Hairloss - help!

[TheSpottedZebra]

Just that really. I've always had very thick, healthy hair - it's literally the only thing I like / am confident about, looks - wise. But suddenly it's all falling out, and I don't know why, and it's really upsetting me.

I'm 37, youngest child 5, no peri menopausal symptoms that I've noticed. I've lost weight recently but by cutting out rubbish, ie I am still eating a healthy balanced diet and am by no means underweight. I'm probably verging on the stressed /depressed side of things at the mo - could that have anything to do with it.

Not really sure what I am asking,I guess any thoughts as to why my hair might be falling out and how to stop it? It's not so thin that it is noticeably thin hair to others, but I am losing handfuls a day so it soon will be, alas.

Aw, I'm sorry that happened to you Zebra. Sadly, the nhs is now floundering and things like hairloss are way way down the list of priorities these days (and probably forever if nhs is lost). Can you see a private GP? They will be much more forthcoming and will do your tests.

My gp said to take silica and selenium. My iron was also a bit low so I look ferritin too. Problem solved. The hair loss stopped quite quickly and before long I had a little fringe if regrowth.

Blue horizon run lots of the blood tests for GP surgeries. You can do private blood tests using them. It's really easy to get a very small small vial of blood from a pin pick in your finger using the companies sterilised equipment which is sent in the post.

Can you make an appointment anyway. He should be running tests because the depression and hair loss could be linked to low B vitamins, iron, d3 etc. They could be symptomatic of something and easily resolved.

I know I need to ring back, it's pathetic isn't it?! I have been putting off calling Dr re depression for a bit, and I don't think I needed much persuasion to bottle it. But the receptionist was a bitch!

I shall try calling first thing tomorrow, and keeping it a bit more rational. I do need to see docs. But if no joy re blood tests, then I think maybe private gp is a good idea. That would literally Ave never occurred to me!

I had a very detailed blue horizon thyroid test at home using a pin prick method and a small vile - cost about 120.00 maybe? So very reasonable.

Do try your GP first despite the awful receptionist. If you have to give a reason, say its depression

Must have been very upsetting for you

It was!
And you're very kind, thank you.

If you have to give a reason say "It is something I will discuss with my doctor thank you. I would like to make an appointment."

I would definitely persevere with the GP, despite the difficult receptionist.

I sympathise with you OP, exactly the same happened to me - for about 5 or 6 months, handfuls of hair in the shower and in the Hoover. Like you I had lovely thick hair. I'm 44. My iron levels are always at the low end of normal, and I have been prescribed iron by the GP in the past. I turned a blind eye to the hair loss at the time (I don't know why - head in sand perhaps!). But it suddenly stopped about 6 weeks ago, and now I have a "halo" of new hair growing. I didn't do anything or take anything. I don't know why it started or stopped but last year was v stressful, so I'm assuming it's that. So I just wanted to let you know - it could just sort itself out if stress/depression improves? That said if it happened again to me I would go to the GP, to cover all angles.