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Original poster

The hair, the hair....

28 replies

MegCleary · 23/01/2015 14:46

tis fierce bad. So fine I look bald and at 5' everyone can see the top of my head. A colleague mocked once saying I was going bald. Any suggestions. Please.

The hair, the hair....
The hair, the hair....
OP posts:
NimpyWWindowmash · 23/01/2015 14:48

What does the dr say? Is there anything medical that can be addressed? (Sorry, clueless!)

Original poster
MegCleary · 23/01/2015 14:54

Have not asked to be honest. Just had my hair done today and was asking the hairdresser she suggested some flakes to make it look thicker but I thought they would be too obvious. Am a tad sad as the pic I just posted I have just taken and I had not realized HOW BAD it looks on top. Sad

OP posts:
chockbic · 23/01/2015 14:56

Request blood tests from your GP in first instance.

RosyAuroch · 23/01/2015 15:09

Increase you iron intake and find out if you have any food intolerances.

CMOTDibbler · 23/01/2015 15:19

I think having a blood test for thyroid issues would be a good start

Coumarin · 23/01/2015 15:33

Your colleague was a twat. It's actually a common problem but not one women talk about or want to draw attention to so it seems rare but it's not.

Your GP can test for thyroid issues, hormone levels and vitamin deficiencies.

Some contraceptives can cause hair loss. Also other medications such as ones for high blood pressure. So check anything you're currently taking for side effects.

iseenodust · 23/01/2015 15:39

I've just this week tried a new L'oreal shampoo designed to thicken fine hair & am liking it (was on offer in Morrisons). Usually use Aussie Volume products.

squoosh · 23/01/2015 15:45

You need a blood test that looks at your iron levels, specifically ferritin.

p.s. your colleague is a thundercunt.

CaptainJamesTKirk · 23/01/2015 15:46

I think you should see your Dr. See if there is anything they can advise. There are caffeine shampoos that might help. I think there's a particularly famous German one, I'll have to google the name escapes me but I know they sell it Boots.

Please don't be sad. Your colleague is a twunt!

Original poster
MegCleary · 23/01/2015 15:53

Thank you for the tips and name calling of git Wink. My ferritin is shite. It was 2 in September. I was signed up for a month as my Hb was 9 also & what I thought was panic attacks due to stress at work were palpitations! So I am on ferrous gluconate and now the POP to stop the heavy periods. So the pill may be part of the issue but need it to stop the flooding sigh.

Will ask for a blood test and look into caffeine shampoos. Have more hair on my chin than my head Sad Bad day

OP posts:
maybemyrtle · 23/01/2015 16:01

Your colleague is an idiot. Sorry you're feeling bad. No advice other than talk to your GP and be kind to yourself, sounds like you've a lot to be dealing with atm Flowers

iseenodust · 23/01/2015 16:12

Just remembered a friend recommended Head & Shoulders thickening product. Said she was definitely getting regrowth by her temples.

Eliza22 · 23/01/2015 16:26

Ok, first of all a hug because I can't begin to imagine losing my hair. I moan endlessly about it but am lucky cause it's thick and long and I should shut the fuck up! I also moan cause my body's gone south....cause it has. Your so called colleague at work is a fit....but we know that already.

I'd go back to the GP and tell them how distressing this is for you and ask for ALL blood tests available to discern the cause. In the me a time, lots of oily fish, salmon is good, walnuts and Brazil nuts (not the one in chocolate Grin) and kelp rich foods. I'm not sure about the caffein shampoos....my husband tried it and it did nowt for him but, could be worth a try. What about an organic hairdresser? Maybe, a gentle (GENTLE) rinse colour through it to add shine to the grey and a wee hit of vibrancy but be advised by the hairdresser on this, don't want damaging chemicals.

Stress is killer for hair and skin as are hormonal imbalances.

Have a Wine tonight and put your feet up x

Eliza22 · 23/01/2015 16:27

Ummm...a git. Colleague is a GIT!

pseudonymity · 23/01/2015 16:42

There is a forum called Her Alopecia for women with all different kinds of hair loss. Previous poster is right that Women's hair loss is widespread but it's taboo and you wouldn't necessarily know about it because there are many ways to conceal it, inc. styling, products, partial fake hair etc.

Chottie · 23/01/2015 17:00

Have a look at the Philip Kingsley website, there is lots of information about hair loss.

Colleague - words fail me........ :(

rosiepinkcheeks · 23/01/2015 17:05

Hello. Please dont listen to your nasty vile colleague. There is a range called Hairfix (I think) which a friend has been using and is pleased with. I think she gets it from QVC.

Original poster
MegCleary · 23/01/2015 18:20

Thanks for the tips. Will start some research. Have a ferritin test booked for Monday I'll try and ask for a few more to be added. Doubt I will be able to.

OP posts:
whattheseithakasmean · 23/01/2015 18:33

Female hair loss is more common than anyone realises or admits. You will be amazed how may women you know - possibly good friends - wear wigs.

First stop, GP, who may well refer you to consultant. Lots can be tried my DM had steroid injections in her scalp. Sadly, it did not work for my DM & she now has wigs & looks great & feels confident after years of trying to disguise hairloss.

You are not alone, find out what can be done. Your colleague is vile.

yeastextractpowder · 23/01/2015 19:08

Oh Meg. Poor you. Yes to getting thyroid and ferritin checked. There's no medical evidence about the correct value but tricologists say over 70 for growth and over 35 (I think ) to sustain hair.
I went to a tricologist (check for a registered one with institute of trilogy). I hadn't really acknowledged how bad my diet was but she could tell from the hair that I didn't eat enough protein.
Gp's and even many dermatologists don't have a special interest but I'd ask your GP for a referral to a dermatologist with an interest in hair and if you can afford it compliment this with a visit to a tricologist (about £70 for an assessment in my case and about £40 for follow up appointment).

There are many types of hair loss pattern- do your female relatives have similar and how old are you?

Unmumsnetty hugs and a plague of ants on your colleague

zippyswife · 23/01/2015 19:23

I know there are vile people about. But really? Mocking you for thinning hair is beyond low. Was it a male or female colleague? I can't believe any woman would be so insensitive?!!

I'm afraid I have no advice to offer, but had to comment as I was just so Shock at your colleague.

Also to say I know several women with the same problem as yourself. you are not alone. Seek all the help/specialist help you can get from your GP. Get referred to a specialist ASAP- really stress the impact it's having on your mental health and they will surely have to refer you.

Wishing you all the luck with this.

CrazyLadyAtNumber31 · 23/01/2015 19:30

I know you are asking about your hair, but if you think the Pill is affecting it but you don't want to stop the Pill because of flooding issues then please, please, please go back to the doctor. I saw my new practice nurse last year after fainting due to anaemia and she told me that it makes her so cross that us women put up with flooding and very, very heavy periods when there is no need! On her guidance I saw the doctor, told them about the embarrassing flooding and she put me on Transexamic Acid, which I only need to take for the first 3 days of my period. It has transformed my life.
Sorry I know this isn't technically style and beauty advice, but I hope you get sorted with your hair.

Original poster
MegCleary · 23/01/2015 20:27

Thanks again for the kind words and advice. Colleague was a consultant, not one I would consider with decent communication skills Hmm

I have been on tranaxamic acid didn't work for me sadly.

The not having periods have transformed the last few months.

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 23/01/2015 20:46

When you have the iron do you avoid tea/coffee/cola for an hour before and after?.

Tannin stops iron absorbing, lots of people would take iron with a hot drink etc.

If you go to home bargains or Aldi they do effervescent Vit c & B complex with zinc etc, it'll make your wee bright yellow but it's good for building you up a bit. You can't take it at the same time as iron though or the zinc might stop it absorbing. Vit b is needed for hair growth too.

I'm just thinking of nursing home residents on fortisip milk shakes who always have really good hair & nail growth, those milk shakes have more than the rda of vitamins.

alpacasosoftsnowgentlyfalling · 23/01/2015 20:57

My ferritin is in my boots but my hair is like fucking lions mane!

It does look like a thyroid or hormonal issue to me.
Your colleague is a bit of shit tbh