Thinning Hair... HELP!

Updated on December 02, 2008
M.S. asks from Wingate, IN
18 answers

Over the past several months my hair has been gradually thinning. Each time I would go get my hair done my stylist would ask me if I was stressing because he could tell by my hair. The last couple of visits he has expressed how concerned he is and suggested I see a DR. I did and have been on medication for stress. I started on one kind and couldn't deal with the side effects, waited three weeks and was given a different medication that I have been on for over 5 weeks now, I am feeling a little better but will probably need the medication increased. I just had my hair done again this past week and my stylist was so concerned he would do nothing but color the roots and trim it. I go to the DR tomorrow and will asked to be tested for anything that may lead to hair loss. I started using Nioxin about a week ago and have started back taking my multi-vitamin. Aside from my stress meds the only other medication I take is birth control. I do not have bald spots or anything. My hair looks normal with the exception of the little ponytail. My hair has always been thick and alot of it. I would like suggestions on what foods, vitamins, products etc that I should try.

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So What Happened?

Thank you all for the advice. I will definitely do some research and try to switch to more natural foods vitamins etc. I have been trying to do that for the whole family but I am just not up on all the natural stuff. I went to the DR today and he did draw blood, he said he would check thyroid, blood count, iron level and I am not sure what else. I was not sure what all the symptoms of thyroid problems there were but I googled it and was surprised to see that I have nearly all of the symptoms listed for hypothyroidism. That could be where my stress issue started too I have always been able to deal very well with stress until recently (with in the last 6-8mo). I do still have re-growth so hopefully it won't get any worse. Thanks again everyone! UPDATE: Well my blood results were all normal. I am kinda glad and sad at the same time. So now I am looking at my birth control which interestingly enough has the same symptoms as thyroid problems so this is my second guess. The pharmacist says I am on a BC that has a higher content of hormones then most and my problem definitely sounds like a hormone issue. So I am going to stop taking the BC and start using anything that can help my body regulate and see what happens. Geez this really stinks. I was hoping for an answer and a solution.

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C.R.

answers from Elkhart on

This happened to me when I was 22 while breast feeding my first child, and at that point my doctor determined that my body wasn't absorbing the nutrients it needed. So, I had to quit breastfeeding. It also happened again after my last child, whom I delivered when I was 39, but oddly both pregnancies I was exceedingly healthy, and I breastfeed until she was almost ten months. I've always been told that apple cider vinegar (about 2 TBS a day) works wonders on hair and bones. Anyone and everyone that has tried this drink mixed with water daily has nothing but rave reviews. Give it a shot....or two....daily and see what happens.

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E.M.

answers from South Bend on

I don't think anyone else metioned it but whenever I'm annemic and low on iron my hair thins out a lot. It is one of the first signs for me that and being tired. Good Luck. :)

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L.M.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi M.,

You got some good advice. I would definitely go to an Endocrinologist if your insurance covers it. They will check for hormonal imbalances and offer better solutions than just having your thyroid checked. (Your thyroid can fall into the normal category, but you could still have a hormonal imbalance)

I would also start taking biotin (I get mine at Swansons Vitamins online, 5mg) it is very inexpensive and a good start, but you probably won't notice anything for months so stick with it! It is also a yeast fighter so it is good for you in general. GOOD LUCK!!

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R.H.

answers from Bloomington on

Has your doctor checked your thyroid and blood glucose. I was having the same problem and had a problem with my blood glucose being slightly off. It may not just be from stress.

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B.H.

answers from Fort Wayne on

I'm now 46, and had two kids 3 years and 11 months apart. About 6 months after my 2nd child, my hair starting thinning badly in the front part of my scalp.
There can be so many contributing factors, that sometimes its hard to pinpoint just exactly "WHY" we seem to lose hair. In my case, they thought stress, hereditary hair loss, diet, etc. The list just kept growing and I kept getting more frustrated.
My MD finally suggested I go to an endocrynologist, and it was determined that my thyroid was not functioning properly, causing hormone problems.
After almost 6 years, my hair has almost stopped falling out, and my hairstylist thinks she sees "baby hair" up there again!!!

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S.F.

answers from Fort Wayne on

This could be a sign of a glandular disorder requiring meds. This is a warning sign an OBGYN should have asked you to look for after having a child. I suggest talking to your healthcare provider. Hair loss can be due to stress, some medications cause hair thinning as well.

If you doctor rules out a glandular problem or other issue, this may be normal female balding. There are topical medications you can buy to apply to the scalp. I think Rogaine makes a line for women now. There are other products out there as well... just do an online search and ask others what they think of those specific products.

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R.H.

answers from Cleveland on

Ask your doctor to do a thyroid test.

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R.B.

answers from Toledo on

I read recently in the paper that hair loss happens about 3 or 4 months after the major stress that caused it. Childbirth can also have this effect. There are vitamins at the drug store specifically for strengthening hair, skin, and nails. Be prepared when your hair starts growing back in for short spots all over your head. You may have to layer it up more for it to blend in. Stress reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, exercise, avoiding sugar and caffeine, laughing, journal writing, adequate sleep, seeing a therapist, etc... may help keep more hair from falling out. Good luck!

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L.C.

answers from Youngstown on

Have your thyroid checked

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K.D.

answers from Cleveland on

Oh I totally understand. My friend had this happening. She used arbonnes hair products. Here are some facts on their page. http://www.arbonne.com/products/not-so-basic/hair/shampoo...
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a metabolite of testosterone that can destroy the hair follicle. You can fight DHT by blocking it and limiting its production. The right combination of ingredients gives hair the best defense against seen and unseen villains, including time, age, exposure and DHT. Arbonne has a key ingredient of Vitaspheres~ Infused with key ingredients and vitamins, Vitaspheres allow Arbonne’s hair care formulations to self-adjust to hair’s needs, including protecting hair follicles from DHT, environmental exposure and dry scalp. Thermal Fusion Technology~ Arbonne’s proprietary Thermal Fusion Technology adds the element of heat to increase microcirculation with key ingredients infused in Vitaspheres. Heat + microcirculation + Vitaspheres + key ingredients = healthy hair.
OK hope that all make sense. I know you can get a sample to try at www.passion4more.myarbonne.com too. Just contact that page. I love the arbonne products and their Seasource Detox line is great too. My hair has never been better. I use to have very dry hair that broke and between the hair care and the Detox hair mask I have never had better hair.. Everyone tells me how great it is. Even my salon stylist is now using the products after seeing the change in my hair.. lol
Also their Hybrid vitamins have made my hair stronger and my nail thicker. Everything has gotten better and better. I think you can get a 3 day sample of those too. Good luck!!

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D.G.

answers from Columbus on

Have you changed Shampoo's or conditioner's ? My hair started falling out when I changed to a expensive shampoo that was suppose to help your hair. Now I use Aussie and or Tresseme and my hair is back to thick and healthy.I'm almost 50 and my hair is still very healthy.A multi vitamin a day should help but you also need to eat healthy, cut out any and all additives and chemicals from your diet, this includes diet anything.Drink plenty of water and at least a few glasses of Milk a week. Food colorings,preservitives and chemicals play hell on our hair.Our hair shows how healthy we are in a lot of ways.If it is dull and dry we usually have a bad diet or are ill, your hair dresser knows what they are talking about.I volunteer at a grade school near me as a reading tutor you wouldn't believe the effects I see on the childrens hair, you can tell who eats healthy and who's parents feed them nothing but junk.
Good luck and I hope it is no more than a vitamin deficency, but remember it could be something far worse so please get a check up you won't regret it.

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D.H.

answers from Toledo on

there is a vitamin biotin and it comes in 5 mg that you take for so much time ( 6 months) then you decrease your dose to 2.5 mg daily .switch shampoos to a baby shampoo this will help your hair grow. quit wraping your hair in a towel when you get out of the shower the twisting pulls on your hair and ditch the pony tail your pulling your hair . this is all the advice I was given by professionals. I noticed your using the nioxin. It only lasts while you use it every day, also stop coloring your hair let your own color grow in this will make it look thicker. YOU MAY WANT TO GET IN TOUCH WITH A STYLIST THAT IS GOING TO TAKE BETTER CARE OF YOU. One that will style your hair to make it look fuller and get you using products to help. Hope this helps. Good luck !

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S.L.

answers from Cincinnati on

M., you should not try or do anything else to your hair until you get your thyroid checked and your Hormone level checked. I went thru the same thing and it was my thyroid..

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L.H.

answers from Indianapolis on

HI M.!

I have thick hair also, and last winter my hair did what yours is doing. You are lacking vitamin E and Zinc. Zinc helps hair grow.

Try going to this website - www.mannatech.com - I take the Phytomatrix Vitamin and it has helped out a lot! THere are no additives in these vitamins - the multivitamin that you are taking, do me a favor and look at the ingredients. it is mostly additives.

The Phytomatrix multivitamin that i am taking is veggies and nutrients, that is listed in the ingredients. No additives. I am happy to say that my hair has grown back better and thicker after 3 months of taking Phytomatrix! I am stressed also, you don't need a stress medicine. try something natural.

I hope this helps you. I hated it when my hair was thinning, and I can relate to you.

Take care & God Bless,
L. Kay

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R.M.

answers from Cleveland on

M.-

I have the same problem! I never had super thick hair (it is really fine), but I always had a lot of it. Even after my first baby, it was still lush. then I had my 2nd daughter and it really started thinning on top and I can pull out gobs of it in the shower.

I tried Nioxin and followed all of the instructions (what a joke that was) w/o any success. While I don't have a solution yet, I wanted to let you know you aren’t alone in this. I will be watching this post carefully for the advice of others! Hang in there!!!

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K.I.

answers from Indianapolis on

Hi M.,
I am having a lot of hair loss too and I know what is causing mine so I wanted to mention it to you. Ask your doctor to check your thyroid levels because a low or high functioning thyroid can cause hair loss among other things.
Good luck!

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S.F.

answers from Columbus on

M.,
Have you had your thyroid checked? I used to have tons of hair until I started having more problmes with my thyroid. I was born without a thyroid, but I didn't start having major hair loss problems until after I had my daughter 4 years ago. I would wash my hair and a bunch would come out then brush and more would come out, The I would see some on my clothes or if we had a strong enough wind I would see it blowing away in the wind. It is very upsetting to see. Hormones changes can cause this too. I don't know how old you are, but I know that hair is very important feature and its very upsetting when it starts blowing away. I got my medicine and my hair loss as stopped for the most part. MY doctor told me because of my age 41 that chances are my hair will not grow back thick again, but I will keep the hair I do have now. I am down to a very fine ponytail too. My ears dont' stick out of my hair yet, but its still upsetting for me to look at my old phots and see me with all my hair and look in the mirror and see less of it. I guess it could be worse and have no hair at all.
Pleae look into finding out what it is before your stress gets worse from losing hair.
Take care
S.

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E.I.

answers from Cleveland on

why don't u try this shampoo called " MILTA DE PERALES" i think u can find it on-line. it is spanish but it will help u with the thinning hair my sister use to use it also for tinning hair their are different types.

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