Frustrated with hair loss

[Anonymous]

So my hair has been falling out/thinning for 3+ months. I saw my PCP, he referred me to a Dermatologist. She ran tests, said everything was normal, and to come back in 6 months if it is still a problem. I don't really want to wait that long! My hair is noticeably thinner and continues to fall out. Its not patchy hair loss, just overall thinning. I'm not on birth control or anything else that would mess with my hormones. Is there any other specialist I could see for this problem?

[Anonymous]

OP again..I've never had hair loss, except for a small amount after the birth of my daughter.

[Anonymous]

I would go to a thyroid specialist

[Anonymous]

I posted about this about two months ago. I talked about it with my PCP, OBGYN, and a dermatologist. Same thing-- everything normal. Have you had kids recently? What my derm pointed out was that I could be in a normal shedding phase, but because I lost so much postpartum that hasn't fully grown back yet, it's more noticeable. My last DD is 18 months and I had the "big shed" when she was around four months. I also went through a big move-- coming back from overseas-- which he thought might have impacted my hair grown/loss phases. Have you experienced a stressful event?

[Anonymous]

When they "ran tests" what did they test you for? You could have low Vitamin D or an autoimmune disease which could be leading to hair loss.

[Anonymous]

I have lupus (autoimmune disease) and when it is acting up I get hair loss like OP describes. OP, it wouldn't hurt to ask your primary doctor to run a autoimmune panel and SED rate.

[Anonymous]

HOw old are you, if you don't mind my asking?

[Anonymous]

Op here. I am 33, my DD is 3 years old. I believe they tested for iron, thyroid, lupus, and B vitamins. I do have an autoimmune disease but hair loss isn't usually one of the symptoms.

I asked my rheumatologist and she shrugged, saying it usually only occurs when you are on a certain drug (which I am not on). I didn't realize low vit. D can be a factor (thanks, PP). That may be it, as my levels are often low. Kind of sad that I see so many doctors but the people who really help me are here on DCUM!

[Anonymous]

OK, I was going to suggest perimenopause b/c that's what happened to me ... sounds like you are a ways away from that.

[Anonymous]

Is it genetic? Women can get alopecia, too.

[Anonymous]

Ask your doctor to run a heavy metal test on your hair. Also check your Ph levels. You could be terribly acidic.

[Anonymous]

I lost a lot of hair when I was planning our wedding/changing jobs and moving at same time - so stress can definitely cause it. I was told by my dermatologist that sometimes the hair loss from stress can occur as late as 6-7 months after the traumatic event(s). It was horrible - hair came out in clumps a couple of times and kept thinning to the point I was afraid I'd go bald. Completely fine now!

[Anonymous]

Stress can cause hair loss. I know that w/a 3 yr old (i KNOW) you dont' have a lot of time for yourself - but yoga can help a lot with 1) stress and 2) increasing blood flow to the scalp and 3) normalizing hormone levels. Good luck OP! Hope you are well soon -

[Anonymous]

I too have suffered from cycles of hair loss. After seeing 2 dermatologists and my general practioner I still have no answers as to the cause. My hair will fall out at an alarming rate for a few months and then stop for a period of time and start back up again. There is no known history of female hair loss in my family.

I have read about people that had unkown food allergies that contributed to the loss of hair. Some have had success following a very strict raw food diet. I also remember reading about people that unkowingly had adverse reactions to foods with yeast which triggered hair loss. There is a very strict yeast free diet that some have found success with.

[Anonymous]

Thank you, everyone. This seems to be one of those unexplained medical issues. I am hoping it will get better soon but will try some of your suggestions in the meantime.