Losing my hair

I find it hard to be over sympathetic to posts like this.

Unkind and uncalled for.
Just avoid the thread.

It doesn't really help, hearing how other people just get on with it.
While I've every respect for them, especially a teen going through it, i find it really upsetting every time i pass by a mirror (because i don't actively look at myself anymore)

Yes I can understand that keeping quiet. It does seem trivial to some in the scheme of things. However, sometimes it can be a smaller thing that tips the scales.

As previously mentioned, I had all my teeth taken out aged 11, lived in a violent, abusive, neglectful household as a child. Was badly beaten by my father as were my mother and sister. My young brother took his own life. I was visiting my 16 year old nephew as he died of cancer. His mother collapsed in the hospital ward. My husband has cancer. Self pity? Well maybe. Or mental overload.

I'm glad you and your daughter have coped so well.

My DD lost all her hair when she was 14 years old. She didn't miss a day at school and wore a hat all through college and got herself a great wig when she went to Uni.
I always hoped her hair would grow back but she has a successful career, a lovely home and husband and two wonderful children.
I lost my hair when having cancer treatment and it has grown back but is still think and lank.
I find it hard to be over sympathetic to posts like this.

Oh, i forgot to say, i hope they work for you.

I take those.
Not for hairloss, though.

alita

I have my first appointment tomorrow with an NHS Dermatologist. It took a lot of persistence to get this appointment and it was only through googling possible causes and remedies that I was able to persuade my GP to refer me. There are medical treatments for hair loss, you should try to access them.

Just a follow up to this, I have been prescribed spironolactone tablets, so lets just see. He was very helpful, and said he has had a lot of success with this treatment.

Allira Yes it's irreversible unfortunately. It's been 18 years now. It's time to get over it I think! It has spoiled so much. In this instance I'm not brave . I've used all my bravery up. Thanks for the link. I'll take a look.

It sounds an excellent solution, sue
I've got a really ugly head though, with moles and lumps and bumps on it.
I think I'd look like a potato that's past its sell by date.

Kate1949

Is it pathetic with all the problems in life that I really can't get over it/get used to it/cope with it?

Not pathetic at all Kate. It’s horrible and when it started happening to me in my 40s I was devastated. I found great mats of it in the carpet. It got thinner and thinner over the years until my husband started shaving his head and suggested I do the same. It was the best thing I have ever done. Family didn’t like it at first but now they are fine with it and it has become who I am. Better, I think, than trying to remedy it through weird and wonderful means. I am now 75 and started giving myself a number one about 25 years ago. Funnily enough, it makes me look younger.

Its not just the loss, but for me, its the white patches on my hair at the roots, the fact that it's greasy a few hours after washing it.

Its so bloody disheartening.

Hair loss for women is so much more of a problem than for men. Mine got so thin I shaved my head. Extreme I know, but I never looked back and now it doesn’t worry me at all.

Kate1949

I agree that people couldn't care less but this isn't about people it's about my mental health. Shallow it may be but it has floored me. Most of the remedies mentioned I have tried. They include -

Blood tests
Trichologist
Shampoos of various type
Regaine
Some recommendations including -
Drinking cherry juice
Beetroot juice
Cider vinegar
Supplements of varying kinds
Sticking my head in ice cold water
Rubbing an onion on my scalp (yes really)
You name it, I tried it.

I'm not going to suggest anything Kate1949 except to ask if your hair loss has been diagnosed as irreversible? I met someone (but he was a boy, now a man) who had lost his hair due to an accident causing nerve damage. Sometimes the hair follicles die and nothing will help.

That requires diagnosis by an expert though.

Gail Porter has done a lot of work to help women and girls who have suffered hair loss.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-68242161

Thankfully, your hair system sounds wonderful.

sazz1

About 5 or 6 weeks after taking steroids predisalone (not sure of spelling) for a chest infection my hair started falling out. I checked with my doctor and it is a known side effect. After a few months it does grow back but nowhere near how thick it was before.
I don't know if any shampoos do really help

Funny you should say that whilst cleaning mums loo, I’ve found quite a-bit of hair at the back of the loo (mirror above)
She is on this drug now & again for Diverticulitis disease. So must be the steroid drugs.

monami

it depends how old you are, over 70 its doesnt really matter,

Course it matters. I have a friend 85 who has Alzheimer’s
Unfortunately she’s more bothered about her hair as it’s like ‘tiny tear’s hair’

Kate1949

I agree that people couldn't care less but this isn't about people it's about my mental health. Shallow it may be but it has floored me. Most of the remedies mentioned I have tried. They include -

Blood tests
Trichologist
Shampoos of various type
Regaine
Some recommendations including -
Drinking cherry juice
Beetroot juice
Cider vinegar
Supplements of varying kinds
Sticking my head in ice cold water
Rubbing an onion on my scalp (yes really)
You name it, I tried it.

Did you try the homeopathic remedies?

I have been having the same problem. I'm 74 and my hair has thinned out considerably but what I want recently learned is something I want to share because it's important. Apparently there's a hormone called DHT which is in abundance after menopause and it causes the hair follicles to be less productive. What is needed is a DHT blocker, and pumpkin seed oil and saw Palmetto are both DHT blockers. There are products to search that have both. Time to Google!

Serious stress can also cause alopecia. My DDs friend lost most of her hair when her brother was diagnosed terminal with cancer, her dad had cancer and died and her 14yr old daughter took an overdose Friend's daughter survived but these occurances all within a 3 month period triggered alopecia. My daughter's friend was only 32. Her hair is slowly showing some patchy regrowth now 2 years later.

It is not an easy to ignore problem and neither should you no matter what else is going on. I have frontal fibrosis alopecia. Several GP vusits before taken seriously and referred to dermatologist. Prescribed lifelong Minoxidil. This has stopped further lost but will not restore loss. Don't be taken in with all the commercial treatments they don't. There is a lotion originally for male hairloss now on market for females causes terrible scalp irritation. Do what you feel comfortable with.

Yes, i have the shampoo, conditioner, and hair tonic.

I haven't seen much difference, and I've been using all 3

Has anyone on here tried the Plantur range of products? That is, shampoo and hair growth serum? I know someone who had great success with these products.

About 5 or 6 weeks after taking steroids predisalone (not sure of spelling) for a chest infection my hair started falling out. I checked with my doctor and it is a known side effect. After a few months it does grow back but nowhere near how thick it was before.
I don't know if any shampoos do really help

Thank you GoldenAge

Thank you NannyMags. I'm sorry you are suffering this. I have a yearly blood test and am assured everything is fine, including my thyroid.

Kate, try collagen powder - bovine and organic. Add it to a smoothie every day and you will honestly find new hair growth after a few weeks, and stronger nails. I wish you luck.