Hair loss and collagen

[arvine]

Hair thinning very noticeable now, , doubt cause is pmr, rheumy quire sure dont have pmr anymore, but severe arthritis throughout, back, hip hands etc, still on pred doen to 4 mgs now since last April, so wondering if anyone has noticed improvement on hair loss taking collagen supplements, not sure what s causing this hair loss although stressed about so many things going on in my life, blood levels have dropped since Nov , started taking methotrexate injections but stopped after 6 weeks, thinking blood levels dropping caused by methotrexate , but have had injections for over a month now

[proactive]

I have been taking collagen for over a year, but I had significant hair loss about 6 months into it (about 50%) of my hair as measured by the thickness of my pony tail. I was on 8.5 mg of prednisone when the hair loss was most noticeable and it seems to have slowed down some lately. I notice some short hairs so I assume it is growing back in. I am on 6.5 mg of prednisone now.

[Nextoneplease in reply to proactive]

Can I jump on to this thread (although I realise it’s a month old)?

I am moving down from 5.5 to 5mg of pred 🤞and my hair is worse than ever.. Some patches of complete loss but mainly very thin and brittle. It’s breaking so much that it doesn’t look as though it’s grown at all for nearly four months.

Anyway someone today suggested I take collagen supplements. Does anyone have any information or advice on this please? I already eat well and take vitamins C and D as well as magnesium and AREDS supplements for macular degeneration. I don’t want to overdo things but I’m pretty desperate!

Thanks in advance for any advice x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Nextoneplease]

If you want replies - post it as a new thread in its own right. Only the author, DL and I are likely to see it here - just the way HU works. People aren't notified of new replies unless they actively followed the thread.

[Nextoneplease in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks 😊I usually scroll down lots of posts ( I searched for this one) but perhaps I’m unusual!! 😉

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Nextoneplease]

I think you are - some people who reply on a thread don't read the rest of the thread never mind one they have already looked at!!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Nextoneplease]

Hair very often doesn’t grow as much in winter as in summer for many.

Collagen may help, but you’ll probably get a lot more suggestions if you raise a new post as suggested.

But as we know what works for others may not work for you -and visa versa…

[Nextoneplease in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you DL x

[proactive in reply to Nextoneplease]

I was already taking collagen when I started experiencing hair loss, so I don't know if it helped or slowed that down in any way. My nails grew faster, so perhaps my hair did as well. The hair loss has slowed down and I see some new growth judging by the number of shorter hairs I am noticing on my head now. (I'm hoping that they are not broken longer hairs!) I try to use gentle shampoos and conditioners and I don't wash my hair as often as I used to when it was "healthy". I am on 6.5 mg of Prednisone now and I hope my hair improves as my dose drops. I was taking collagen as recommended for bone health, but you could try it for a month and see if you notice a difference in your hair.

[Nextoneplease in reply to proactive]

Thank you proactive 😊

I think I will try collagen - it might help my painful joints too - but I won’t get my hopes up!

Know exactly what you mean about hoping short hairs are not broken long ones 😟And I too wash my hair much less these days in an effort to protect it 🤷‍♀️

All the best and thanks again x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Nextoneplease]

I bet you don't wash it less as much as me!! Mine was dry and frizzy and nothing improved it so I started going much much longer between washes. Must be at 2-3 months now!!! When it has just been washed it is very flyaway but soft and usually wavy. But then the shorter hairs are apparent, Today, at least 6 weeks since the last wash, probably longer, it is smoother and obviously natural oils are keeping it looking fairly shiny. I am stopped by complete strangers in the street to compliment me on my hair!!! It is absolutely white, shoulder length and wavy. I have it trimmed about every 6 months when it feels ready - and as it grows longer, the less frizzy it is. The top hair is lovely and smooth, the nape hair is getting there!!

[Nextoneplease in reply to PMRpro]

No, you’re right Pro, I was thinking more in terms of a hair wash once a week! That to me is infrequent. However I have to say that my hair is usually smoother towards the end of the week, and very dry and frizzy after a wash. So perhaps I should leave it longer 🧘‍♀️

PS Your hair sounds lovely 😊