start taking them and let you know how I get along. Thanks so much for your help, I really appreciate it and I'm so so glad the supplements worked for you.

oops I see I said really interesting twice in two posts. I am obviously losing my brain cells along with my hair!

Hair falling out is never a good sign in young people.

Do you use hormonal contraception? That is often at the root of hair loss and needs to be ruled out before further investigation.

I've been gradually losing hair over probably a 10 year period (I'm 43 now). I have no eyebrows, no hair on my arms or legs or face (when I previously did) and my head hair is receding/thinning. GP did blood tests but found nothing wrong. I don't use any hormonal contraception either.

I tend to think it's genetic as my Nan had a similar hair loss pattern. Have resigned myself to a wig one day!!