New to this website and need advice!

[kris79]

Hi, my name is Kris....I am so glad I found this web site...I am so tired of obsessing over my hair loss alone...so thanks for being here...here is my story...I am 47, I am experience hair loss in the shower and when I comb my hair, to the point I dred having to do my hair in the am....I still have a lot of hair, but, it is thinning daily...and I was born with fine thin:o:mad: hair....I just had breast reduction surgery this past march 2009....my question is, do any of you think my hair loss may be due to the surgery? If so, when will it stop falling out? I just went to the dermo today and he did a biopsy so in a week, I should know my results...I just had a lot of blood work done and those tests came out fine..no thyroid issues etc...I am a vegitarian and have been for 30 years....my tests revealed no hormone issues...I am taking about 15 vitamins a day, progesterone/estrogen over the counter cream...using nioxin shampoo..and nothing has changed yet...any advice? I am a single mother and would like to meet someone someday but if I lose my hair...I think my hopes of finding someone will be out the door..if I was married, I would try to focus on other things because I know it is just hair..but being single, and looking, hair loss will be a real negitive for me..any advice on whether or not you all think my hair loss is due to the surgery would be helpful..and by the way..I also had appendicitus surgery this past november too, so that makes 2 surgerys in a 4 month period and it has been 3-4 months from my last surgery, thanks, kris

[lostalot2]

Hi and welcome to the site. I have heard that the anesthesia from surgery can cause a shed months later so that could definitely be contributing to your hair loss. Did you have any signs of thinning before the surgeries? Do you have any family history of hair loss? Also at 47, hormonal issues come up so your estrogen levels may be causing thinning.

I am 46 and have been gradually thinning for 5 or more years. Like you, I was born with fine thin hair and I have always hated my thin looking hair. Over the years, I've noticed times where my hair seemed thicker than others but it wasn't until about 5 years ago that I actually felt it was thinning and I could see more scalp on top. I have seen an endocrinologist who checked all hormone levels and she has me on hormone replacement (bioidentical). I am also taken many vitamins and supplements but so far I haven't seen any improvement. I'm still trying to remain hopeful.

I also suffer in silence and don't talk to anyone about my hair issues. I am married but my husband and I haven't talked about it and I'm not sure if he has noticed the extent of my thinning because it's been so gradual. I fear that once he takes notice, he will be repulsed, find me unattractive and not want to be with a balding woman.

This site is a great place to vent and get some comfort that you are not alone. I hope it helps you as it has me.

[VictoriaG]

Hi Kris, it's certainly possible that the thinning is from your surgeries. Telogen Effluvium, if that's what it is, starts 3-6 months after the event, and lasts 3-6 months, on average. Of course, everyone is different. Hopefully your biopsy will give you better answers. Good luck!