Thinning hair getting me down

[FrappeGirl]

I'm a long time lurker but have always been too shy to post. However my thinning hair is really getting me down. I can't bear the idea of wasting my doctor's time for something so trivial (plus he's male and not very understanding about these kind of problems) and wondered whether there are any GPs on here who would be kind enough to offer a little advice, or fellow Mumsnet-kin who have experienced the same.

I'm 39 and after having DS2 (now 6) my hair never went to back to it's previous bountiful state. In the last 4 years the area around the parting at the very front has visibly thinned to the point where I can see the bathroom spotlights shining on my scalp. This area of my scalp also feels prickly and sunburnt (even though it's not) which worries me. Should I be concerned about this? I also lose SO MUCH hair when showering and combing afterwards.

Has anyone tried any hair regrowth products or vitamins that really did work? I'm happy to pay money for actual results. Champo did absolutely nothing for me.

I know it sounds vain and there are bigger problems but this is really getting me down. I'm so worried that it's only going to get worse as I get older.

Any advice would be so gratefully received. If you don't have anything nice to say please don't say anything, as it's taken a lot of courage for me to post on here for the first time. Thank you in advance to anyone who responds.

I had a lot of hair loss after having a baby. It's come back now but not as good as it was before. It can be a sign of iron deficiency I've heard, so I think it is worth speaking to your GP. Why not ask to see someone else if you aren't comfortable with your GP?

Ive had good results with Regaine, it works out at £12 per month. Very easy to use. I had my scalp showing too, I caught sight of it and hadn't realised how bad my hair loss was. I think because it was so gradual.

Now I can wear my hair up and it looks ok again. I personally wouldn't bother with shampoos, oils, Gummy bits etc.

I’m currently using Hairy Syrup. It’s a pre-wash oil that has different options for different issues. I picked one for re-growth and I honestly think it’s helping me.

I’m trying Nioxin - there’s a 3D treatment spray which really makes a difference to how it looks. The shampoo, conditioner and treatment mousse are good too but will take longer to see an effect.

OP I'm in the same position as you and eventually raised it with my GP (who is a man) and he listened and took it seriously. He said that hair loss can many causes and he booked me in for blood tests as a first step. So try your GP - he might surprise you?

I lost much of my hair during the menopause, co-incidentally it all grew back in abundance when I started taking the really good expensive multivitamins. I wasn't taking them for that.

Hi OP I've never done this myself but there is a process called PRP.

It's plasma rich procedure. I've seen some amazing results from this, clearly not a home remedy but I though it would help?

My hair has thinned recently and to stop falling hair when I wash it I use very cold water first to close pores and last thing to close them again after shampoo. I've much less loss now when I wash. I also use Boots curl creme to give it body and dry with diffuser on cold. Those are just cosmetic things though. I am taking silica supplements, using herbal Jason thickening shampoo, taking slow release iron and general multivitamin.

@bestcatmum - can I ask which vitamins? I am losing hair fast and could do with the recommendation

A bit overdue but thank you to everyone for your responses. I took the plunge and saw my doctor. She was happy for me to have a blood test, but results show I'm not anaemic. I bought Hair, Skin & Nails vitamins from Boots but they caused the worst case of constipation I've ever had in my life, so that came to a swift halt! Doctor recommended B12 vitamins so I'm giving those a go - too early to say if they're having any affect though.

@FrappeGirl I have regular B12 and Biotin injections for the same reason. I've definitely noticed my nails are stronger and my hair seems to be growing and not snapping as much. It doesn't necessarily look thicker yet but this will take time. I also take ferrous funerary fumarate tablets which are 322mg so pretty high iron levels.

My next move is Regaine. I also have extensions but just for volume, not length.

I’ve noticed my hair thinning on top too due to menopause. I’m using Plantur shampoo and conditioner, plus a tonic you rub into your scalp post wash. I’m also taking vitamin b, boots hair skin and nails and just started viviscal. I’m hoping one of them works.

For those using Regaine - I looked at that but I was unsure if you’re meant to wash your hair every day before you rub the foam in. Does it make your roots greasy?

I use plantur hair tonic and shampoo and conditioner, Boots sell it, I also take one Biotin 500 daily, after about a month I started seeing "baby hair" regrowing, my hair is back to its normal condition to the point that my hairdresser complains about drying my thick hair.
My hair loss was menopause related, hormones.
I'd recommend trying plantur and Biotin before you spend a fortune