GF for 20 months and hair still shedding. Thanks.

[Julsie]

Among the many symptoms I had before diagnosis was hairloss. The shedding is not in patches it's thinning all over. I was told by the doctor I had male pattern balding. He come to this conclusion without even looking at my head and I had my hair tied up. I wasn't in the least convinced about this as none of my femail relatives has had this problem. After some research of all my symptoms I had my answer much to the disgruntlement of my GP. Diagnosed now since Jan 11 and havn't seen any improvement in my hair although I've been GF since that time. Can anyone enlighten me on the hair growth aspect of CD please. It's driving me crazy. Thanks.

[FionaGFG Administrator]

What you need to realise here is that it may not be coeliac disease that is directly causing your problems i.e. coeliacs at diagnosis often have bad muscle cramps and spasms - which is due indirectly due to low calcium and magnesium. Which is caused by flattened villi in the stomach not allowing absorption of these vitamins and minerals due to CD. It's not coeliac itself that caused the cramps but that the effect of the damage it did ref absorption.

In your case there are many reasons for hair loss and you should discuss them with your Doctor (see another if you have no faith in your Doctor).

For example common hair loss causes are:

- thyroid problems (test for auto-immune thyroid problems - often linked with CD)

- low iron/ferritin (ask for a blood test)

- diabetes

- high levels of testosterone i.e. this causes male baldness and can also cause hair thinning in women, along with thicker darker hair in other areas, acne, weight gain around the stomach - often linked to Poly Cystic Ovaries, Diabetes type 2 as well.

See: nhs.uk/Conditions/Hair-loss...

[Hidden]

Hello,

I can confirm that hair loss is one of the most common symptoms of thyroid disease. Perhaps you could ask your doctor for thyroid tests, but make sure he does the FULL range of tests, i.e. TSH, T3, T4 AND thyroid antibodies. Jane

[Lynxcat]

Hi Julsie, I too agree with the others - it is best to be tested to make absolutely sure that it is not a secondary problem. In the meantime there are a few things that you can do -

Olive oil is known for its ability to strengthen both the shaft of the hair and the root. So before washing your hair - very gently rub a little olive oil all the way through and leave for at least ten minutes before gently washing out then pat dry with a towel - avoid using hair dryers. If you don't already include them then try adding sea vegetables otherwise known as sea weeds to your diet - but exclude kelp until you have been tested to make sure your thyroid function is good. Hair often goes thinner and sheds quite a lot when the body is deprived of vitamin B and a vitamin B shortage is often caused through coeliac disease perhaps you could discuss with your doctor a good vitamin B complex supplement.

Hope that you sort it out soon.

[Janey39]

My hair falls out in handfuls and have to clear the plug hole twice whilst having a shower. I have thyroid problems ask your gp to check your thyroid. I found that once my thyroid was more under control that although I still have significant hair loss I also have new hair growth and my hair seems thicker. Good luck

[purplehaze]

I've had the hairloss problem and the same diagnosis from my GP but went on to lose 2/3 rds of my hair. I had to insist on a referral to a dermatologist who finally took biopsies of the head and found features consistent with androgenic alopecia. However there was also signs of lichen planopilaris, also evidence of follicular inflammation and fibrosis.

I have been given a shampoo and also mousse to use for a period of time - which has had miraculous results for me - my hair has stopped coming out in handfulls and I am now down to a normal amount of shredding. I do have some regrowth. I don't think I'll ever get back to my previous volume of hair - but now don't feel I'll be bald either!

So while yes it might be connected to the CD - there might also be other answers to be found - good luck with it!

[Julsie]

Thank you all for your comments. I'll make an appointment and ask for some

Tests.

[lngilbertson123 in reply to Julsie]

hello I'm in exactly the same position and been struggling with answers for over 2 years.... I hope you don't mind me bothering you but I just wondered how things went on for you?