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Original poster

Thinning hair - feeling desperate

29 replies

Notcontent · 11/04/2021 12:46

I first noticed that my hair was thinning a bit in my early 30s, which was about 15 years ago. But it looked “normal” as long as I washed it regularly even though I was aware of it thinning gradually.

But over the last 12 months the thinning process has accelerated and now my hair looks terrible and it’s very obviously thin - particularly at the front and top. I am late 40s and otherwise youthful looking. I am really depressed about it. I work in quite a young environment and dread returning to the office.😟

I did consult a doctor a few years ago, who did some blood tests (did now show up anything unusual). I think it’s just my genes but can I do anything? Should I try Nioxin?

OP posts:
FortunesFave · 11/04/2021 13:01

Are you menopausal? Hormone changes can make it worse...

Have you considered getting a Hair System...not the same as a wig and not the same as a weave, a hair system is intergrated with your own hair...and it stays on. You can wash and brush your hair as usual and go swimming etc.

I think it's probably quite expensive. But why suffer OP? It's so miserable for you to worry about it like this and that won't help it anyway....here's a link
...www.lucindaellery-hairloss.co.uk/intralace.php

FortunesFave · 11/04/2021 13:02

www.lucindaellery-hairloss.co.uk/intralace.php

WhereAreWeNow · 11/04/2021 14:28

I'd go back to the GP. It could be a thyroid problem or it could be related to perimenopause (which isn't reliably picked up by blood tests).

Original poster
Notcontent · 11/04/2021 16:15

Thank you. Yes, I probably am perimenapausal but I think that’s just accelerated something that was already happening.

I am not sure a hair system would work for me as I have oily hair and exercise daily, so need to wash my hair everyday (have always had oily hair and skin!), and i think those hair systems are quite high maintenance...

OP posts:
littlebillie · 11/04/2021 19:31

Start looking at your diet, hair and nail supplements and collagen

workshy44 · 11/04/2021 19:31

Ok this is what worked for me- also what you apply topically seems to be far more effective than what you take internally
I use Watermans Grow me shampoo, it definitely stopped the hair loss and I see shoots of growth now although that took about 3 months. MSM makes your hair grow really really fast although I don't think it grows new hair.
I use a fenugreek waterspray which is amazing, just soaks the seeds for a few days then drain the water and spray on the roots and hair, massage in and then wash out after 20 minutes. I also use a head massager
This recipe is also really really good

My issue is really my hair was breaking and while I never had a issue with my hairline previously , even though my hair was bad I always had loads on top and that suddenly changed so was freaking out. This has effectively reversed it I think. Its just the worst, I don't think I will ever have normal hair. Supplements I am taking are MSM, Vit D and recently Biotin

PammieDooveOrangeJoof · 11/04/2021 19:33

Did you have covid? My hair is noticeably thinner post covid.
I am trying to find nettle tea and any other suggestions on this thread. I feel your pain, my hair feels horrible now.

whatsoccuringnow · 11/04/2021 19:52

Mine is very fine too, and getting worse. Following fir tips, thanks for posting!

TheUniversalsHere · 11/04/2021 19:55

Definitely go back to doctors and look at supplements. I know someone who has been vegan for a long time. Turns out that contributed to her hair situ. She is now eating meat again and upping iron!

TheVolturi · 11/04/2021 20:09

For the time being while you explore causes etc, have a Google of hair toppers. They are technically a wig but not a full wig, they're designed to just cover the top section of your hair and blend with what hair you have. I looked at them in the past as I lost chunks of hair after having dd. Some look amazing and if you look at some on YouTube you wouldn't guess they're not real.

Zigzag77 · 11/04/2021 20:10

I have had rapidly thinning hair for years. Eventually I saw a specialist dermatologist who ruled out any deficiency / thyroid issue through blood tests. Once that was done, she prescribed minoxidil 5% which you can also buy off the counter. She reckons it’s the best thing for female pattern baldness and all the shampoos, nioxin, biotin etc are a waste of time. It does seem to have stopped my hair loss I must say (it’s been about 5 months). My hair also feels stronger. Waiting for the regrow that to hopefully start! I would recommend it.

workshy44 · 11/04/2021 20:15

My issue with minoxidil is that it is a life long commitment as if you stop using it any hair that grew from it falls out.
I have heard nettle tea is very good so that is next on my list to try !

TheVolturi · 11/04/2021 20:15

The only thing with minoxidil is you have to use it for life, or it will just go back to the way it was. And there are side effects, so not suitable for everyone.

SpaceshiptoMars · 11/04/2021 20:18

Eating seaweed is reputed to make hair grow faster. Worth a try. Nori is not expensive and can be added to casseroles, anything with mayo in etc. It certainly makes for the speediest transit in the bathroom that you could hope forWink Japanese people average about 5g a day.

Tereseta · 11/04/2021 20:32

I have frontal thinning. I used a topper for a bit and have just gone to a full wig. I've tried all kinds of shampoos and treatments but mine is hormonal and the hormone treatment gave me blood clots so stopped trying then. I figured working from home was a good time to go over to the full wig and have worn it during teams video chats. Hopefully it will be a smooth transition when we go back to the office.
Chase up blood test with gp and hopefully it will be easily treatable on your case

DalgettyRoo · 12/04/2021 17:08

My hair thinning noticeably slowed once I'd had my thyroid issues diagnosed and was on the correct medication. It might be worth seeing your GP to get some blood tests. My GP also checked my hormonal levels at the same time as this can also cause issues.

LightOfAThousandStars · 13/04/2021 16:57

I'm going through a similar situation but mine is due to hormones (PCOS), blood tests came back normal but I have pushed to see a Dermatologist in the hope they can prescribe something else. Minoxidil didn't work for me after trying it for a year but does work for many.

Galaxyinmypocket · 13/04/2021 20:53

Look at castor oil and rosemary oil. Many benefits of both but they need a carrier oil like coconut.
Also make sure you are taking your vitamins.

WhatMattersMost · 14/04/2021 14:27

Mine was the same: I was diagnosed with "female pattern baldness" due to testosterone sensitivity. I now go annually to Philip Kingsley in London, and take prescribed hormone drops applied to my scalp. It has turned things around dramatically!

Ohpulltheotherone · 14/04/2021 14:27

Collagen?

CoffeandPancakes · 14/04/2021 15:03

This really is so common.

My hair is half the thickness it was about 8 years ago. My hair was super thick, so I can get away with it, as long as it doesn't carry on. I notice most when I'm with my sister, who had the same hair but hasn't lost any, so it really stands out to me. Quite depressing.

I have low ferritin, so I'm really hoping that's the cause, so have recently massively upped my iron intake.

Ask to actually see your blood results, because most GPs won't pick up iron deficiency, just anaemia. Basically as long as your ferritin is over 10, they may very well just tell you it's normal, but under 50 is classed as Iron deficient and 70 is apparently the golden number for hair re growth, if you've had loss. At 24, I've got a way to go, but I used to be 7, so at least it's going in the right direction.

Good luck OP.

MilduraS · 14/04/2021 15:05

@LightOfAThousandStars I had PCOS hair loss too. My doctor prescribed Dianette last year and the difference had been impressive. It has some dangerous side effects so some doctors are reluctant to prescribe. I had been on it for ten years when it was suddenly banned in France where I was living at the time of the ban. I gradually lost a lot of hair and couldn't find anything else that worked. My U.K. doctor agreed to prescribe it last year (I had assumed I'd need to fight but didn't) and both my hair and my oily skin have improved. Spironolactone is supposed to work equally as well but unfortunately he couldn't prescribe that. I posted pics in a similar thread that you can find in my post history if it helps.

LightOfAThousandStars · 14/04/2021 17:08

Thank you @MilduraS , will have a look

bedtimeshoes · 14/04/2021 17:17

@Tereseta

I have frontal thinning. I used a topper for a bit and have just gone to a full wig. I've tried all kinds of shampoos and treatments but mine is hormonal and the hormone treatment gave me blood clots so stopped trying then. I figured working from home was a good time to go over to the full wig and have worn it during teams video chats. Hopefully it will be a smooth transition when we go back to the office. Chase up blood test with gp and hopefully it will be easily treatable on your case
Where did you get your wig from please?
Tereseta · 15/04/2021 09:15

@bedtimeshoes I get mine from simply wigs. They are based near Huddersfield but have an online shop also. Highly recommend, their customer service is amazing. I bought a couple from other sites but couldn't get the right style so I actually travelled to their shop and had a consultation. I now have a couple of styles I know will suit me and can order them online without worrying. I've just received my new one, I changed the colour to one with highlights as I have "had my hair done" along with everyone else Grin probably fooling no one but it gave me a lift!

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