Hi! Just joined and thought I'd share my story

[RedSoxFan]

Hi!

I'm 47 and have dark curly hair. 2 months ago I got a really short haircut from a new stylist and I couldn't believe how my hair was thinning all around. I saw bald spots and was devastated. My husband has been very supportive and suggested I see the dr. and check out possibilities.

Everything seems normal, medically, and so I went to several self-proclaimed hair specialists. 1 place made me uncomfortable- no clients around, I was told to purchase their products and use their services for an enormous amount of money and when I asked for references, I was told that no one feels comfortable sharing information.

As someone in the helping profession, I found this very suspect. I took off from there quickly! Two places suggested rogaine and light laser therapy and I'm trying it. I'm using the 5% rogaine foam and just started the light laser therapy. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I'm also using a shampoo and conditioner without DEA or SLS and starting to take a multi-vitamin with Biotin and saw metto.

I cannot get over how little comprehensive information about women and hair loss there is! And it is so confusing, reading what is out there. I've been feeling isolated and alone and scared. I'm glad I found this forum and wondered whether some of you might have some advice. THANKS!!!!

[kawawa]

Welcome to the forum!

[RedSoxFan]

Thanks for the suggestions, Patti and the welcome Kawawa!

I have done the blood and thyroid work and all seems fine. I will check with my doctor about the ferritin, because I don't know that level. I stopped birth control about 11 years ago. I am in perimenipause and know that causes HUGE hormonal changes.

I've spoken with some people who swear by the laser light therapy and I've read other articles that indicate they do nothing. I think if it works for some, I'll try it and see.

My sister, who went through years of infertility treatments, said that my journey reminds her of the different and polarizing perceptions with IT. If it worked for someone, she believed in it fully; for those who the treatment did not work, it was false hope.

I appreciate what you've written and I hope that there is some benefit. I see my doctor next week and I'll ask her to give my the ferritin numbers. What have you found helpful?

Thanks!!!

[Sammy7]

Hi!

I am 40 and going through the same thing. My hair has been shedding for 2 months now. I went to the doctor and sure enough I was anemic and put on iron therapy. Also women our age who are going through Peri menopause will go through TE- Telogen Effluvium. Sometimes it will correct itself in 6 to 8 months. Lets hope this is what we are going through!

[RedSoxFan]

I'll definitely get my ferritin checked and I'll be very careful to ensure that my levels are up to what you and the research suggests, Patti. thanks! I'll also check on the bioidentical progesterone. That is new to me.

I'm so pleased to read about your results! Sammy, maybe we'll be fortunate, too!

[Jojo]

hi, i just turned 40 and experiencing hair loss as well but it was started from a hair chemical treatment and perhaps other factors.

what tests did you take to check your hormones? i've taken a full gammut of tests but i'm not sure which ones i would check for that indicated my hormone levels to see if i'm perimenapausal.

thanks!

[Sammy7]

Ok this is a weird thing....

My female doctor told me that every woman in her 30 and 40s will go through a molt for 6 to 8 months. You will then go through a second molt after menopause in your 50 and 60s. My doctor went through this 3 years ago (huge handfuls of shedding for 6 to 8 months) and went to her dermatologist who told her about this natural molt.

When I go on the Internet the only thing I can find is... TE -Telogen Effluvium?

[chuyita32]

Welcome! I will start my saw palmetto regimen as well in hopes it will help! Stay positive :)

[Sammy7]

Let me know how your Saw palmetto treatment goes. I am planning to try that if my hair does not stop shedding in 3 months. I just don't want to try it out incase my shedding gets worse. Does your hair shed more in the fall??? It seems that since fall arrive I seem to have doubled in my shedding!

[chuyita32]

Good to know pattyv!!! I'm definitely jumping on the Saw Palmetto band wagon!!! :D