Thinning hair

L

LKZ

Cathlete
For the last several weeks, I have noticed my hair is thinning quite dramatically, I usually find a small clump in the shower drain after I wash my hair. I have been doing a little research, it seems that maybe too little estrogen can be a factor, as well as low body fat. I think I may have a combination of these two factors, although I did get put on a new bc pill with more "estrogen" two weeks ago. My question is, can lack of body fat (or not eating enough dietary fat which I probably do not) be contributing to this as well? My bodyfat is estimated at around 12-13%. I'm 31 years old, and feel very self conscious about losing my hair. It is starting to be noticeable. Does anyone know why this happens?

Thanks
:)
Lori
 
If the thinning hair and hair loss began before you started your new BC prescription, then I doubt that that would be the cause. I don't think I've ever heard of low body fat causing hair loss of this dramatic kind, although severe anorectics often experience changes in hair texture and possibly amount when in a prolonged starvation mode.

Not to be overly alarmist, but I think you should get this checked out by your family doctor. If you're finding consistent clumps of hair in the shower, and if this is a relatively recent and consistent occurence, you may have a hair-loss condition that has nothing to do with low body fat, birth control or other hormonal condition.

I developed a rolling case of alopecia earlier this year, and within about 6 weeks lost about 80-85% of all scalp hair follicle production. Alopecia normally sets in in childhood or the teen years, but I'm living proof that that is not an absolute thing; I was 41-1/2 years old when I got it this winter.

Anyway, do get it checked out by a qualified doctor.

A-Jock
 
Hi A-Jock! Actually, it starting thinning out a few months after they changed my bc from Ortho Tri Cyclen to Allesse. I did not like the Allesse and made them switch me back to the Ortho and just started those again. Someone at work said maybe hormones could cause it. I am surely not anorexic or malnouriched, so I think I can rule that out. Did your doc give you any solutions, or am I destined to wear a bandana? (No wigs for this girl!)I am so frustrated and worried about it, how do you deal with it? I mean, it seems kind of vain, its just hair, but it still upsets me so much. I guess on the bright side, my husband and I can have matching heads now.... Thanks for your info, by the way, A-Jock! I don't post very much, but enjoy reading your posts quite often.

Lori


:)
 
Hi, Lori! There is no effective prevention of or treatment for alopecia; it's still a very under-researched condition, and darned unpredictable. Alopecia can range in degree of severity from: areata, in which ~50% or less of scalp hair is lost; totalis, in which all scalp hair is lost; and in rare cases universalis in which all body hair is lost.

Like you, I'm decidedly anti-wig, and I've come to absolutely adore the bald look to the point where I've told DH that even if / when my scalp hair comes back, I'm keeping the shaved head do. It can be extremely upsetting, no question, because hair has enormous emotional and cultural meaning. Don't bash yourself for feeling bad about this, whatever the cause might be. And . . . the comforting thing is that alopecia is strictly a hair thing, not a health thing; it's not a symptom of anything more severe nor can it become anything more severe.

GET THEE TO A DOCTOR AND GET IT CHECKED OUT! It's very possible it ISN'T alopecia; there are many causes for temporary or permanent hair loss. And . . . if it is The Big "A", you can always do the GI-Jane Look, OR cool hats, OR cool scarves, OR . . . just don't do wigs. They're awful!

Lemme know what happens! And thanks for your kind words!

A-jock
 
My hair has always been thin and fine, but about 5 years ago, it seemed to be getting noticeably thinner. After despairing for a couple years, I decided to try Rogaine, and it worked for me! I am in my 50s, though, and never had clumps of hair falling out. It just seemed to be getting thinner. BUT, my hair is now thicker than it has ever been (except when I was pregnant), and it grows a lot faster. It took about a year for full regrowth of what I had lost. I buy Rogaine on-line, a 4 month supply at a time, and it costs about 160 dollars a year.
 
I think I may give Rogaine a try, although my hair doesn't fall out in clumps, it comes out 3 or 4 strands at a time when I comb it, not always 3 or 4 sometimes less, but over a period of time it adds up. I am 43 soon to be 44, and I do go to my hair dresser to have my hair highlighted, my hair is a light brown ..... Rhonda :7 :7
 
Hi Lori,

I wanted to jump in here and let you know the exact same thing happened to my about two years ago. Like you, I kept losing more and more until it became very noticable. My body fat is very low also. Last time I had it checked, it was about 11% and that was after I had had my bout with hair loss.
I've heard a lot of times it can be stress related or just a natural shedding. If I recall, it went on for about four months then subsided. I didn't go see a dr., but like AJ said, it would probably be a good idea.
I don't know if I've been of any help or not. Just wanted to let you know, it happened to me, so I can relate to what you're going through.:D
Sherry http://www.gif-seite.de/vorschaubilder/smilies/laola.gif

http://www.picturetrail.com/Peanut7
 
Hi Lori!

I saw this on my home page this moring and thought of you. Maybe, it will help???

A Thin Line Between Hair & Hairless
   
Dear Diane,
Could you recommend something for thinning hair? This condition is hereditary. I have used other products for over a year and all I noticed was an itchy scalp. Help!
Dorene

Dear Dorene:

Add a few drops of peppermint oil to one teaspoon olive oil. Massage the mixture through dry scalp before shampooing.

Add a teaspoon of rosemary to two tablespoons of shampoo.

Look for hair products containing dimethicone or dimethicone copolyol.

Drink one to three cups of green tea a day. The green tea inhibits enzymes that cause hair loss.

Silica tablets, sold at drugstores and mass merchandisers, can help stop hair loss. They are sometimes called the hair/skin/nails vitamin.
Diane

Do you have a question for Diane? If so, please email her at [email protected].








Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!
 
Can I just ask you about Rogaine?

Is it easy to use? Are there any pitfalls to look out for? can you apply too much and reverse the effect you are looking for?

I ask because I am starting to see some hair thinning too and I can't stand it, I'm thinking of using Rogaine.

Thanks for all info regarding this product

Clare
 
It's very easy to use. They give you drop and spray dispensers with an exact measure on them. I squirt it on in the morning after my shower and again at night before going to bed. It does not affect your hairstyle. I bought a one-month supply the first time to try it out, and I noticed new hairgrowth after a couple weeks. Then I went to the Rogainedirect.com site and went on their four-month automatic refill plan. It's cheaper than buying it at the drugstore. I think the person who was most surprised was my hairdresser. She could really tell the difference.
 
Thyroid problems can also cause hair loss. Just another thought to consider. Mine used to clog up the shower drain until I changed my meds.

Shari
 
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