Hair loss

[Glenys12]

I have been diagnosed B12 deficient and had my loading doses two months ago. I am now due to have a top up every three months.

My doctor thought that this deficiency was probably the cause of my hair loss. Does anybody have any idea when and if my hair should start to thicken up again? I am getting really anxious that nothing is happening yet.

Thank you for any advice you can give.

[spacey1]

Getting your B12 up to the right levels and starting to reduce the symptoms can take many months. You're right at the beginning of the process, so although it's frustrating, it's really normal for things to take a while.

How are your other symptoms?

[Glenys12 in reply to spacey1]

Thank you for your prompt reply. Yes, I am at the beginning of treatment but really worried that I will lose my hair altogether. I still have trouble with my eyes and I can't say that I have felt any sense of well-being yet. It's difficult to know what symptoms are due to the B12 or other health problems

[deniseinmilden in reply to Glenys12]

It suggests to me that you probably need more B12 and maybe supporting supplements too.

It took me several months of daily jabs before I noticed my hair regrowing. After 3 years it's quite good now.

[Glenys12 in reply to deniseinmilden]

I will ask my doctor for more B12 when I next see her as I have been thinking the same. Not sure what other supplements to take Thank you for your reply

[tzracer]

Did your doctor check your thyroid? If you have results post on thyroid forum on healthunlocked.

[deniseinmilden in reply to tzracer]

You might benefit from a broad spectrum multivitamin and mineral supplement plus a diet rich in folate, potassium, magnesium and iron.

[Glenys12 in reply to deniseinmilden]

Thank you for your reply. I will be getting some supplements and look at my diet

[deniseinmilden in reply to Glenys12]

😎 Good luck with feeling better soon. x

[Glenys12 in reply to deniseinmilden]

Thank you xxxxxx

[Glenys12]

I am already on meds for thyroid and have been for some years. Thanks

[Weecee45]

Hi Glenys12 I also had this problem, which started last year (almost to the day actually). I am still on quarterly injections but my doctor gave me medicated shampoo and I also take Vitamin D and Skin, Hair & Nails supplements which you can get anywhere - chemists or Holland & Barrett, Home Bargains etc. I've noticed a big difference. This was the scariest thing for me but I'm getting there and I really do wish you well x

[Glenys12 in reply to Weecee45]

Thank you for your reply. I am really worried and anxious about my hair but hearing from others has really helped. I will get the supplements you suggest and ask about the medicated shampoo. How long was it before you noticed that your hair was responding to the treatment?

[Weecee45 in reply to Glenys12]

Maybe about 2 months. Apparently hair grows about half an inch per month so when I could see a difference I was much happier. Your doctor can check the follicles and if you still have lashes and eyebrows then it'll hopefully come back very soon. I was told to "try not to stress" which is hard but I did get used to it and didn't stress so much when I knew it was coming back 😊

[Glenys12 in reply to Weecee45]

I have lost some of my eyebrows and lashes but I am fair so not too bothered about them. I have no regrowth at the moment but hopefully it may start soon. My doctor told me not to worry but that, as you know, is easier said than done. Thank you for letting me know about your experience.