Hair loss

[Ornery]

Please help me to brainstorm. I am loosing my hair in large clumps. No patches of exposed skin but the total volume is going down sharply. It has been happening for 6+ months. When I brush, large quantities come out, when I shower, huge amounts come out. I've been trying really hard to ignore it, thinking it was just a phase, but I went to the hair salon yesterday and they were shocked by how much hair came out while brushing and washing. I'm only 31 and baldness does not run in my family on either side. All grandparents, uncles and Aunts have died with full heads of hair.

I haven't been pregnant since August of 2007 and my dd died so didn't breastfeed. When she died, they took my uterus so I have no idea of my monthly cycle. My thyroid was tested about 2 years ago and found to be normal (but this was before I learned so much about thyroid stuff on here so I'm not sure of the exact reading). I take a multivitamin, D vitamin, and fish oil. My diet is probably lacking but hasn't changed dramatically. Nothing has really changed as a matter of fact so I can't pinpoint anything. I'm going to try to tackle my nutritional needs to see if that can help but what vitamins/minerals might be most important in discouraging hair loss?

I'm planning on making an appointment with my health care practitioner to discuss what my options are. What would you focus on? Obviously, I'm going to check into thyroid issues but is there anything else?

[kl5]

I have dealt with the same problem and was convinced it was my thyroid, but my ferritin levels tested really really low (I had an undiagnosed gluten intolerance that had caused gut damage and a bunch of nutrient deficiencies). It's been a slow process building it back up to normal levels, but I have definitely noticed my hair falling out far less lately and it looks thicker and healthier than it has in a long time. My HCP was convinced it was iron levels causing the problem, so I would definitely ask for a ferritin level screen and go from there.

[joyluc]

I had diffuse hair loss before my hyperthhyroidism was dx'ed. But I was also having alopecia areata and lost hair from big patches all over my head. That was because of my auto-immune problems. Definitely get your thyroid tested and consider going to a dermatologist so they can look at your scalp.

[Ornery]

I will get my thyroid and iron levels checked. Is there anything else anyone can think of for me to specifically request? I see my DO on Friday for testing.

TIA!

[Mommy Kahdib]

My hair stylist recommended Biotin and Omega 3, 6, 9's...I lost a lot lot lot of hair due to stress...and then later due to pregnancy...and then later when my thyroid stopped working...and then again when I had my son. I hate hair falling out problems...ugh! I hope you find your solution.

[SandyMom]

In addition to thyroid and iron I would consider hormonal imbalances.
https://sites.google.com/site/natura...onal-imbalance
Good luck.
Figuring this stuff out can be such a puzzle sometimes.

[kl5]

Originally Posted by Eclipse95

I will get my thyroid and iron levels checked.

Make sure the test they run is for ferritin rather than just hemoglobin, as it will give a more accurate reading of your iron stores and a possible deficiency.

Good luck.

[mellowjello]

It could be due to oxalate dumping, if you have oxalate sensitivity. Oxalates are normally broken down by good bacteria but some people lack the right strains, so this sensitivity can accompany leaky gut.

I would be careful about taking iron unless it is determined that it is appropriate, as iron supplements can be damaging to the gut. (Food source iron doesn't do this... yay liver!)

There are charts of food oxalate values online, but unfortunately they don't all agree for all foods. They'll give you a general idea though.
http://www.branwen.com/rowan/oxalate.htm

Also some pathogens can produce oxalates in the body (and the chronic infection can weaken adrenals/thyroid).

To learn more about oxalates, try http://www.lowoxalate.info/
and
http://www.vulvarpainfoundation.org/

Blessings and hugs to you. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jen T.

[Tuesday]

I have alopecia areata/totalis - I've had it for several years. The telltale sign of alopecia areata is a bare bald patch - not thinning hair. Shedding can be caused by a variety of things. Sounds like you're doing the right thing - getting bloodwork, getting your thyroid tested. The next step after the bloodwork should be seeing a dermatologist - they are familiar with various hair loss conditions and can guide you.