topic Re: Perimenopause hair loss in Community Chat

Perimenopause hair loss

ajsidney12 — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 16:30:28 GMT

So, earlier this year I got the word and was diagnosed with being perimenopausal. I am actually fine with this (or was) and welcome(d) it, however in the last couple months my hair has been falling out. My hair is usually naturally wavy/curly and medium to thick density and not colored. I can see my scalp now so much hair has been lost in the last three months and it is becoming more "fine" and going white quickly. Probably I notice the color change because I am a brunette.

My doc did a full lab workup and the only thing a little off was the iron after which she put me on an iron supplement. No alopecia, etc. I have only been taking the iron for about a couple months now, and I also take Andrew L Hair and Nail formula. I am wondering short of going to Minoxidil, which the doc said I could in a few months after seeing if the iron helps, what else have you used for products to help this condition?.

I had been using Aveda hair thickening and the scalp conditining mask for a few weeks, but it seemed to me to make the issue worse so I stopped. I never blow dry my hair or flatiron it. Rarely use hairspray or non coated elastics (I am a Scrunchie girl, lol). I have cut my hair back to above my shoulders, during the pandemic it was the middle of the waist and I thought taking the weight off of it would help.
I am just very sad about the problem and hoping someone else has been through this and will let me know what they went through, and that there is a light at the end of all this. I can take all the nights sweats and restless sleep, but my hair has always been my best physical feature and everyone from stylists to random people have commented on it in positive ways and more importantly I really loved it too, even the curls (!) which so many women seem to straighten. Thanks for the support.

Re: Perimenopause hair loss

Sammycat1 — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 16:38:24 GMT

@ajsidney12

I hear you--I'm farther down the track than you, and at menopause my hair started to thin drastically.

Did you doc check thyroid and Vitamine D? My thyroid was fine but Vitamin D was in the tank, so I began supplementing that at his direction. I'm also low on iron too--that has done the most good. I started minoxidil 2% plus I use a Hairmax tool. Why wait to start minoxidil?

All of these things together are bringing growth back. I'd say the iron and the minoxidil did the best as a baseline--then the Hairmax tool (I bought the cheapest one) made the most difference on top of everything else.

It's also important to protect your hair against breakage. Because I have fine, thin hair, I use a conditioner only twice a week and, like you, only blow dry my hair on the low setting. Hair tools and gels and other products hit the trash can. This has also helped.

Good luck--and don't despair!

Re: Perimenopause hair loss

SharkE — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 16:36:41 GMT

sounds like stress related.

Re: Perimenopause hair loss

ajsidney12 — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 16:53:59 GMT

@Sammycat1 Thank you for asking, they did check everything from thyroid to vitamin issues. It was all normal. The doc has just asked me to not take the minoxidil until I had started continuing the iron intake for about 3 1/2 months, I am not sure the exact reasons but she did note that specifically. I appreciate your response!

Re: Perimenopause hair loss

SilleeMee — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 17:24:40 GMT

I've had hair loss issues my whole life. I've learned a lot about hair loss over the years...causes, preventions and treatments. My hair loss is partially genetic and partially from aging (I'm 66) plus I have scleroderma which can also affect hair growth.

Of all the things I've tried to make my hair grow back, a hair growth laser device (CapillusPro Cap) has been the best thing ever. It doesn't require a Rx or any purchases of topical creams or pills. I just place the laser cap on my head three times a week and my hair grows back. I can honestly say that I would be bald had I not discovered the laser device for hair loss. I know this for a fact b/c I did go bald for a year, then it grew back on it's own and then remained very thin for years until I started using the laser. The Capillus is expensive yes, but it's the only thing that has truly worked for me and I've tried it all.

Re: Perimenopause hair loss

Laura14 — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 17:22:13 GMT

@ajsidney12 I have the same type of hair (although I do color) and it sounds like we are close in age. I've not been diagnosed perimenopausal but I am definitely around that age group and I have been diagnosed with anemia too so I have to watch my iron as well.

I will tell you when I started taking AL's MSM capsules a year ago for something completely different, my hair loved that. My hair wasn't thinning per se but it wasn't as thick as my younger days.

The MSM on its own isn't that expensive so if you want to get a small bottle and try it, that did work for me with my hair. It's honestly the first thing I noticed when I added MSM in and I've kept it ever since. It's sulphur which is a building block of hair.

He also includes the MSM in his collagen product so if you want the trifecta for hair, you can get it that way as well.

Just something that worked for me that you may want to try out.

Re: Perimenopause hair loss

ThinkingOutLoud — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 17:26:56 GMT

First, I'm sorry you're experiencing this.

Regarding the lab work, not only does 'normal' have a range but your normal may not fall in that range so I suggest seeing a naturopath. You might also want to call accupuncturists, etc to see if they've successfully helped with this issue.

Hope you get some resolution soon.

Re: Perimenopause hair loss

KingstonsMom — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 17:36:28 GMT

When mine was thinning (post-menopausal) with my labs being fine, my Derm recommended Biotin and both DH and I have both seen good results in slowing the thinning down.

We take it every day with our other supplements.

Re: Perimenopause hair loss

CatsyCline — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 17:37:59 GMT

My hair sheds every summer. close to 10 yrs now. just disgusting how its falling out constantly and i do take Biotin with MSM and the long growth cycle hair is falling out. last year when i had a hop replacement i was given an iron infusion so its possible that my iron is low, but i'm post-meno . and hypo-thyroid.

was anemic pre-menopause years ago and stressed from my job but i could not tolerate the iron tablets, even the coated version. don't know what the answer is but i will ask my doctor for a full lab workup for thyroid and hemo. i may try an iron liquid supplement.

i don't see my part getting wider but the new hair coming in is these little short fizzley frizzies. just guessing this come with age and loss of estrogen and i hate to say it but the monthy bills helped my skin and hair. Thinking about a hormone patch.

Re: Perimenopause hair loss

SeSam — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 17:38:12 GMT

I think hair loss comes with age. I had the shingles a few years back and lost a lot of hair then. One thing I found that really helps is collagen. I went to WalMart and bought the Spring Valley brand. 1,000 mg Colllagen. I take 3 a day. The bottle says to take 6 a day. It takes a while to work. In a few months I think you will see new hair coming in. However, I have to take it everyday, if I miss 3 or 4 days it takes a couple weeks to make it back. This is very inexpensive and might be worth a try.

Re: Perimenopause hair loss

Toppers3 — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 19:42:07 GMT

I also take Biotin. I do it under my doctor's care with my doctor's knowledge.

My hair started thinning enough where I talked to him about it. He also checked my thyroid and other blood levels and things checked out o.k.

He said to go ahead and take the Biotin, and that any amount of B vitamin that our body doesn't need will just pass through when we use the bathroom, as the B vitamins are water-soluable.

I take regular Biotin without any other additions to it, and I take the highest daily dose that you can take of 10,000 mcg. I worked my way up to that over time.

Re: Perimenopause hair loss

SilleeMee — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 20:02:13 GMT

I took biotin for many years thinking it would help my thinning hair. But all it did was make my hair coarse and wiry so I stopped taking it. Instead I take bamboo silica and that has made my hair very healthy, with very little hair fall or thinning. My hair is so shiny and silky soft, too.

Re: Perimenopause hair loss

Steffdoggy10 — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 20:08:21 GMT

I have had the same problem. I took biotin butIt did not help, and only made my hair grow faster. The only thing that is helped is taking stinging nettle leaf supplements. I read about them on the beauty forum last year. It has an effect on a hormone that causes hair loss. I can’t remember exactly, you can look it up. But it’s the only thing that has helped and caused new hair growth.
I am brunette like you, and fair skin and so I think The hair loss is more noticeable. I will say though, that it took a while to work. It was not immediate, it took a few months. Good luck to you

Re: Perimenopause hair loss

Porcelain — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 20:12:42 GMT

I had the same problem. And I know what you mean about losing your 'crowning glory' and wanting it back. It really hurts the pride.

I tried a bunch of things and found two things actually worked and were sustainable long term for me. I take a hair skin and nails biotin formula daily and use a caffeine shampoo. Both of these things together, and my hair is thicker than it ever was before. Kind of a miracle to find solutions that actually work.

The brands I use from Amazon at the moment are: HSN-23 by Lean Neutraceuticals and Kundal Anti-Hair Loss Caffeine shampoo. Kundal has some nice scents which makes me look forward to using it.

Re: Perimenopause hair loss

RespectLife — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 20:40:01 GMT

@ajsidney12

I know others have mentioned this...but are you SURE he did a FULL thyroid panel?

I had terrible symptoms including losing a LOT of hair and my doc ran T3 & T4 as part of my blood work. It showed just slightly off.

Biotin gave me strong nails but did nothing for my hair loss.

When I spoke with my other Doc she read my chart and saw I was not getting the correct and full tests needed. She ran a FULL THYROID PANEL

The Thyroid #4 Comprehensive Blood Test Panel includes a Thyroid Profile with TSH, Tri-iodothyronine (T3) Free Serum, Thyroxine (T4) Free Direct Serum, Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibodies, Thyroid Antithyroglobulin Antibody (TAA) plus Reverse T3, Thyroxine-binding Globulin (TBG), Thyroid-stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI )

MOST docs are NOT running this full panel. Took 6 vials of blood.

The antibody test showed I had Hashimoto. Normal antibody count 9 and under. Mine were 378. The antibodies are attacking my thyroid so it is barely working, thus the hair loss.

Since being properly treated, I shed a normal amount of hair now.

Good luck...I know it is awful.

In the meantime, may I suggest products to help hide the scalp such as:

A346603, Joan Rivers Good Hair Day two pk (also sold single)

Calista Root Touch up a398273

Both these products run dark, IMHO. In JR, I use blonde and I am a dark brunette.

Calista I use med brown.

There is also Toppik, Q doesn't carry it anymore.

All of these products are excellent at toning down the white scalp and blending so that our bright white bald spots do not show.

They will disguise minimally grey hairs too...but will NOT replace a good dye job.

Since you do not color, you may find these products helpful to give you back the confidence you are losing as your hair sheds. Tricks the eye not to see sparse areas in your hair.

Sorry if you already know about these, but I wanted to be sure you were aware.

If your hair loss is not due to thyroid issues, the products may prove helpful. I keep them at home and at work! LOL

Best of luck to you.

Re: Perimenopause hair loss

SilleeMee — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 21:12:54 GMT

@Steffdoggy10 wrote:
I have had the same problem. I took biotin butIt did not help, and only made my hair grow faster. The only thing that is helped is taking stinging nettle leaf supplements. I read about them on the beauty forum last year. It has an effect on a hormone that causes hair loss. I can’t remember exactly, you can look it up. But it’s the only thing that has helped and caused new hair growth.
I am brunette like you, and fair skin and so I think The hair loss is more noticeable. I will say though, that it took a while to work. It was not immediate, it took a few months. Good luck to you

@Steffdoggy10

Thank you mentioning nettles. That's one thing I've never tried so after reading your post I looked it up and now I'm going to try it. Thanks again.

Re: Perimenopause hair loss

ajsidney12 — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 23:33:05 GMT

Thank you to everyone for your supportive comments and insight. I think it important to share our experieneces as women, even the ones that are not as much fun as makeup recommendations or clothing discussions. I will look into the full thyroid panel as some mentioned. This year and half has been trying on each of us and I am sure that stress is not helping matters any either. I am excited to look into the options and possibilities out there you have recommended, and again thank you for taking the time out of each of your days to reach out!

Re: Perimenopause hair loss

Ms Nixie — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 01:27:57 GMT

@SilleeMee - I was wondering if you have purchased BulkSupplements Bamboo Extract from Amazon lately? The last time I order the color was tan not white. Thanks

Re: Perimenopause hair loss

gertrudecloset — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 02:28:01 GMT

@ajsidney12 wrote:
So, earlier this year I got the word and was diagnosed with being perimenopausal. I am actually fine with this (or was) and welcome(d) it, however in the last couple months my hair has been falling out. My hair is usually naturally wavy/curly and medium to thick density and not colored. I can see my scalp now so much hair has been lost in the last three months and it is becoming more "fine" and going white quickly. Probably I notice the color change because I am a brunette.

My doc did a full lab workup and the only thing a little off was the iron after which she put me on an iron supplement. No alopecia, etc. I have only been taking the iron for about a couple months now, and I also take Andrew L Hair and Nail formula. I am wondering short of going to Minoxidil, which the doc said I could in a few months after seeing if the iron helps, what else have you used for products to help this condition?.
I had been using Aveda hair thickening and the scalp conditining mask for a few weeks, but it seemed to me to make the issue worse so I stopped. I never blow dry my hair or flatiron it. Rarely use hairspray or non coated elastics (I am a Scrunchie girl, lol). I have cut my hair back to above my shoulders, during the pandemic it was the middle of the waist and I thought taking the weight off of it would help.
I am just very sad about the problem and hoping someone else has been through this and will let me know what they went through, and that there is a light at the end of all this. I can take all the nights sweats and restless sleep, but my hair has always been my best physical feature and everyone from stylists to random people have commented on it in positive ways and more importantly I really loved it too, even the curls (!) which so many women seem to straighten. Thanks for the support.

@ajsidney12

If you take other medications on a regular basis, please ask your physician before you begin a vitamin/supplement regimen.

Re: Perimenopause hair loss

SilleeMee — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 11:51:36 GMT

@Ms Nixie wrote:
@SilleeMee - I was wondering if you have purchased BulkSupplements Bamboo Extract from Amazon lately? The last time I order the color was tan not white. Thanks

@Ms Nixie

Yes I have. The last bag had tan-colored product in it. I emailed them to ask about that. They told me the color varies depending on the source and that it doesn't affect the quality.