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Original poster

Why is my hair coming out?

38 replies

aaaahyouidiot · 20/10/2013 10:35

Hmmmm. I'm used to the crazy hair loss after pregnancy (I also had this when I stopped breastfeeding). But it's stated coming out again, for about six or eight weeks now. Not clumps but if I run my hand through my hair there are 4-5 strands coming out every time. It feels a little thinner on my head/in a pony tail too.

I can't think of any reason for this to happen. I don't want to rush to the GP (feel like I'm there lots since having the DC, for some reason) but nor do I want to wait until I'm half bald before I do something about it!

Has anyone got any suggestions?

OP posts:
SomewhereovertheRainbow02 · 20/10/2013 10:44

Im having the same problem at the minute!
My hair is really thin as it is! Hmm i cant afford to lose anymore!
Hopefully someone will have some advice for us!

Makingchanges · 20/10/2013 10:55

same here. Doc thinks its down to new migraine medication but I'm really worried. I have same symptoms and hairdresser commented that it was noticably thinner last time I went.Sad Sad

HeathcliffeItsMe · 20/10/2013 10:57

It might be worth going to the doctors, as under active thyroid and anaemia could both be causing this. Do you feel ok otherwise?

Original poster
aaaahyouidiot · 20/10/2013 11:01

Yeah I think so. I've lost a bit of weight recently without trying but I have plenty excess flab so it's fine - and I think it's because I've been snacking less. I have had heavy periods for the last 2.5 years, but they're a bit better than they were so I don't think they're a problem. I'm tired but I can't remember not being tired!

I hope those of you also losing hair see a resolution soon. It's a bit worrying.

OP posts:
MinionDave · 20/10/2013 11:02

Make an appointment to see the doctor. It might be you are anaemic, or could be something like thyroid problems. There is also something called telogen effluvium which causes hair loss, but it does grow back.

It might not even have an explanation to be honest! I find my hair does this every 3 or 4 years, I lose lots of it then it calms down again. It's horrible and scary when it does happen though so you have my sympathies.

MinionDave · 20/10/2013 11:02

X-posted Smile

HeathcliffeItsMe · 20/10/2013 11:04

I hope it gets sorted, I know it's upsetting.

Rummikub · 20/10/2013 11:06

Low iron, vit d and thyroid function can all cause hair loss. I've heard about vit b12 I think being important too. Go to docs, that's what they're there for. I didn't go even though I knew my hair was thinning a lot, until my hair loss was bad. Doc was shocked at my low iron and vit d levels. Few months later my hair is slowly recovering, but how I wish I'd gone sooner!

Original poster
aaaahyouidiot · 20/10/2013 11:08

I will make an appointment I think.

It's funny, I'm the least vain person you could ever know, don't wear makeup or fashionable clothes, scruffy and generally not bothered about my appearance. But my hair is really important to me, it's always been a good feature and it makes me look nice.

Thanks gold.

OP posts:
Original poster
aaaahyouidiot · 20/10/2013 11:09

Gold? Folks!

OP posts:
Rummikub · 20/10/2013 11:13

Yes do. I'm the same regards clothes, make up, don't really indulge, but my hair was always good. It was a shock not to have good hair anymore!

RaisingthedeadArizona · 20/10/2013 12:18

I have the same thing going on and it's starting to really get to me. Like you I'm not usually too bothered about appearance but my hair was thin and not my best feature before but now I feel really conscious about it.

My iron level is 35 and apparantly while this is within the normal range, it is too low for optimum hair health/re-growth. My GP is re-testing again and am hoping will agree to put me on a presciption strength iron supplement.
Definitely would see your GP and make sure you ask what the actually levels are for iron, thyroid etc.

Rummikub · 20/10/2013 12:23

That annoys me when GP says its within range, even if its low on the scale. I've read that the optimum for ferritin is 70, don't know for iron.

RockinD · 20/10/2013 18:42

The received wisdom is that ferritin needs to be at least 70 and preferably over 90 to prevent hair loss and other symptoms.

B12 is also implicated in hair loss.

Rummikub · 20/10/2013 18:46

Rockin, thanks for that info. I was just told it was normal within range, but iron not on the range. I can see improvement, but a long way to go yet.

prettyanddainty · 20/10/2013 21:44

rummi do you know what your levels were? I am having hair loss and have been for the last 3 months. I have had all the tests. and ferritin came back at 16, so I am on iron tabs now. I didn't know that low vitamin d caused hair loss, I had a vitamin d deficiency back in June but I am replete now, so that shouldn't be the cause of my hair loss.

Rummikub · 20/10/2013 21:52

I think my iron was 6, it's up to 40 now. Can't remember vit d level, just to it was low. Thyroid levels were normal too. I have started taking my iron tabs with orange juice as its supposed to help with absorption. Must go take it now before I forget! Has doc looked into why your ferritin is low?

prettyanddainty · 20/10/2013 22:10

Hi no he hasn't, I am on iron tabs and will get my blood test at the end of the month. Has your hair stopped falling out now? I am also going to get tested for coeliac disease.

Rummikub · 20/10/2013 22:21

No it hasn't. It's slowed down a bit I think, though I hate it when I see hair on my pillow case in the morning. I have noticed new hair growth though, hurrah! I was given a private prescription fr rogaine but been too scared to try it, as it causes hair loss at beginning! So does coeliac affect absorption of nutrients?

prettyanddainty · 21/10/2013 07:34

Yes I think coeliac does affect iron absorption. I also have new re growth but I just want the hair shedding to stop now, it's really stressful. I have been on iron now for a while and haven't seen any improvement, I am starting to wonder if it's something else. I have had all the blood tests done though.

Rummikub · 21/10/2013 21:32

I bought some b12 from holland and Barrett to help with hair loss. The assistant said its important to eat a high protein diet for good hair growth and I hardly do. How about you?

prettyanddainty · 21/10/2013 21:40

Hi yes I do eat quite a bit of chicken and beef now, but never used to. I am taking b vitamins, iron and vitamin d tabs. Do you find your hair is very dry and brittle looking?

FamiliesShareGerms · 21/10/2013 21:43

I have always moulted lots, but I have just started using http://www.amazon.com/Loreal-Fall-Repair-3x-Anti-hair/dp/B009ZCWVTW L'Oreal 3X which really really works. Now my hair only comes out when I brush it, rather than eg when I run my hand through my hair. I noticed a difference the very first time I used the shampoo and conditioner, and I'm normally underage eked by new beauty stuff. (Don't worry, it's much cheaper in Sainsburys than the link above)

Not a cure for any underlying problem, but might help alleviate symptoms?

FamiliesShareGerms · 21/10/2013 21:44

"underage eked"???? "underwhelmed"!!!

Original poster
aaaahyouidiot · 21/10/2013 21:55

I've decided to make an appointment with the GP. I'll update afterwards :)

OP posts:
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