bikelove
05-20-2009, 12:49 AM
Hi,
I am a 20 year old student and recently found this message board. I'm in desperate need of some help - my hair loss began about 1.5-2 years after I immigrated to Canada 7 years ago, and at first doctors told me it was because i tied my hair too tightly but not my hair has been thinning and falling non-stop....a doctor in the UAE diagnosed it as some scalp skin disorder and recommended a PHYTO shampoo and conditioner and oil. I think I stopped that after some time and then switched to a mixture of Indian oils which dramatically improved the condition of my hair but I'm not sure if it was successful in stimulating new hair growth. Over the last 2-3 years the thinning/loss has gotten really bad and one doctor said it might be hormonal and told me to go on the birth control pill (Yasmin) but I didnt because they say some women have the side-effect of hair loss, and I've had my thyroid checked and that doesnt seem to be the problem....I know that the worst periods of hair loss were during periods of dramatic stress but can stress be such a culprit in making me lose so much of my hair...I was just wondering if someone would be able to guide me in the right direction....I've even tried to increase my calorie intake because I crash-dieted for 6 months (one of the periods that the hair loss was quite extensive) and am eating a healthier diet now...but please I've run out of options
thank you
I am a 20 year old student and recently found this message board. I'm in desperate need of some help - my hair loss began about 1.5-2 years after I immigrated to Canada 7 years ago, and at first doctors told me it was because i tied my hair too tightly but not my hair has been thinning and falling non-stop....a doctor in the UAE diagnosed it as some scalp skin disorder and recommended a PHYTO shampoo and conditioner and oil. I think I stopped that after some time and then switched to a mixture of Indian oils which dramatically improved the condition of my hair but I'm not sure if it was successful in stimulating new hair growth. Over the last 2-3 years the thinning/loss has gotten really bad and one doctor said it might be hormonal and told me to go on the birth control pill (Yasmin) but I didnt because they say some women have the side-effect of hair loss, and I've had my thyroid checked and that doesnt seem to be the problem....I know that the worst periods of hair loss were during periods of dramatic stress but can stress be such a culprit in making me lose so much of my hair...I was just wondering if someone would be able to guide me in the right direction....I've even tried to increase my calorie intake because I crash-dieted for 6 months (one of the periods that the hair loss was quite extensive) and am eating a healthier diet now...but please I've run out of options
thank you
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Cool Whip
05-20-2009, 01:06 PM
Hello Bikelove,
You should see a dermatologist. They can do a scalp biopsy, along with all the appropriate blood work, and come up with a better diagnosis. Also, at least in my case, the dermatologist knew a lot more options to treat my hair loss than any doctor has ever suggested.
I'm sorry you're going through this. Losing hair as a young female is tough to deal with. :(
You should see a dermatologist. They can do a scalp biopsy, along with all the appropriate blood work, and come up with a better diagnosis. Also, at least in my case, the dermatologist knew a lot more options to treat my hair loss than any doctor has ever suggested.
I'm sorry you're going through this. Losing hair as a young female is tough to deal with. :(
bikelove
05-21-2009, 12:03 AM
Hi Cool Whip,
Thank you so much for your really quick reply....I've gone to three different dermatologists and no one has performed a biopsy as you suggested...but I'm going to try and look for a derm. that could investigate my case more thoroughly.
Thanks again
Thank you so much for your really quick reply....I've gone to three different dermatologists and no one has performed a biopsy as you suggested...but I'm going to try and look for a derm. that could investigate my case more thoroughly.
Thanks again
Cool Whip
05-21-2009, 11:47 AM
Really? Yeah, my Dermatologist numbed two different parts of my scalp and removed a few chunks of skin with a few hair follicles each and then stitched up the incisions. It was a painless procedure. When the results came back (they had to send them away, their lab didn't do this test), my Derm was able to determine that my hair loss was hereditary and with that knowledge, she was better able to decide the best course of treatment for me.
cathy57
05-21-2009, 12:22 PM
Bikelove, we live in the same city... don't dismiss this problem as heredity. I lost a lot of hair at 24 and it all started with a bad diet... I would see a natural practitioner, like a naturopath who can test you for deficiencies... you could be really anemic....cathy
Cool Whip
05-21-2009, 06:17 PM
don't dismiss this problem as heredity.
I don't know why she'd dismiss it if a scalp biopsy suggested this was the reason of her hair loss. There are a few treatment options out there and if Androgenetic Alopecia is her correct diagnosis, she could be well on her way to maintaining the hair she has left and/or actually growing new hair. Besides, the scalp biopsy might come back indicating a different problem altogether.
I don't know why she'd dismiss it if a scalp biopsy suggested this was the reason of her hair loss. There are a few treatment options out there and if Androgenetic Alopecia is her correct diagnosis, she could be well on her way to maintaining the hair she has left and/or actually growing new hair. Besides, the scalp biopsy might come back indicating a different problem altogether.
janeh182
05-27-2009, 02:45 PM
I'm 18 and also struggled with hair thinning. it really was noticeable about a year ago when it starting to become thin on top, particularly round my parting so my scalp was more visible. people even started commenting on it so i went to the docs... at that time i was really tired all the time as well.. maybe due to stress of A levels/boyfriend troubles i don't know! i didn't feel that stressed at the time but hair loss can show itself months after a stressful incident apparently. anyway i had a blood test and i was slightly deficient in iron so i was put on iron supplement tablets for a few months. i did notice a difference in my energy levels, i didn't feel the need to have naps anymore. I didn't notice much difference in my hair though. It really started to get me down and was so distressing for a 17 year old girl as you can imagine!
my mum did lots of research and found Nourkin extra strength tablets.. which are hair supplements taken twice a day. a bit pricey but honestly.. SO worth it. you should be able to find them cheaper off some websites.i've been taking them for about 4 months now and noticed such a difference. my hair never really grew before but now my hair dressers comment on how fast it's growing! the thinning on top is significantly reduced and i'm no longer worried about it. i never thought i would get my hair back but this definitely worked for me.
another interesting thing my mum found is the use of pantene hair care. don't know if you use pantene or other similar brands but the way they make your hair "thicker" and "healthier" is by coating the hair in thick waxy type chemicals which eventually can weigh the hair down and make it brittle... interestingly i started using pantene products a few months before i went to the doctors for hair loss. just something to think about anyway. Now i only use natural products which may be pricier but are usually more concentrated so you don't need to use as much. i also try to be gentle when styling my hair.
basically there is hope, and i would strongly recommend those Nourkin tablets whatever the cause! x
my mum did lots of research and found Nourkin extra strength tablets.. which are hair supplements taken twice a day. a bit pricey but honestly.. SO worth it. you should be able to find them cheaper off some websites.i've been taking them for about 4 months now and noticed such a difference. my hair never really grew before but now my hair dressers comment on how fast it's growing! the thinning on top is significantly reduced and i'm no longer worried about it. i never thought i would get my hair back but this definitely worked for me.
another interesting thing my mum found is the use of pantene hair care. don't know if you use pantene or other similar brands but the way they make your hair "thicker" and "healthier" is by coating the hair in thick waxy type chemicals which eventually can weigh the hair down and make it brittle... interestingly i started using pantene products a few months before i went to the doctors for hair loss. just something to think about anyway. Now i only use natural products which may be pricier but are usually more concentrated so you don't need to use as much. i also try to be gentle when styling my hair.
basically there is hope, and i would strongly recommend those Nourkin tablets whatever the cause! x
Helenitta
05-27-2009, 03:53 PM
Hello, I'm 25 now but have been to the doctor's place three times until he kicked me out last time I went. It's all about malnutrition and stress!!!! I don't eat food in general much.. I don't find it meaningful lol i eat only when I'm reminded.. so anyhow, add to it stress and some family problems, I lost 3/4 of my hair :((( I drank a disgusting thing called Totephan.. used to wash my hair with something called Phytocyan (forgot how they spell it)..a nyhow, none helped.. all those shampoos are nothing. But I do agree Pantene is a killer for hair!!!! even websites mention it!!! so yup! avoid it!
I've been using Ultra Doux for more than a year now and I just love it!!!'
So, if ever possible, try to avoid stress.. and eat well.. I too had deficiency in iron and magnesium.. did take some tablets but nothing helps if deep inside you're still under stress and not eating well.
Don't overthink about the issue <BECAUSE> that's not healthy either.. I used to count sometimes the hair falling out/day.. it used to reach more than 350/day :(( but now, with the rest of it lol, I don't lose much anymore :) and I guess I got used to little hair though I often complain about it .. but it's okay.. couldve been worse!
I've been using Ultra Doux for more than a year now and I just love it!!!'
So, if ever possible, try to avoid stress.. and eat well.. I too had deficiency in iron and magnesium.. did take some tablets but nothing helps if deep inside you're still under stress and not eating well.
Don't overthink about the issue <BECAUSE> that's not healthy either.. I used to count sometimes the hair falling out/day.. it used to reach more than 350/day :(( but now, with the rest of it lol, I don't lose much anymore :) and I guess I got used to little hair though I often complain about it .. but it's okay.. couldve been worse!
cathy57
05-29-2009, 11:40 AM
Hi there,
supplementation with iron takes months, if not years to correct, so don't stop the supplementation just yet, get your ferritin to 70 or higher...cath
supplementation with iron takes months, if not years to correct, so don't stop the supplementation just yet, get your ferritin to 70 or higher...cath
bikelove
05-30-2009, 12:02 AM
Hi everyone,
Wow first of all thank you so much for all the responses...the support really helps...and Helenitta you're so right about the "stress" factor....I do think that worrying abt my hair loss is also contributing in some way to the thinning/loss so I'm going to try to give yoga a try (I need to reduce my stress anyways) and if stress is the true culprit then it makes sense that I lost the most hair after really stressful events (migrating, loss of a very close loved one, stress of school, grades, stressing about my weight issues) so hopefully de-stressing will help me grow my hair back and to cathy57...I'm in the midst of scheduling an appt with a natural-med practitioner and to janeh182 I used to have low iron levels previously but I'm going to check them again and like cathy57 said maybe it'll just take some time to notice the difference after taking the supplements so have to keep at it!! :)
I'm also going to try and eat healthier because I know I get depressed/stressed easily and then I reduce food intake because I'm preoccupied with other things so I'm going to try and replace that habit with healthy eating habits (also going to try eating more seafood because they say that supposedly works wonders for hair growth and overall health)
Anyways I really wanted to thank everyone for all of their responses....it was just today that I was worrying about my hair again and I was sort of giving up hope but then seeing that people actually care enough to read my post and advise me on different solutions really helped lift my spirits so thanks again!
Wow first of all thank you so much for all the responses...the support really helps...and Helenitta you're so right about the "stress" factor....I do think that worrying abt my hair loss is also contributing in some way to the thinning/loss so I'm going to try to give yoga a try (I need to reduce my stress anyways) and if stress is the true culprit then it makes sense that I lost the most hair after really stressful events (migrating, loss of a very close loved one, stress of school, grades, stressing about my weight issues) so hopefully de-stressing will help me grow my hair back and to cathy57...I'm in the midst of scheduling an appt with a natural-med practitioner and to janeh182 I used to have low iron levels previously but I'm going to check them again and like cathy57 said maybe it'll just take some time to notice the difference after taking the supplements so have to keep at it!! :)
I'm also going to try and eat healthier because I know I get depressed/stressed easily and then I reduce food intake because I'm preoccupied with other things so I'm going to try and replace that habit with healthy eating habits (also going to try eating more seafood because they say that supposedly works wonders for hair growth and overall health)
Anyways I really wanted to thank everyone for all of their responses....it was just today that I was worrying about my hair again and I was sort of giving up hope but then seeing that people actually care enough to read my post and advise me on different solutions really helped lift my spirits so thanks again!
Helenitta
05-30-2009, 05:47 PM
oh dear! don't worry!! I do believe it's most of the time the stress factor that leads to the thinning of the hair! Been there, felt that!!
Do try to get iron and magnesium as much as possible (this is an advice I too have to apply it in my life lol as I don't eat much food to begin with - no salads no fish (rich in Iron!!) nothing) and get those worrying thoughts out of your head. After a while, it'll stop definitely!! Like I said, I have lost probably 3/4 of my hair :( I had FULL head but now it's fine :) I'm happy :) it still falls but less than 100 a day!! :D those days are gone even though I still am stressful but I guess my genes got used to my nervous system lol - they coped with it somehow lol
So, don't worry :) - things will be okay :) if you're given vitamins, take them though I don't believe in them (I did take magnesium for a while but then stopped it). Many <PEOPLE>are more nervous than I am and yet, they don't have this problem. So, like I said before, it's also about your genes.
Don't think about it while combing your hair or taking shower. I used to COUNT them sometimes and that was really crazy of me lol - I used to comb the internet looking for solutions or even wigs just in case I went bald... none of these happened or would've happened. I only OVERstressed my already overstressed nervous system.
So, smile :) it's gonne be OKAY! :)
Do try to get iron and magnesium as much as possible (this is an advice I too have to apply it in my life lol as I don't eat much food to begin with - no salads no fish (rich in Iron!!) nothing) and get those worrying thoughts out of your head. After a while, it'll stop definitely!! Like I said, I have lost probably 3/4 of my hair :( I had FULL head but now it's fine :) I'm happy :) it still falls but less than 100 a day!! :D those days are gone even though I still am stressful but I guess my genes got used to my nervous system lol - they coped with it somehow lol
So, don't worry :) - things will be okay :) if you're given vitamins, take them though I don't believe in them (I did take magnesium for a while but then stopped it). Many <PEOPLE>are more nervous than I am and yet, they don't have this problem. So, like I said before, it's also about your genes.
Don't think about it while combing your hair or taking shower. I used to COUNT them sometimes and that was really crazy of me lol - I used to comb the internet looking for solutions or even wigs just in case I went bald... none of these happened or would've happened. I only OVERstressed my already overstressed nervous system.
So, smile :) it's gonne be OKAY! :)
Helenitta
05-30-2009, 05:49 PM
oh <BY THE WAY>! listen to cheerful music :D and sing :D
just don't be gloomy because it's not the end of the world :)
just don't be gloomy because it's not the end of the world :)
gimaqt
05-30-2009, 10:36 PM
When I started taking HUGE amounts of vitamin D3 along with vitamin b supplements (all of them high doses) and 400 mcg selinium, vitamin e, calcium, zinc and magnesium, fish oil 2000 mg a day, multi vitamin (no iron) and vitamin C my hair COMPLETLY STOPPED falling out. I think it was mainly the Vitamin D, as I take 20-40 thousand units a day now. I also found out it was related to thyroid problems. I dont take meds for my thyroid yet, because the vitamins are helping.
bikelove
06-03-2009, 06:41 PM
Hey everyone!!
awww thank you Helenitta for the hopeful msg....I'm trying to take on a more positive attitude and OMG I spend time researching on the Internet too!!! :O
but I realized <SOMETHING>....my diet is not nutritious at all...before I migrated to Canada I used to eat an incredibly healthy diet, but after coming here I didnt eat as much and for the last 1.5 years I've been crash/yo-yo dieting and thats when my hair really started to fall/thin so I'm slowly trying to improve my diet...I try to eat all 3 meals and also lots of fruits and veggies (thank God I really enjoy eating those...:D) and am going to start taking a basic daily multivitamin and hopefully it should recover :)
awww thank you Helenitta for the hopeful msg....I'm trying to take on a more positive attitude and OMG I spend time researching on the Internet too!!! :O
but I realized <SOMETHING>....my diet is not nutritious at all...before I migrated to Canada I used to eat an incredibly healthy diet, but after coming here I didnt eat as much and for the last 1.5 years I've been crash/yo-yo dieting and thats when my hair really started to fall/thin so I'm slowly trying to improve my diet...I try to eat all 3 meals and also lots of fruits and veggies (thank God I really enjoy eating those...:D) and am going to start taking a basic daily multivitamin and hopefully it should recover :)
Helenitta
06-04-2009, 11:44 AM
so glad to hear about your positivity..
stress in general causes lots of health problems.. my mom was unable to swallow for the past few days.. not when eating but just out of nowhere she'd feel she has no saliva to swallow and demands oxygen to be able to breathe.. anyhow, we saw a doctor today and it's all because of her nervous system.. he gave her xanax and another medicine.
So, eat 3 meals and don't think about it :) it's just a phase..
all the best!!!
stress in general causes lots of health problems.. my mom was unable to swallow for the past few days.. not when eating but just out of nowhere she'd feel she has no saliva to swallow and demands oxygen to be able to breathe.. anyhow, we saw a doctor today and it's all because of her nervous system.. he gave her xanax and another medicine.
So, eat 3 meals and don't think about it :) it's just a phase..
all the best!!!