Peri-menopause and HAIRLOSS!? - Menopause Message Board

Kat734 · 07-11-2002, 07:31 AM

I believe that I AM peri-menopausal whether my doctor knows it or not. Like I don't have enough to deal with, the hairloss I'm having is becoming alarming to me. I bet that I've lost close to half of the hair I had a year ago. At first I attributed it to surgery (last April 2001) and stress, but it keeps falling out and I'm really getting worried now. Can anyone relate and have some advice on how to stop this? ALSO, I saw the news last night about the dangers of HRT and if that were the only thing that could help me with my symptoms, what will I do? It may sound trivial, but I'm getting more concerned each day over this.

bjg · 07-11-2002, 09:47 AM

hair loss in women can be devastating...i suggest a complete physical if you havent had one..thyroid problems among other ailments can cause hairloss...i have seen that commercial for rogaine for women...why not ask your dr if he or she thinks that will help..good luck

Reds1261 · 07-11-2002, 06:32 PM

I'm also experiencing hair loss and my nails are also weak and they have always been strong. I currently reading the book by John R. Lee..called What your doctor may not tell you about Premenopause and there is reference in there about hair loss...it is caused by Estrogen Dominance.

Kat734 · 07-12-2002, 05:46 AM

Thanks for responding...Reds, is it scaring you like it's scaring me? I'm also starting to read Dr. Lee's book. It seems a little hard to comprehend all of the info (maybe I'm having a bit of "brain fog" as well

! I've had the thyroid tested, etc., so I'm pretty much focusing on peri-menopausal symptoms. I am not sure where I can (or if) find a doctor around here who has a handle on this and can help me get straightened out. Would you suggest an OB/GYN? I feel like the race is on to get help NOW before I'm seriously bald! My dermatologist was a BIG help...he put me on something that I feel "screwed up" my entire system even more. Needless to say, I don't tolerate prescription drugs well. Please, anyone with this same problem, share how you were helped to turn the hairloss around. (p.s., also, is anyone experiencing eye problems with menopause or sudden inability to wear contacts? This is becoming overwhelming.) Thanks!

Reds1261 · 07-12-2002, 05:22 PM

Hi Kat,

I know EXACTLY what you are going thru, my symptoms started in the being of this year, I was 40 then, I just turned 41 in June. Anyway,I started feeling "weird" in January, woke up in the middle of the night drench in sweat, and I had a pain in my right side under my rib cage and felt nauseas, I went to the doctors he thought it was my gallbladder.I had an endoscopy, ultra sound, catscan..should nothing but acid reflux disease,which has gotten worse recently.I had all kinds of blood work done, thyroid..etc..everything was fine. Then I was dizzy alot,lightheaded,back to the doctor I went..told me it was a sinus problem, and yes my eyes and contacts really,really bother me and also leg pain.Then the aniexty attacks started, doctor put me on Buspar (non addictive for tense and anxiety attacks)then they told me it was stress and depression ( I lost my father a year ago)so they thought it was that. Then I watch Oprah's special on Permenopause..and kept saying thats me..thats me. I went to the gyno and spoke with him told him my symptons and he said..Welcome to Perimenopause, he would not put me on HRT because I smoke (I no..I'm bad

)he told me to take a multi-vitamin and have a positive attitube, he said this could be the best years of my life or the worst, all depending on my state of mind and he is right, but he is also a man without hormones going out of wack..
Yes..my hair and now my nails are changing,I was kind of scared but now I just contribute it to this perimenopause, I notice that a week or so before my period all the symptoms I have been having are really at an all time high. But I do think it would be a good idea for you to talk to your gyno, just for peace of mind, but you are not alone in this and everything you are experiencing I have too.

Take care and hang in there