Help and advice please

[Buster4me]

Hi,

I’ve just recently noticed hair loss patches, one behind my ear and another back of my head.

When I phoned my GP he didn’t seem too concerned and told me was down to stress and I should expect more bald patches. Not too helpful and made me feel even more anxious.

I spoke to worker in Holland & Barrett who recommended Biotin 5000 tablets along with iron. I have also been using Stemgrow Trichology shampoo and conditioner. I’ve also upped my exercise to try and focus on something other than my hair.

Was wondering if I’m on the right track and if there’s anything else that could be recommended.

Thank you!

[rebeccaxxx]

If you can you should see a dermatologist who can organise the correct blood tests. It may be just down to stress and nothing you can do, it may be hormonal or very low iron, b12 or something else. GPs and even dermatologists do tend not to be that helpful, it’s sad but true.

All of the products sold are about getting blood flow up to your scalp, so things like massaging your head, ten mins of rigorous exercise, hanging your head from the end of the bed, do the same thing and are free. Sadly the hair cycle means the thing that triggered your hair loss happened three months ago, you may just get the odd patch, you may lose it all (which happened to me, I was bald for a year then it grew back when I got pregnant and so far, after six years it hasn’t fallen out again).

I know how it feels, it is horrible, and lonely, but it made me stronger in the end.

Don’t give your money to charlatans. Biotin and silica/horsetail will make your hair grow faster and stronger if it is in a growing phase.

To get it in a growing phase you need blood tests to identify root causes, if any can be found, low stress, healthy diet and exercise, will all help, but still, nothing may work.

With my my trigger was extremely low ferritin levels, coming off the pill after 13 years, minor surgery and severe stress. So multiple things at once. My hair loss started as a patch and then escalated. It was all gone after about 6 weeks.

Don’t be afraid to shave your head if it starts to feel like it looks a mess. Hats are helpful in this cold weather though!

Follea make fantastic wigs if you want that option and can afford it.

Good luck, I hope these patches are the worst of it, if not, we are here for you.

[singer57 in reply to rebeccaxxx]

Hi Buster4me

Sorry to hear of your hair loss and understand first hand how distressing it is.

To add to the great advice offered by Rebecca and based on my own recent experience, I would go back to your GP and ask to be referred to a hair loss clinic (not available in all areas) or a dermatologist who specialises in hair loss. Not all derms are equal in this respect: some of them understand very little about it so you have to do your own research to find one who specialises in hair loss and insist on seeing them. If your GP won't take things further, get a 2nd opinion from another GP. They should be able to order the initial blood tests which will speed things along.

I also saw a trichologist who was very helpful indeed. I'm lucky to have the Institute of Trichologists not far from me and I went there as I thought they would be discerning about who they allow to practise from their premises. I'm also lucky enough to be able to pay for it so I realise it's not an option for everyone. The trichologist spent an hour with me, talked through everything and understood the emotional and psychological impacts as well as the science behind hair loss. Her diagnosis was the same as the derm's (when I finally got to see him). If you do choose to see a trichologist, make sure they trained and are registered with a reputable organisation eg Institute of Trichology. One thing recommended by everyone I saw was a Vitamin D supplement as mine was a bit low and that can affect hair growth.

I've learnt that everyone's hair loss journey is different and that you have to do a lot of your own research and try different approaches. You also have to put a lot of energy into getting the help you need as it doesn't just happen as a matter of course. Like Rebecca says, we are here for you and I have found the Alopecia UK groups so supportive and understanding, the community has really helped me to cope with it all. Wishing you all the best xx

[Buster4me]

Thank you both so much for replying to my message. It is so stressful and constantly checking for new bald patches. I keep trying to take my mind of it but it’s so hard.

I’ve managed to get call with private doctor on Monday morning so hoping they will be able to move things along.

I’m hoping they will arrange for tests and will be able to give me some advice.

I’m so furious at my own GP, like he didn’t care at all and no mention of tests being carried out.

xx

[rebeccaxxx]

How did you get on?

[Buster4me]

Hi,

Turns out the private healthcare through work doesn’t cover hair loss so that was a dead end

So I’ve got back onto my own GP and have to cal Monday for blood tests. He also wants to have a look at my hair.

Hopefully I’ll have some answers soon.

Xx

[singer57 in reply to Buster4me]

Good luck and keep us posted. xx

[Buster4me]

Hi so my blood results showed my vitamin d levels where too low. So I have to go for repeat blood tests in 6 weeks time before doctor will prescribe me anything.

In meantime I called into health food shop and got some higher strength vitamin d tablets. I was taking 1000 strength so got 2000. Hopefully they will make a difference.