Hair loss help

[DustyLee123]

Wasn’t sure whether to put this here or S&B.
So in my early 40’s I suddenly lost about an inch from my fringe, then it stopped. Went to the GP, without any test or diagnosis was told to take iron, it did nothing.
Then more recently I’m losing a handful every time I wash my hair, and my parting looks wide and sparse. I’m on HRT and it’s made no difference.
I can’t take biotin as I believe it messes with your thyroid meds, so what can I do, I’m getting desperate.

Go back to your GP and ask for blood tests.

Sounds like you're already taking medication, I would get the doctor to check this is right, maybe ask for bloods again. They should take hair loss symptom seriously.

Are you using any hair dyes or used any kind of strong products in the last 6 months (e.g. nit treatment (sorry this is left field but it can cause hair loss months after use so you don't always make the connection)? If it's a sudden loss of hair it really is doctor as first port of call.

Do you eat enough protein? Nizarol dandruff shampoo can be a help as even though it is meant for treating dandruff a lot of dermatologists will prescribe it for hair loss too as the main ingredient in it is a DHT blocker (too much DHT will cause hair loss)

No I haven’t used any strong products, yes I eat protein as I go to the gym .
ive been given Plantur shampoo so will use that until I can get nizoral, thanks

Look up Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia - does the missing fringe inch look a bit shiny, or did you have any scars there? Ask for a dermatologist referral if this sounds familiar.

Good luck!

You can take biotin. I do and take levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. It messes with the blood result for thyroid bloods so you would just stop taking biotin the week before your blood tests are due.
I also probably wouldn’t waste any money on shampoos etc and just go straight for minoxidil 5%. It’s the only licensed, proven topical treatment for hair loss. I apply this every night to my hair concentrating on my hairline and it does work.

Yes, it does look shiny. Thanks for this. I wish my GP had done something more when it first happened.

I’m staying away from minoxidil at the moment as I know it can poison pets, but I guess that I might have to use it.

I’ve done this and he has referred me to dermatology.

Thanks for this. The GP wasn’t even going to look at my fringe, and was going down the age/menopause route, so I pointed out the scabby follicles and this changed his direction! Got a referral to dermatology

Have you seen atrichologist? I booked an app with one and afterblood tests via gp as requested in wrting by trichologist I am currently on vit d, folic acid and iron (cant remember strengths)and we're reviewing in 6 months as could see follicles on top of my head mainly had one hair rather than healthier side and back follicles have 2 or 3 hairs.