Age 55 hairloss

[PersephoneParlormaid]

I’m on HRT. My hair loss at the front is getting worse, I can really see my scalp at times, and my fringe area feels less bulky. Any suggestions that you’ve found actually work?

Nutrition Geeks - I've read there's not much evidence for biotin and hair loss but like you, I'm tackling it from every angle as the thinning at the front was so bad a few months ago. I've been on HRT for years so I don't think that's making any impact at all.

I'll happily take any improvement so I am relieved something is working (although not miraculous!)

My friend has unfortunately inherited menopausal hair loss. She’s seeing great results from oral minoxidil having tried the topical version with no success.

I’ve bought the Small Talk thickening gel, so will try that.
Im back on the ferrous Fumarate, even though I don’t have periods now.
I will get some Plantur 39, but I’ve tried it before and didn’t like it.
I was looking at the expensive Keratase shampoo/conditioner/tonic that has good reviews.
I will try some biotin.
I’m holding off the Minoxidil for now

I am currently trying Plantur 39 in the tonic form that just rub in. I massage it in every night. I read poor reviews for the shampoo with women posting that it made their hair feel dry and brittle, so thought I’d try this. I haven’t been using it long so I’ll keep you posted. If I don’t see an improvement once the bottle is finished, I’ll try the Welleda.

I had the same - I have fine hair and with it thinning out with peri, my scalp was getting really visible and it was receding around the temples and front. I used my red light machine on it - I have one for my hands, but you can buy ones for your scalp (current body do one - it’s their hand one I have). It’s made a big difference - the hairdresser commented unprompted that I have a lot of new growth. A scalp specialising dermatologist that I spoke to confirmed there is research to show red light helps female pattern hair loss. Not cheap in terms of initial outlay, but I just use it ten minutes a night and it helps me a lot.

I’ve never heard of red light machines before, that sounds really great.

I got the machine for my eczema, which it also helps, but after looking online saw suggestions it helped with female pattern hair loss and when the scalp specialist dermatologist confirmed there is research to support this, I thought I’d give it a go. Obviously, no guarantees it will help everyone, but I’ve been so pleased that I’m a bit evangelical about sharing the information! (I’m nothing to do with current body btw, just have bought a couple of things from them, including my led machine, and had good experiences and their led / red light machines have good reviews generally.) If you can afford the outlay, it’s definitely worth a try - I find it quite relaxing to do in bed before I go to sleep too.

I started losing hair in peri menopause. I saw a dermatologist privately who specialises on trichology.

She recommended viviscal and minoxodil and said minoxodil will work in six months or not as all. The minoxodil made a big difference. Any reason that you're holding off OP?

Hair thickening fibres also help and also that thickening shampoo in a black bottle. She also recommended this

Yes, it made my hair feel really dry. Like straw.

Can I ask are you using the minoxidil foam or tablets? Was wondering if one is better than the other.

Foam is no good if you have pets

Mine was diagnosed as lichen planus which is permanent. Worth asking for a referral.

The foam or liquid that you apply

I think I will see someone. Is it a dermatologist or trichologist I see?

Thanks for replying. I think I’m going to give Hair + Me a go.

I’ve spent the last 18 months faffing with vitamins, rosemary oil, plantur39 tonic, pumpkin seed oil and a ridiculous amount of expensive shampoos and serums. Nothing has helped.

I’ve not a lot left to try so minoxidil it is.

Was there not a lot of shedding with the hair and me at the start? I got the tablets but was too scared to take them in case it got a lot worse to start off with.

Hi, I paid private to see a dermatologist. It’s likely menopause but check your ferritin (iron levels) too. It’s should be at least 70 but closer to 100 for hair health.

They also recommended I use minoxidil 5% (men’s version) foam once a day. I’ve used this for years now and you have to keep it up once you start so you don’t lose progress. I’ve lost lots of hair in that time (I’m really susceptible to hair loss with my medication) but the minoxidil promotes hair growth and I’ve never ever had a thin scalp because it grows back so quickly. I’d highly recommend. I get the three bottle pack on Amazon for around £45 and lasts me months and months. You just part your hair and apply a couple of dots of the foam down your parting and rub in, part a couple of cm down (I work towards my ears) and reapply. I don’t do the back of my head as that’s always thicker.

Hope that helps.

That’s really helpful @butternut123. Thank you.

It was a while ago but I think I saw a dermatologist. I just looked up Bupa approved doctors and picked one close to me

I tried the Small Talk thickening gel yesterday and I like it. Thanks to whoever mentioned it.

Can anyone tell me if either of these from recent blood tests are iron and if so although they are in normal range are they an issue for hair loss. I would ask my GP but it’s very hard to get an appointment.

Serum ferritin level 152 ug/L [10.0 - 291.0]

Serum folate level 7.2 ug/L; Deficient: 0.35 - 3.37 ug/L
Indeterminate: 3.38 - 5.38 ug/L
Normal: >5.38 ug/L

Also is there a good iron tablet? Is it ferritin or Ferous fumerate or something else that is recommended?

Your iron levels looks fine so why are you considering an iron supplement? Is there something else you’re not sharing?

They’re really good! My ferritin is 66 and I’m trying to increase it

I’ve ordered it, I was going to get some zinc anyway, so I’ll give it a go. Thanks.

Get your Ferritin level checked. I was losing hair by the handful until I got my level up. It’s fine now.