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Original poster

Losing my hair

28 replies

filthypride · 20/12/2023 19:37

This was from one wash, however it's the same for every wash. The doctors won't do anything for me. I literally have a pony tail the thickness of my little finger (which is like a string bean).

I don't know what to do since the doctors won't help me.

Considering a buzz cut to make me even more repulsive than I am already, but losing this much hair each time I was is out of control.

I must add my hair sheds everywhere. I scared of brushing 'cause so much comes out.

What can I do?

Losing my hair
OP posts:
IWishThatICouldBeWorryFree · 20/12/2023 19:38

Have the Drs not done blood tests?

Thyroid issues
low iron
low b12
low vitamin D

all can cause hair thinning.

Tiredbehyondbelief · 20/12/2023 19:39

I found Niurkrin very helpful

FaiIureToLunch · 20/12/2023 19:40

Raise your protein.

GeorgiaMB · 20/12/2023 19:41

Do you have any health issues?

Neverpostagain · 20/12/2023 19:41

How is your hair depleting? In little round patches or generally all over?

pharmachameleon · 20/12/2023 19:42

Have you had your bloods checked? Ferritin should be around 70-100 for hair growth. If low you could take iron supplements.

Original poster
filthypride · 20/12/2023 21:24

@pharmachameleon

I have iron infusions. My levels are okay at the moment. X

OP posts:
Original poster
filthypride · 20/12/2023 21:25

@IWishThatICouldBeWorryFree

I recently had a blood test checking everything and my blood counts were all okay. Generally everything else was satisfactory too.

OP posts:
Original poster
filthypride · 20/12/2023 21:26

@GeorgiaMB

Not that I'm aware.

OP posts:
Original poster
filthypride · 20/12/2023 21:26

@Neverpostagain

All over. Generalised thinning.

OP posts:
JacquiDaytona · 20/12/2023 21:27

I don’t want to scare you but mine started like this out of nowhere and I went on to lose everything very quickly. Still no idea why or what’s caused it, but bloods suggest it might be an autoimmune problem. If it is alopecia, there’s not much you can do - it’s unpredictable and will either progress or it will just stop and grow back.
Please see the Gp asap and get as much info as possible about what’s going on in your body - I’m 6 months in now and completely bald everywhere with no regrowth. I wish I’d gone sooner and pushed for more tests.

AceofPentacles · 20/12/2023 21:30

Have you had Covid recently? Mine did this for around 6 months after each time

Swishyfishy · 20/12/2023 21:31

Iron needs to be over 70 for regrowth and 50 to stop loss

Carolynpig · 21/12/2023 08:35

Hi filthypride, I’m so sorry this is happening to you, it’s heartbreaking and may be something called telogen effluvium which usually resolves itself. Think back to what happened 2/3 months ago, where you unwell, did you have a trauma physical or emotional or start some new meds perhaps hormones etc? Also covid can cause it. Mine started falling out after a critical illness in 2019 , it falls out from the roots but you don’t go bald because there’s new growth all the time. My doctor was clueless too but there’s good support groups on Facebook with lots of info. If it’s any comfort my hair is now thick, long and curlier than before, I’m not underestimating your difficulty, I spent a lot of time crying in private, but if it is this it will pass.

BoulderOpal · 21/12/2023 08:44

I had this after severe anemia followed by blood transfusions and surgery.

Was very difficult time as a lone parent and I started losing hair rapidly.
I had a lot of different a medicines during this time, including beta blockers, which I found out can cause hair loss.

However, the doctor felt it was a stress reaction to the trauma of the time and it would stop.
For me it did stop after a few months and am back to normal now.

Would suggest looking into side effects any medicines you are taking.

BoulderOpal · 21/12/2023 08:45

Carolynpig · 21/12/2023 08:35

Hi filthypride, I’m so sorry this is happening to you, it’s heartbreaking and may be something called telogen effluvium which usually resolves itself. Think back to what happened 2/3 months ago, where you unwell, did you have a trauma physical or emotional or start some new meds perhaps hormones etc? Also covid can cause it. Mine started falling out after a critical illness in 2019 , it falls out from the roots but you don’t go bald because there’s new growth all the time. My doctor was clueless too but there’s good support groups on Facebook with lots of info. If it’s any comfort my hair is now thick, long and curlier than before, I’m not underestimating your difficulty, I spent a lot of time crying in private, but if it is this it will pass.

So interesting, my new hair is curly when it wasn’t before.

TreesWelliesKnees · 21/12/2023 08:55

Sometimes levels of thyroid hormone, iron etc are 'normal' according to the NHS parameters, but not optimal for hair growth. For example, TSH over 3 can cause symptoms, but the NHS don't treat until the level gets to 5. Similarly with iron/ferritin, 50 is needed to stop hair loss, but the NHS 'normal' is often as low as 15. I'd check the specifics of your blood test results.

Carolynpig · 21/12/2023 12:04

Just look forward to this time next year when it’s growing back. Good luck

Original poster
filthypride · 21/12/2023 16:31

I asked for an appointment today and they literally ignored my request! It’s all via an app and I did one for my mother at the same time 8am when it opened, she was in the doctors being seen by 10.45 and I haven’t even had a text or a call to discuss a possible appointment. Clearly a 48 year old woman having her hair fall out in handfuls really isn’t a priority to them.

OP posts:
differentfeather · 21/12/2023 16:32

the ordinary multi peptide hair density serum is good. get some hair supplements / multi vitamins too.

TreesWelliesKnees · 21/12/2023 17:28

Do you have other perimenopause symptoms? Could it be that?

Yes, doctors won't take it seriously on its own, and certainly wouldn't see you urgently for it.

Tiredbehyondbelief · 22/12/2023 05:57

Nourkrin (available on Boots or Amazon) was my saviour. My iron and thyroxine were fine.

nottaotter · 22/12/2023 06:23

My hair stated shedding massively in my 40's to the point I would take a jumper off and my hair would come with it, I was sitting in my car and glanced in mirror and could see my scalp. Im pretty sure mine was hormonal, the shedding stopped and I use minoxidil which has re grown my hair to almost how it was before.

Apart from a blood test I don't think the GP can really do anything, can you see a dermatologist privately?

Original poster
filthypride · 23/12/2023 01:47

@TreesWelliesKnees

Oh for sure I'm menopausal. I know that. Since June I've only had one period! Before that it was up the spout.

OP posts:
DyslexicPoster · 23/12/2023 01:57

TreesWelliesKnees · 21/12/2023 08:55

Sometimes levels of thyroid hormone, iron etc are 'normal' according to the NHS parameters, but not optimal for hair growth. For example, TSH over 3 can cause symptoms, but the NHS don't treat until the level gets to 5. Similarly with iron/ferritin, 50 is needed to stop hair loss, but the NHS 'normal' is often as low as 15. I'd check the specifics of your blood test results.

I'd second this. I had hair loss two years after giving birth. My gp fobbed me off saying it was pregnancy related but I asked to see a dermatologist. She said my iron was OK, but only so much as had enough to stay alive. The normal range isn't high enough when your near the bottom of that range