Hair Loss and severe thinning 46yrs old

[Magentabutterfly1]

Hi everyone feeling desperate as suffering from chronic hair loss and severe thinning which has worsened last few months. I have always had very fine hair but now hardly there at all and so thin van see several gaps all on sides of hair and parting in middle changes and widens at night. Also very low moods on and off for years. Came off Cerazette mini pill in July this year having been on it for 10 years and was on combined pill years before hardly ever had any breaks. Stomach is very swollen and weight increased and never used to have a stomach although always been pear shaped. Excercise not as good as no energy and increased appetite so I try to control but get so hungry and sometimes comfort eat. Also drink too much sometimes red wine as since before lock down bit dependent although I am aware and constantly try to cut down. 2 to 3 bottles a week. Doctor keeps giving mixed advice but bloods have only shown low estrogen and hormones indicate post menopausal state. Came off mini pill In July and had 1 day only period a week ago. Main concern is my hair as it continues to fall and thin, is all different lengths all over and frizzy and dry and also had lots of issues with scalp mainly very itchy and at times has been inflamed and very hot. Grateful for some advice 🙏

I started taking powdered collagen because of my creaky joints. I’ve been taking it for 6 months now and my knees feel 10 years younger but a happy side effect is my thinning hair is thicker and longer than it has been for years.

Have you had a full set of bloods done including haemoglobin, ferritin, thyroid function vitamin D and B12?

Have you considered HRT?

Are you eating enough good protein?

I started taking fish oils, collagen and biotin as supplements after I badly broke my arm. Made bugger all difference to the arm but my hair has improved loads.

All the very best to you

That's great it's helped you. Just started marine collagen powder so hoping that will help

Thanks so much. Iron was low in Feb but not low enough to supplement GP said so didn't retest me. Level was 69. Rest of bloods ok just low estrogen. I take multivitamins and recently marine collagen. Diet could be better so trying to improve. Bit worried about HRT as breast cancer is hereditary in my family and also scared will worsen my symptoms.

HRT is probably the thing that would help, because falling oestrogen levels cause noticeable hair loss. I'm experiencing it myself and wondering if it would be unreasonable to go on systemic HRT mainly to avoid going bald (I also think it's nearly time due to period changes and being late 40s).

Thanks so much. Yes have been thinking about going on it but worried about risks as breast cancer hereditary. Also lots of side effects potentially. Low mood has been awful so think helps with that and I have awful brain fog and bloated tummy. Being a woman is rubbish!!!

Is your haemoglobin result a typo?
Normal range is between 115-160 g/l.
69 would be worrying, or is that your ferritin? I’m sure ferritin needs to be over 100 for hair to grow.

Minoxidil (Regaine), hrt and iron tablets alongside a good multivitamin have all helped my thinning hair. Regaine made the biggest difference. It doesn't work for everyone but it's been amazing for me.

Thank you. He advised me 69 for iron is ok but have heard it should be 100 which i said to him or more so no idea why he disageees with that.

Same problem here. Has anyone tried Nioxin?

I'm reluctant to try regaine as you have to stay on it for life to preserve new hai. Thank you for helping.

It must be your ferritin level as a haemoglobin of below 80 usually requires a blood transfusion.

I think coming of the pill can cause hair loss, have you had a diagnosis of why it’s falling out? If it’s female pattern loss minoxidil will help, but my GP said you have to take it forever or the hair loss will start again. If it’s Telogen Effluvium you can improve it by correcting any deficiencies (in your case sounds like oestrogen & ferritin), but mainly you just have to wait it out for 3-6 months.

There are some great hair systems out there though. If you’re on instagram, iconicfkinhair is a good one to follow. Or you could Google a trichologist local to you, they might have some good contacts.

The NHS values are to ensure you aren't ill.

Other values are to ensure you have near optimum health.

Oh and did you have your thyroid function, vitamin D and vitamin B12 levels tested?

These tests are need to be ordered separately. GPs won't do them unless you have clear signs/symptoms that they could be the issue and not something else.

Thank you. Yes all other bloods came back ok

Thanks so much will check out. I have both types of hair loss and they can't find cause. Recommended trying HRT

Hi @Magentabutterfly1
Eating almonds, walnuts, cashew and seeds really helps with hair. Wash hair once a week. I take an iron supplement. I also have Spirulina powder and Chlorella powder (mix the two in some water), both from Holland and Barrett xx

It might be worth asking your GP for a referral to a specialist menopause clinic where they can talk to you on an expert level about the risks of breast cancer vs HRT. It’s not my area of expertise but weighing up potential risk vs benefit is really important and you sound like you’re having a really tough time RIGHT NOW.

Definitely look at your diet carefully. There’s also a lot of good menopause support both on here and on other platforms.

Thanks so much. Am hoping to be referred as dermatologist i saw privately as was so desperate recommended to GP seeing menopause specialist but it's so hard to communicate as have to wait every single step for telephone appointment or bloods follow up etc.