Hair Loss on Repeat
Since many of you share my journey with hair loss, I decided to throw back the curtain on my recent struggles. After 18 months of regrowth and fuller hair, it’s falling out again and I’m freaking out trying to control my upset. I’m still using Rogaine morning and night so shudder to think how much faster it would be coming out without it but…. argh!!
Let me preface this by saying I am not a medical professional nor do I play one on TV. I’m simply sharing what I’ve learned from personal experience.
Last year I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, which frequently occurs in middle aged women and can cause hair loss. It sounds horrific but it’s simply an auto immune condition which causes my body to attack my thyroid. It frequently goes undiagnosed because many doctors only check your TSH level.
My Hashimoto’s was discovered by looking at the ratio between my TSH and my T4. Both of those test results were in normal range and my primary care doctor said I was fine. I knew something was off so I saw an Endrocronologist who discovered the imbalance and adjusted the level of thyroid medicine I was taking, bringing me back in balance. We have to check my levels every 6 months because they can easily go out of range.
In June I noticed more hair in my comb than usual. By July there was no mistaking the thinning so I made an early follow-up appointment to see my endocrinologist and had my blood tests redone. They all came back in range. How’s that possible? You’d think that would make me happy but I almost wished they were off so she could adjust my thyroid medication and my hair would stop falling out.
When I asked why my hair was falling out she said it’s seasonal alopecia and there is nothing that can be done about it. That was fun to learn, not!! I know what alopecia is, my husband has it and is bald. Apparently, if you have one autoimmune condition (Hashimoto’s) you are more likely to develop another one. Alopecia is an autoimmune condition.
I’m fighting the good fight but will need to cut my hair shorter to keep the straggly appearance to a minimum. I have no idea how long this fall out cycle will last so I’m preparing to roll with the punches. Luckily I like to wear hats which will help keep my confidence intact.
Please, ladies, if you are struggling with hair loss, weight gain, anxiety, depression, feeling cold, etc…I urge you to get a full Thyroid panel done and have an expert compare the ratio of your results. One test alone may miss a correct diagnosis.
Have you ever struggled with hair loss?
Thanks for reading and have a great day!
Hi Jennifer – I don’t have Hashimoto’s but do have thinning hair (on both sides of my family tree, thank you very much relatives!) so I can completely relate. At 68, my hair on top is pretty darn thin. I use two products that I believe help a lot – cosmetically. I buy a Joan Rivers hair compact (with brush and a product that looks like eye shadow sold at Soft Solutions) in blonde and apply it with the brush to my scalp. It helps hide the paler scalp showing through my hair. Also I use Toppic (there is more than one company that makes this product) hair fibers in the appropriate color most especially in my part area. I use the Joan Rivers all over the area that is thinning but lighter over the part area, and use the Toppic over the part area. I find this to be the best approach for me. My stylist has helped guide me on best color choices and tells me that I am doing pretty well in my camouflage method. But, you and I know that there is no substitute for one’s own hair being present and thick and full. Darn it. I guess I shouldn’t complain too much. I also got my mother’s good skin which doesn’t show too many wrinkles yet – just her thinning hair, which so far I am dealing with. I did find the “topper” info interesting and may have to check it out eventually.
Hang in – we are not alone.
Thank you for sharing with us Barbara! That powder sounds like a great idea. I do think we are luckier than brunette gals because the scalp is more visible with darker hair. I’ll have a look at that powder!! We are not alone!!
From what you’ve said your hair loss is most likely due to your thyroid issue. Healthy thyroids make T4 (which is what Synthroid is) and then our body converts the T4 into usable T3. If you’re taking T4 but somehow the conversion isn’t happening in your body, that T4 just builds up in your system and does not fix the problem, though your blood test looks “fine”. I have been studying this, and using myself as a guinea pig, for almost 5 years. You need to find a functional medicine doctor that will test Reverse T4, Free T4, Reverse T3 and Free T3. You most likely also have adrenal fatigue and cortisol issues so that needs to be tested as well. Adrenals are the first place to start. If you don’t fix your adrenals nothing you do for your thyroid will work. Armour is a T4/T3 combo but there’s something called Nature-throid that is also a combo and it works better, is more readily available, and is very affordable. And any time you start, stop, or change thyroid Rx meds you’re most likely going to get some hair loss but it shouldn’t last more than a couple weeks. You’d probably also do well with some bioidentical progesterone cream. I’m also a couple months into taking sermorelin injections (google it!) and my energy, focus, and skin is so much better. Check out the FB page Stop the Thyroid Madness…a wealth of information. Good luck! PS- After nearly 5 years I’ve learned I can’t take thyroid medication…T4 doesn’t convert but if I take T3 it indirectly increases my estrogen production via cortisol.
Fabulous info Jill! Thank you so much for sharing. I’m not sure my Dr is giving me the attention I need. I will google all this and see what I can figure out. Integrative doctors seem so more caring about our whole body!
My mother takes Biotin and it has helped with her hair loss.
I have hypothyroid condition and take Levo. for that but it didn’t help with my hair and skin problems. I’ve had great results since I added a daily drink of the Pure Gold Collagen product about 6 weeks ago. I’d lost so much hair in front and on the sides and also part of my eyebrows. I originally began this daily drink to improve my skin, but the collateral benefits to my hair and nails are a really pleasant surprise. It’s a tiny drink and tastes peachy. I get mine at ULTA or Walgreen’s or online. I think the company’s name is Minerva Labs.
It’s interesting you mention collagen Pam. The lady at Whole Foods suggested the same thing last week to me. I thought I fit enough collagen in my diet but perhaps I don’t! I’ll check it out.
I am a dermatologist and urge you to see one who has an interest in female hair loss. While I cannot give you specific medical advice on this forum, there definitely are additional measures you can take to control your loss! In postmenopause, the loss of hair volume is universal, but it can be slowed. Please don’t wait till it is too late.
Thank you Jo! I’m going to mention it to my dermatologist.
I read the comments above and you have struck a chord with many – no question. Everyone is informed and aware of medical causes and remedies – so this suggestion might sound simplistic. And it probably is. And I have not tried it yet but I intend to. However, recently I am enjoying exploring essential oils and diffusing them in my home and according to Dr Axe (on the Web) you can make a simple shampoo that promotes hair growth and also thickens hair.
Mix 6 oz aloe vera gel
3 Tblps olive oil
5 Tblsps baking soda
20 drops Rosemary oil
10 drops Sage oil
Mix this and keep in glass jar. It will last for 2 months.
My readers have a wealth of wisdom, Georgia. I just ran across Dr Axe’s name this afternoon. I’ll be doing some more reading into his findings. I rub lavender oil onto my temples every evening and love essential oils. They have fabulous healing properties. This sounds intriguing. Thanks fir sharing. There’s an eclipse on my birthday this year 🙂 I read you every day!!
I had outrageous cholesterol and triglyceride levels along with other goofy things when a doctor finally suggested checking out my thyroid. It turned out I had thyroid cancer! Misbehaving thyroids can manifest in any number of ways so, yes, get those thyroids checked. Also, I went through breast cancer treatments recently and lost all my hair. I did some research and found Nioxin shampoo and conditioner for thinning hair. I’ve been using it for about three months now and it really does seem to be helping thicken it up a little. (Ordered it from Amazon). I still find though, like you, that keeping it shorter helps it look thicker. I also found that air drying, while extremely convenient, caused it to lay a little flatter. Now, I use a diffuser with a volumnizing product and that helps, too. Thanks for sharing. It’s empowering to learn we are not alone.
My goodness Connie! Thank goodness they found the cancer. I pray you’re ok now. I use the Nioxin too and love it. I’m so honored readers like you will share their stories here for us to all connect and learn. Bless you.
My doctor too recommended Viviscal and I have noticed a huge difference.
I just signed up fro your blog a few weeks ago. It is such a pleasure to read about similar thoughts about fashion, health and lifestyle.
PS Just got my first necklace from French Kande..love it, never would have known about the line if I hadn’t discovered you.
Welcome Susan! I’m so happy you’ve joined us here. Viviscal is in my future!! French Kande is a huge fav. Which one did you get?
It is so nice to know we are not alone. Thanks, Jennifer.
Not only are we not alone, Susan. We are in the very finest company!!
Jennifer, thank you for sharing your story of hair loss. This has opened the door for many women to share their journey as well on a very sensitive subject. Only by sharing can we learn from each other and possibly help with some solutions to alleviate the problem.
I don’t have these problems – yet – but have noticed that my fine hair seems a little thinner than it used to. At 58, I need to keep my eye on it and be proactive should it get worse.
Thank you everyone for sharing your stories. I had no idea…
Aren’t my readers the best??
That’s why I share Janet. It’s very personal but I want a place we can talk and learn from each other. Life’s too short not to support one another.
I too have had hair loss too. My hair has changed significcantly and is now finer and thinner. I had Cushings Syndrome in my 40’s and lost hair as well as the texture changed to be fine. When I was cured it did regrow to almost the original thickness but has been fine since then. I am 67 and my hair has been thinning for close to 10 years. I can work with it to prevent my scalp from showing through but just lately I have noticed it was thinning again. Maybe its the seasonal type you discussed. I haven’t used anything except biotin but might need to look at something more if the loss continues. Thank you so much for sharing this it has given me some ideas to research.
I encourage you to try the Rogaine. It’s been very helpful for me.
My dear friend also suffers from hair loss. She (as would I be) was devastated. But she went to a wig shop and was fitted for a beautiful natural looking wig, which is nicer looking than her hair ever was. It’s comfortable and looks so great on her. No one except her close friends even suspect it’s a wig. If this is an option for you, please don’t hesitate to give it a try. You may be in love with the results.
Thanks for sharing with us Sandy! I’m sure the wig would look better than my hair! Trust me, if and when I get to that point I will not hesitate.
Even though I am already subscribed, I do not get your postings anymore. Not sure how to correct this. Any ideas?
I’ll check for you.
It’s amazing how many womem mention their hair is fine. My hair started comjng out when I was twelve, after my parents divorced and my dad died. Stress, I’m sure. It wasn’t noticeable for several years, then I got a Sassoon cut, which had all my hair coming forward, like the Beatles’. i started wearing wigs in my early twenties. I’ve tried Rogaine. It helped, but was so sticky. I’ve tried laser therapy. It helped too, but I got bored with it. I started Biotin. It really helped, but again, have gotten out of the habit. I take Synthroid, not the generic. I saw a dermatologist who specializes in hair–she’s been on TV, and widely known. She examined my baby fine hair and scalp and said that the hairs are there, they are just tiny, undeveloped hair, the follicles are blocking them. She is who recommended Rogaine. I’m 69 now and have guven up on having hair, though I have demanded a complete thyroid panel in my next blood work. Not having hair has held me back in so many ways. I won’t vacation in hot places–CostacRica just about killed me. I had wanted to be in the military as my career, but how do you wear a wig at boot camp? I finally joined a hiking club a few years ago, and wear hats kr scarves, but boy, it’s hot and miserable, since you lose most of your body heat through your head. I wish all of you look, and have been inspired by you to get back in the fight.
I found the Rogaine foam sticky but the liquid is not. I don’t even feel it after it dries. I’m going to try the Viviscal and I’ll keep you posted Lacy!
I can relate. I have Hashimoto’s, female pattern hair loss runs in my family too. I use men’s topical romaine (past child bearing age so no issue there), which is stronger , and I take biotin daily. It helps.
Lol. No problem for me there either Darlene 🙂 My doctor also recommended the men’s Rogaine.
I, too, have had Hashimoto’s for a number of years and take synthroid. I get my level checked every 6 months. Every few years I seem to go trough a round of hair loss, even though my levels are good. I just cut my hair shorter so it looks fuller. My dermatologist thought the hair growth meds were not worth the effort. Ten years ago I went through cancer treatment and lost all my hair. You know what, it wasn’t the worst thing in the world. I got a sparkly cap the color of my hair, wore big earrings and more makeup. I got compliments wherever I went. We don’t always get to choose what happens to us, but we get to choose our response. In the game of life, loosing hair is not the worst thing that can happen. It’s not fun, but the more you focus on it, the more unhappy you will be.
Very wise, Elaine! Thanks for putting things in perspective xx
Hi Jennifer, I’m leaving a comment first before reading all the rest, but I speak from experience in exactly what you are going through. First has your Endo checked your T3 levels? most doctors don’t do this and this is the most important component of Thyroid Replacement. My TSH and T4 were within normal limits, but my T3 was in the basement. Get that checked. Also causing hair loss is low Vitamin D, Low Iron, ferritin levels, and like I said last week. Since gluten sensitivity and intolerance are autoimmune, that can cause hair loss. When I went Gluten Free my hair stopped falling out. Get busy Googling all this and you’ll find your answers. The doctors, bless their hearts, are mostly clueless. I have had Hashimotos for probably 30 years, starting to exhibit Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjogren’s Syndrome, and Fibromyalgia. going Gluten Free has stopped the inflammation in it’s tracks.
She’s stopped checking my T3 and now I wonder why! I’m going to give her a call. Thanks
Hair loss can also be attributed to stress. Perhaps, all that has happened ( retirement community hunt, RV accident, house repairs, etc. ) have caused you more stress than you realize. Time to take a break, Jennifer?
Definitely could be stress induced. Smart lady!! I’ve started taking more time for myself and ensuring quiet time each day.
YEP COMING OUT LIKE CRAZY!
I cannot find the LIQUID FORM ROGRAINE!ALL SOLD OUT IN 4 CVS’s in MY HOOD!
They think it’s related to my medication…………
Honest to GOD NOT READY FOR THIS!
No foam. Get the liquid. Safeway has it!
Jennifer, I am 71, have been on thyroid medication for almost 20 years and have Hashimoto’s as well. I experienced hair loss before being diagnosed with low thyroid and Hashimoto’s. I lost almost half my hair. I have baby fine hair but had a lot of it so the loss, while significant, was still manageable. I have been using iGrow, an infrared device recommended by my dermatologist. After about 2 ½ months I started seeing NEW hair growth! My husband uses it too and is experiencing the same thing. We both take Biotin. Worked for us, maybe it will work for you.
I haven’t heard of that device! It sounds very interesting. I have baby fine hair too. I wonder if there’s a correlation.