Thinning hair

[Thewhale2903]

Looking for some advice. In about the last 8 months to a year I have noticed that my hair seems to be falling out more. I have always had thinner hair but now I can see a lot more of my scalp. I would say there is proper bald spots yet but definitely patches where they look as though they are going that way.
Has anyone got any advice on products that might help?

minoxidil, sold as regaine and other names, is the only medication scientifically proven to work that is available to women. It used to be on prescription but it is now available over the counter.

Hi Op
Have you seen your Gp? Hair loss can be caused by anaemia and underactive thyroid and a host of things no doubt. I feel your pain as my hair is shedding terribly post baby, my hairline especially and it's very depressing. I hope you find a solution.

Thank you both.
I went to the doctor quite a long time ago now as my mum and auntie suffer from an interactive thyroid, they did blood tests and the doctor said she would phone me with the results but they didn't and when I phoned in the receptionist couldn't tell me. Perhaps I will need to go again. You might find your hair starts to come back. That happened to my mum after she had my younger brother but eventually it came back in. Hope it does for you too!

I recommend Biotin and also castor oil.

Thanks will have a look for them next time I'm out.

I want to start following this thread as I've just also noticed the hair receding at sides. I've noticed I've been losing a bit of hair over last year but I've always had so much I didn't worry. Now it's quite thin at the temples.

I've just ordered some Regaine so I'll see how I get on with that. I am so paranoid about losing my hair I only wash and style it once a week, to reduce the loss.

Does anyone know, does the Regaine only go on the thinning areas?

Have just read another thread on MN about thyroid problems. Thinning hair is a common symptom. I would chase those results and get the figures, rather than be told you are in an acceptable range, as the range seems big. It seems to take a long time to get levels back with medication, so I would hurry to rule that out first.

Londonista - have a look at the Regaine website. Yes you only apply to thinning areas and best done before bed.

www.regaine.co.uk/women/regaine-foam/how-to-use-regaine-for-women-foam

Have you had your iron and ferritin levels checked? deficiency in these can cause hair loss and thinning
My ferritin has gone very low and my hair has suddenly got thinner,
I have regular blood tests so i know this and other people have noticed it too with their thinning hair
Look on the general health site there are posts on thinning hair there

Can hair loss also be caused by overactive thyroid?

Yes it can, i asked my Dr for a thyroid test last week, but mine is ok, by my last blood test in February
I would ask your Dr if you think it could be that reason
Do you have thyroid problems ?

I have an undractive thyroid but recently upped my medication and my hair started falling out. Waiting forcblood test results but wondered whether it was overactive now, that is too much thyroxine!

You can google reasons for thinning hair,thyroid is one reason, also stress can cause it too,
I am wondering if mine can be stress related as have had a great deal of stress in the last year especially.
Also autoimmune illnesses can cause it

The reason i mention ferritin, is i have read that people with low ferritin are having hair thinning issues,mine is very low at the moment
My sons have very high ferritin, due to a health problem, and their hair is like wire, very thick and strong,also their nails are very hard, mine flake and break
I am trying to up my intake of meat and green veg, which my Dr said should help, but goodness knows how long that will take

Are there any flakes or dry scaly patches? Some fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss.