Hair Loss......again

[tiggerblue10]

I posted a year or two ago that I was losing more hair when washing and brushing back then but the problem is getting worse now.

I know that the menopause causes hormonal changes but would HRT help with hair loss? I've been using Plantur 39 shampoo and tonic for a couple of years now but I still lose a lot of hair during washing and brushing.

[Redhelen72]

What is your protein intake like? Have you tried Biotin?
As a bariatric patient we were warned we would lose hair due to a restricted diet and that the way to keep this at a minimum was to use biotin and ensure protein was kept high.

[Patsy33]

Sorry to hear that, Tiggs. I remember a lady telling me years ago about her thinning hair, and it turned out it was because she couldn't absorb iron. Maybe your iron levels are ok. In that case, maybe some blood work need to be done to rule out other things. Yes, HRT, would probably help the problem. Have a word with Doctor.

[tiggerblue10]

I mostly follow a meat and dairy free diet but eat pulses and nuts, Helen. I'll look into biotin though, thanks!

I'm going to book a gp appointment at some point, Patsy. Thought I'd ask on here in case anyone had any experience with this and what the treatment was.

[pastafreak]

Could the brushing be causing hair breakage...hence loss? What is the quality of your hair...dry, coarse or brittle? Hair does change as we get older...and yes, menopause is a contributing factor.

[tiggerblue10]

I've always had a full head of thick wavey/curly hair and greasy scalp. Dry at the ends but i wouldn't say brittle.

[pastafreak]

I have wavy curly hair...fine though and a lot thinner now...age.
It was getting very dry and coarse so of course I started researching. It seems curly hair is different and one thing that's bad for it is brushing and also a lot of the chemicals in shampoos and styling products that are meant to strengthen/ hold/volumise, etc. I've never brushed much as it turned my hair into a fuzzy brillo pad. I've changed shampoos and cut out all the styling products and I seem to have less hair loss...in fact I noticed new growth on my hairline last week. My hair also feels much softer.
I'm not saying this is a solution for you but might be a consideration.
Do speak to your Dr regarding HRT though as that may help.

[Buenchico]

There's an organisation called The Menopause Exchange, whose sole aim is to disseminate accurate information about the menopause:
https://www.menopause-exchange.co.uk/

A back issue of their newsletter is available on the website of Aintree University Hospital:
https://www.aintreehospital.nhs.uk/media/8036/menopause-exchange-78.pdf
The whole of page 6 of that issue, written by the Chairman of the Institute of Trichologists, is devoted to the subject of hair loss during the menopause. The article as a whole looks well worth reading but I'd particularly direct your attention to the following passage:
"Certain HRT products can help to
treat female pattern hair loss. The hair-friendly ones are Premique and Indivina (both of these products contain the antiandrogen medroxyprogesterone acetate) and Angeliq (containing drospirenone)."

[tiggerblue10]

Other than Plantur shampoo and conditioner and the tonic I don't use any other products, Pasta. I couldn't even get a brush or comb through my hair without looking like a poodle! Lol

Is that a forum, Chris?

[Buenchico]

The Menopause Exchange is (at least, as I read it), primarily a provider of a quarterly (emailed) newsletter and an information service providing information about relevant clinics and products:
https://www.menopause-exchange.co.uk/why_join/index.htm

However you can also make use of their 'Ask The Experts' panel, who look as if they ought to know their stuff:
https://www.menopause-exchange.co.uk/our_experts/index.htm

As it's free to join, I can't see that you've got anything to lose by signing up.

(Being a fella, I obviously know very little about the menopause but having to use ladies' HRT patches to help keep my prostate cancer under control does mean that I've become quite an expert on their side effects! If my boobs get any bigger, I'm gonna need a bra soon!)
;-)

[pastafreak]

What size chris...maybe we can help out
;))

[Hazlinny]

Maybe you have under-active thyroid - this caused hair loss /thinning with me - ask GP for some tests if you have not already done so in this connection.

[tiggerblue10]

Cheers Chris, might contact tem and see what they say. If you go over a B cup you may need a bra ;o)

Will also book a gp appointment for next week.

[tiggerblue10]

They might tell me I need tests for thyroid related issues. Will ask them if they don't.

[Sqad]

Commonest cause.....unknown.
Next..anxiety states, depression etc.
Menopause.

Thyroid and other blood tests have never impressed me as a cause for hair loss.

See your GP and discuss HRT for your problems.

[Hazlinny]

Sqad - Thyroid problems might not impress you as a cause for hair thinning/loss but it is well documented that thyroid problems can, in fact, cause this! My GP did do blood tests when I told him about this + feeling tired and putting on weight (not overeating) et voila I had an under-active thyroid! My comment to Tigger was merely a suggestion.

[Sqad]

Hazlinny....I am not critisising your post, far from it and the association between and under active thyroid and hair loss is, ideed well documented.

However that has not been my experience.

[Scarlett]

Have a think back to 3 months ago and what was happening in your life. So often we have hair loss because of a stressful situation, and exactly 3 months later our hair starts to fall out.

There’s nothing you can do about it, but it will grow back- usually 3 months. It’s one big cycle.

I would also do all of the above suggestions, especially a blood test for iron absorption etc. I don’t think shampoos will ever help, but I use a caffeine one. Also, we do lose hair depending on the time of year and season.

[tiggerblue10]

I do admit to suffering with stress and anxiety quite often these days in day to day life but that could be symptoms of menopause which I haven't had diagnosed.....yet!

I've managed to get a phone consultation on patient access this morning at 8.30 but no option for face-to-face.

[tiggerblue10]

Update...

Spoke to GP yesterday and she's booked me in for a blood test on Monday and an appointment for the results on Thursday.

[Alicewilliams90]

This shampoo and tonic contain sulfates and parabens? (good natural shampoo and tonic shouldnt contain that) Did you check? Also you should check your meal. For a healthy hair should eat good. Enough protein, enough fats, carbs, fiber, drink enough water. Norms of this all are individual. I needed a help with the same question a few years ago, but now i forget how is it to lose hair when brushing. ofc when washing hair some of it i lose, its normal to lose about 100 hair per day. So for today i have pretty long hair and wanna cut them to short)) very hot in the summer))and im in search for some fresh haircuts now. I hope you will find a way to improve your health!