Hair loss...

[Sarahlouiseis33]

Hi All,

I’ve been having hairloss since April 2019. I’m 40. Seeing a dermatologist privately at the moment and had a scalp biopsy yesterday. I’m sure it is hormonal as I started having really oily skin at the same time when all my life I’ve suffered with dry and itchy skin. Also the hairloss settles when I take the contraceptive pill dianette. But only dianette. On marvelon the pill I was on for years I have hairloss and also now off the pill I have hairloss. I’m becoming very self consious of my hair. My mum says it’s not at all noticeable to anyone else but me. I’ve attached some pictures. What do you think?

It's not noticeable. I have spent some minutes staring at these photographs trying to figure out what you're showing me.

It's only noticeable to you because you have a comparison strongly in your mind's eye. Nobody else does, so as long as you don't walk around carrying a large photograph of yourself 5 years ago, absolutely nobody will notice. :) xx

Not noticeable in the least. I’d give my right arm to have that much hair.

Not noticeable.

Biotin, caffeine shampoo might help?

@jolokoy that made me chuckle xx

Dermotologist will say it's Telogen Effluvium, i have been seeing a derm, since last year.also had a scalp biopsy,he still insissts a TE,although i am a lot older than you and past menopause it has only recently started falling out, [last 2 years],
Mine is supposed to be caused by stress, which i can believe.
My daughters hair is like yours, and although no one else can see what she is talking about,her hair she says feels thinner, and comes out in handfuls when washed
Her hair is affected by hormones, and changing HRT , one for another, but still told it is Telogen Effluvium
I have used Biotin, which is good for hair and nails, but done nothing for me, but worth trying
Good luck

Your hair looks really thick to me.

How much are you losing?

I suffer from hair loss and think your hair looks wonderfully thick I think mine is partly genetics as my grandma had thin hair.

The caffeine products you can get in Boots are supposed to be good. I also like Aveda volumising spray. I take a multivitamin in the hope it will help.

OP your hair looks lovely despite thinning ... great eyelashes too lady 🌺

Telegenic Effluvian is one cause but there are many others, including simply aging and genetics eg. Androgenic is is which is the same condition that effects balding men. There’s not much that can be done about that one - well there a few things but they have limited success. TE would be the best outcome, as it is usually temporary can be caused by all sorts - viruses, stress, bariatric surgery or any kind of weigh loss. Basically things that cause a shock to the body. Contraception and changes to hormones & hairloss is definitely linked for some women. Sometimes anaemia can cause it so the pill can then improve it along with iron. Lack of vitamin a can also cause it. Basically there can be loads of causes and lots of solutions but sometimes there’s no solution and it’s a case of accepting it. I can’t see any issue with yours but clearly you can and you know your hair best. Try not to worry and see what the derm says. Your bloods need checking too. I think the biopsy will look to see if your hair follicles are gone - as that would be an indicator of androgenic alopecia. They can’t grow back once that happens.

Sorry this is really waffly & the grammar is shocking but hopefully helpful.

Mines really similar, maybe a bit worse. I think mine is caused by the pill I’m on (Zoley) but I can’t go off it because my periods are too heavy. I also have bad acne and really oily hair, it falls out more the oilier it gets so I’m trying a shampoo with natural DHT blocker. I’ve only just started though so no idea if it will work

I am sure mine is androgenic as my grandma's hair was so thin and had previously been like mine. Her solution was to wear one of those 1950s felt hat's which look like cake icing! Which I (probably) won't be doing

@Pinkmug - I’m sure mine is hormonal. Hair loss & oily skin that started around the same time..

What are we supposed to be seeing?? I can only see a full head of glorious hair! It's fab, OP!

@fairydustandpixies - my hairs been shedding for nearly 18 months now alongside much oilier skin & hair. I’m thinking hormonal but not sure what. Thank you for your lovely comment though xx

I agree, your hair looks fine and I can’t see any thinning. However, if you are still concerned it might be worth getting a full panel of bloods done to see if you have any vitamin deficiencies or thyroid issues. Both can cause issues with hair.

Simplest way is to get one through Medichecks or similar - that way you don’t have to go through GP and you can choose exactly which tests to have and the results are emailed to you very quickly.

@AFireInJuly thank you - I have a well controlled undeactive thyroid. Maybe the scalp biopsy will show something xx

Have you had your thyroid levels checked recently? Maybe they are a bit off?

Firstly your hair looks great. I’ve seen Biosil recommended on the Reddit forums for strengthening hair and as my hair seems to be coming out more than it used to, I’m going to give it a go. Depending on how much it bothers you, it might be worth investing in seeing a trichologist?

@AFireInJuly - yes a few times. Due again in a few weeks. It’s always good though I had shedding before when it was out x

@Mrstwiddle - thank you! I’ve paid privately to see a dermatologist and had a scalp biopsy yesterday x

Have you tried Wellwoman multivitamin tablets OP? They have Starflower oil in which is I think supposed to be good for hormone regulation. Worth a try!

Does it sound hormonal do you think?

Your hair looks fine to me, but my hair is also shedding and people say the same to me. I have been diagnosed with premature ovarian failure or early peri menopause.