Please might someone help with hair loss advice?

[Itshardsometimes]

I’m trying to navigate the maze that is hair loss. Could be menopause. Could be genetic. Could be a huge number of things. I’m feeling v lost and not sure which specialist I need to see.

I don’t mind paying some money for treatment/products but there seems to be a lot of snake oil out there… or certainly it’s hard to know what actually can do what it says it does

Where I have got to so far (please do correct me if I have got this wrong) is that having blood tests to rule out any underlying conditions/see if it is potentially hormonal etc is probably worthwhile, and if my oestrogen has tanked or something, HRT might help. But if not, is it a dermatologist I’d need to see? As I understand it Trichologists are not doctors and so I don’t want to spend lots of money with them, but again happy to be corrected. Are there any places which deal with menopause issues but also have specialists for hair loss and can prescribe for both? Or am I searching for a unicorn. And I suppose connected to that, is it going
to cost an utter fortune?!
I’m feeling quite lost so would be grateful for any (gentle) advice, ideally based on personal experience.

Thank You!

My hair was thinning around my hairline at the front. I used rosemary oil and Nioxin shampoo and conditioner and it did improve.

I have massively increased the amount and density of my hair using a scalp dermastamp twice a week, and this extract (linked below) with 2 ml of Regain mixed in almost every night.

https://harklinikken.co.uk

I also use their shampoo and conditioner, but that's probably not necessary.

It does take a bit of commitment, but it's worked for me. I'm also on bioidentical HRT (I'm 61) and take a collagen powder supplement, even though I'm not convinced that does much. My hair is shoulder length, thick and shiny even despite the fact I'm pretty harsh on it - keratin straightening and colour and highlights.

If it's sudden hair loss in dramatic amounts, rather than gradual thinning, I'd probably start with a GP appointment to make sure it's not a thyroid or iron issue.

Good luck @Itshardsometimes

Hi, it is thought that my significant and sudden hair loss is due to my iron levels. The blood tests results came back showing that my levels were in the normal range but the required levels for hair growth is a lot higher than the extreme bottom of the "normal" range where I am.
I'm taking industrial strength iron tablets 3 times a day and have been advised to have blood tests every three months to monitor my levels.
My hair fall/loss has slowed down a little but its still heart breaking seeing it all in the plug hole catcher after every shower. I have some new hair growth around my front hairline and no scalp scarring so the GP has held off on a dermatology referral for now.
I will give it another 6 months and see what happens with my iron level then push for a dermatology referral if things are no better or it's still significant hair fall.
I spent hundreds on different lotions and potions, which didnt work. I take every vitamin that is advertised as good for hair growth but really wish I hadn't taken the normal iron result at face value and pushed for answers earlier than I did.
My advice would be to start with your GP.

I use the boots own brand of Nioxin. It reduces hair fall. And also use minoxidil. It’s really helped around my temples.

Thank you so much to everyone for taking the time to reply. This is all so helpful.

When I had this it was due to low iron levels. Once I started taking iron tablets (and generally improved my diet) the hair started growing back which was a huge relief.

I heard a hairdresser in my salon recommending a supplement called Hair Food. She said you have to take it for months before seeing a result but it does work.

I would see a doctor to check underlying issues.

I have hair loss related with my arthritis meds, and I started a biotin supplement (improved my nails but not noticable on hair) and then started oral minodixil through Hair and Me and have seen a significant improvement. It takes 6 months or so to see a difference and you do have to stay on it forever or you lose the regrowth but it was an incredible improvement for me. Its more expensive with hair and me, although convenient, so im looking at other online pharmacy suppliers to move to.

I couldn't get it prescribed as it was a side efffect of the meds so the options were to just re try a different medication, but I am well settled on my meds otherwise.

Thank you! So interesting to hear that Hair and Me is a good one. I keep seeing it advertised but it’s hard to know which ones are legit etc. I have been using Champo but it isn’t making any difference for this… think I need the proper Minoxidil. Also v interesting re the iron etc. I have now got blood tests booked. This has been so helpful. V grateful. Feel as though I at least have some steps to try now. Trying to embrace leaving my hair curly in the meantime, which I never do - but it’s definitely more forgiving and gives better coverage!!

This stuff has made a massive difference
https://www.boots.com/loreal-elvive-growth-booster-serum-102ml-10355625?srsltid=AU7gw4XtyGqLJwiffVSfPeEUl8hINvAzBUR2LFh973r923R2MCRjS1Yn

You have to give it 2 or 3 months to see the difference, but i'm seeing way less hair loss in the shower and loads of new growth

Isn’t it most likely the minidoxil that has given you increased hair density though, rather than the other stuff ? Or did you try the serum without the Regaine ?
My hair has thinned, my ferritin is too low which could be the reason, I tend to have low vitamin d too. I’ve thought about mindoxil (regaine etc) but it can have an affect on blood pressure so I am slightly worried about using it.

I used the serum on its own for several years and saw a noticeable difference. I decided a couple months ago to see if adding minoxidil gave an extra boost and I think it does a bit. My understanding is that not enough minoxidil is absorbed systemically, when used in topical form, to affect anything.

I think, though, that starting with getting your ferritin and vitamin D into optimal ranges before trying other things might be the most effective first step if you're low in those.

I am taking supplements but both still far too low. It’s frustrating. I will try that serum, also helpful to know that re minidoxil. I don’t have officially high BP but it is creeping up so I worry about anything making it higher. DH refuses to use minidoxil as he has low BP, maybe he needs to ask his GP about it.

Definitely get blood tests to ensure everything is ok: Iron, Vitamin D, Thyroid, B12, Etc.

And take multivamins. I take magnesium, omega 3, menopace