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Original poster

androgenetic alopecia or Chronic Telogen Effluvium? Help me, please; hair loss driving me nuts

20 replies

sidebysides · 01/04/2013 20:55

I have already posted today about whether there is such a thing as seasonal hair shedding

I'm really concerned that it's either AA or CTE. It's just diffuse thinning all over. I still have lots of hair - no patches - although there is some thinning at the front that's got worse, on the sides - but I know I've lost a good amount. It was so thick, so my crowning glory. Now it's dry and horrible [could cry my eyes out emoticon]

I don't know what to think...

OP posts:

Hoolit · 01/04/2013 21:03

My hair has never been great but lately its very thin esp at the front. You can see my scalp for about 3 inches its so thin.
I saw the doc and she said a paper had been written about the link between iron and hair loss. My iron levels were very low but still I normal range so she advised supplements, I have been taking these approx 5 months and you can see new hair coming in. I'm still very thin on top but if it stops it getting worse I'm happy. Quick note though after taking iron my level actually dropped! So I may need a higher dose and plenty orange !
Good luck and sorry not more help but I do understand how upsetting it is.

ToothGah · 01/04/2013 21:04

Have you had your thyroid checked? Thyroid issues can cause hair thinning, particularly at the front and sides I believe.

Re the dryness, how old are you if you don't mind me asking? Hair can change in texture as we get older. Maybe a little TLC with almond oil or coconut oil could improve things?

Original poster

sidebysides · 01/04/2013 21:27

I'm 43. I already take prescribed iron pills because of low ferritin. Maybe I should have a thyroid test done. I did it via gp last November and it was within average range but low. I've since heard GPs tests aren't the best

Is it normal for 5-6 hairs to come out when you run hands through, several times a day, on a day when you've washed it and a ton of hair has already come out? Does this sound like female pattern baldness pattern or TE?

OP posts:

LovingTheSunshine · 01/04/2013 22:21

Hi
I have very fine hair & have lost a lot previously due to anaemia & hyperthyroidism. It has never recovered fully but I had my hair cut last Friday & the hairdresser recommended Nioxin cleanser & scalp revitaliser. OMG I am so happy & feel more confident wearing my hair down, rather than scraped back n a pony tail. I hope you get to the bottom of your hair problems but you may wish to try the Nioxin as well.

Original poster

sidebysides · 02/04/2013 08:22

Thanks LovingtheSunshine, I'll try it.

You feel happier already, after such a short amount of time?

Wow!

OP posts:

Medal · 02/04/2013 09:24

Hi, I have had a lot of shedding for the last 7 months, with even more hairs coming out like you describe when I run my hands through it. I have been diagnosed with female pattern hair loss and you can see the loss most clearly on the top and sides of the scalp. Less than a year ago I had a good head of hair, not thick, but enough of it. I've not yet found anything that helps.

It is a good idea to have all your blood tests done just to make sure you're not deficient in anything. How long has your shedding been going on for?

Original poster

sidebysides · 02/04/2013 10:04

I'm booked in for blood tests so we'll see.

Sorry to hear that Medal. Are you using Regain?

OP posts:

Original poster

sidebysides · 02/04/2013 10:05

And it has been shedding on and off for years, but with huge periods of not shedding in between. Until last week I haven't been shedding since December - which is actually quite a short period of respite for me.

OP posts:

Medal · 02/04/2013 10:07

I am using the Philip Kingsley version of it, with no change as yet, it's been just under 4 months. Not sure how long I should give it. I think mine started off as TE due to a change in diet but is now female pattern loss.

All the best of luck with your tests - feel free to PM me if you like.

Original poster

sidebysides · 02/04/2013 10:08

Thanks and good luck to you too.

OP posts:

Medal · 02/04/2013 10:09

Sounds like CTE to me, if you follow a pattern of shedding lots then it slowing down? Hope it improves for you soon.

Original poster

sidebysides · 02/04/2013 10:12

It's all disheartening, whatever the cause. I'm trying not to let it get to me but it's hard

OP posts:

cedge · 02/04/2013 10:20

You need to be diagnosed by a specialist. I have heard of many women who have regrown their hair using spirolonactone and regaine for AA. Also, you could try minoconazole (daktarin cream). Some people have reported that this helps hair growth.
BTW, 6 hairs coming out is normal.

Original poster

sidebysides · 02/04/2013 10:25

I know, I need to see someone Cedge. I'm a bit scared, which sounds stupid!

6 hairs coming out is normal but not every time you run your hands through...!

OP posts:

cedge · 02/04/2013 10:30

I wouldnt be too scared... hair loss can be easily reversed in many cases.... low iron, vitamin d, thyroid etc etc. Even in the worst, worst case scenarios... there are some fabulous hair pieces that tie to your existing hair.
Most of the celebrities we 'admire' wear these hair pieces... so its not a massive deal.
One thing that WILL NOT help is stressing all the time... so make an appointment and get it dealt with. If it is AA , the sooner you start, the more hair you can recover..

Original poster

sidebysides · 02/04/2013 10:35

Yes, thanks Cedge. I appreciate that advice. It's true.

OP posts:

Medal · 02/04/2013 10:40

I know exactly how you feel sides, about being scared. But seeing a specialist may give you some reassurance?

Cedge, have you had personal experience of any of what you mention, spironolactone, regaine, daktarin?

cedge · 03/04/2013 13:20

Medal - i replied to your PM.

FoxPass · 03/04/2013 14:27

Not much advice but I have the same problem. Genetically prone to less hair on temples (my mum, me and DC have the same sparse hair pattern there) and my hair is overall much finer since I had youngest DC (2 years ago now).

I shed continuously. I have long hair and it's everywhere in the house. It drives me mad! I want it to stay on my fecking head! :(

Things I have tried:

Hair supplements, a high-strength silica supplement: improved hair condition and growth rate but did not slow shedding
Conditioner-only washing: made shedding worse
Ditching heat styling: no effect on amount of shedding, but hair in better condition

Right now I am trying emu oil as a root treatment every few days, and using the new John Frieda volume range, which seems to work the same way as Nioxin inasmuch as it helps your hair feel less fine. It works and doesn't make my hair feel yuck.

I have acne on my neck and jawline which I am convinced is hormonal and linked with the hair loss as it has only happened since I had kids. Going back to the Dr tomorrow.

I just want nice hair again!

FoxPass · 03/04/2013 14:29

I tried monistat (daktarin in the UK) and it gave me very fast growth, but also made shedding worse. It varies from person to person.

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