Thinning hair in women

[eeyoresmom]

So, I'm wondering if other women have found anything that helps with hormonal caused hair loss? I'm 49 and am quickly approaching menopause (I hope!) Horrible hot flashes, weight gain around the middle and my hair is thinning. I started using the lowest strength developer in my hair dye (I mix and dye my own hair). I also wash it every other day as opposed to every day like I used to. I'm not freaking out, it's part of growing older for lots of people but I would like to know I'm doing whatever I can .

 

[sonnyjane]

Just to rule it out, have you had your thyroid checked?

 

[eeyoresmom]

I have a doctors appointment in April and I'm going to ask . I do think its menopause however.

 

[sonnyjane]

I have a doctors appointment in April and I'm going to ask . I do think its menopause however.

Yeah, I'm sure it's hormonal, and they make natural hormone supplements, but until you can confirm whether it's from menopause and not your thyroid, I'd be reluctant to take anything.

 

[FLCyndi]

My hair starting thinning before menopause. Testosterone was extremely low. Used the prescribed compounded cream. My hair did grow back, not as thick but much better than it was.

 

[kirstenb1]

I take Osteo Bi-Flex for my joints. After 20 yrs of thinning hair, it has been growing back in since I started taking that. It was the only change I can attribute the regrowth to. I've used Nioxin shampoo for years, and that seemed to help a little.

 

[SueInBoston]

I take Biotin for hair and nails. I also use L'Oreal volumnizing shampoo & conditioner that seems to poof up my hair a bit to make it seem fuller. I went from washing my hair every day to every other day and now about every 3 days.

 

[VandVsmama]

Hypothyroidism is one of the most common, yet very UNDER diagnosed, medical condition among women. It is THE most common reason for women to lose their hair.

 

[Christine]

My mother's hair is thinning but it started in her 60s. She's really having an awful time with it (and her thyroid is perfect).

Just also wanted to state that I've had thyroid issues (very hypothyroid at times) and it never affected my hair. But everyone is different and it's certainly worth a check. I think my hair is gradually thinning but it's not scary at this point. It is natural to have some thinning as we age and if you didn't have a lot of hair to begin with (like my mom) it's noticeable very quickly. Some women have TONS of hair and some thinning is almost welcome. I've noticed it on my eyebrows too. I am 52.

 

[China Expat]

My mother was very bald in laces and started using Aveda shampoo and conditioner for thinning hair. Coupled with biotin, her hair looks and is so much fuller!

 

[eeyoresmom]

Great advice, thanks. I really don't think it's my thyroid since my hot flashes are so bad I actually have to change clothes several times a night and sleep on a towel. I'm also definitely not sluggish or tired, in fact the opposite is true. I will ask my doctor to check my thyroid, although for some reason some doctors are reluctant to . About 15 years ago I was having a terrible time with weight loss, anxiety, etc and she didn't check my thyroid into well into the treatment. DH takes biotin so I will read up on that and probably try it. I will also try the Aveda products.

 

[tasha99]

I am getting this, too, and have a doctor's appointment next week about it (also 49). So far I've been shampooing with Nizorale (certain anti-dandruff shampoos have been found to reduce hair loss) and taking Biotin. Want my thyroid and my blood pressure medicine checked (as hair loss is a named side effect). So upset about it--I AM freaking out. I also have a hair appointment--might get a more forgiving cut and get my hair lightened so my scalp shows through less. My testosterone levels were checked recently and were low end of normal. I do wonder about my thyroid. I have no hair on my legs anymore either (no shaving needed anymore).

 

[eeyoresmom]

Yeah, my eyebrows and lashes are also thinning.....

 

[eeyoresmom]

I am getting this, too, and have a doctor's appointment next week about it (also 49). So far I've been shampooing with Nizorale (certain anti-dandruff shampoos have been found to reduce hair loss) and taking Biotin. Want my thyroid and my blood pressure medicine checked (as hair loss is a named side effect). So upset about it--I AM freaking out. I also have a hair appointment--might get a more forgiving cut and get my hair lightened so my scalp shows through less. My testosterone levels were checked recently and were low end of normal. I do wonder about my thyroid. I have no hair on my legs anymore either (no shaving needed anymore).

Be careful if you are lightening.When I was lightening my hair last year it was much worse. My hair was falling out in clumps for a week or so after coloring it. My natural hair color is a medium brown and I was only lightening to a very dark blonde. That is what prompted me to switch so that now I am only covering the grey, no change in color (although even that is just a lower strength "lift"). My hair is still thinning but not as dramatically as when I was lightening it.

 

[tasha99]

Oh no. I hadn't thought of that. I have dark brown hair, and I can see through it a bit on my crown. I was thinking the contrast makes it show up a lot. Buy maybe my hair can't take the processing.

 

[sdjen]

I use Redken Cerafill products on the advice of my stylist. I've noticed a significant improvement after a couple of months. It's expensive but worth it to me.

 

[eeyoresmom]

My mother was very bald in laces and started using Aveda shampoo and conditioner for thinning hair. Coupled with biotin, her hair looks and is so much fuller!

Where can I buy Aveda shampoo and conditioner?

 

[roseaster]

Try the "Big Sexy Hair" product line. It will definitely plump up your hair. Also prenatal vitamins.

Coloring actually thickens your hair. The hair follicle absorbs the color and plumps.

 

[sonnyjane]

Great advice, thanks. I really don't think it's my thyroid since my hot flashes are so bad I actually have to change clothes several times a night and sleep on a towel. I'm also definitely not sluggish or tired, in fact the opposite is true. I will ask my doctor to check my thyroid, although for some reason some doctors are reluctant to . About 15 years ago I was having a terrible time with weight loss, anxiety, etc and she didn't check my thyroid into well into the treatment. DH takes biotin so I will read up on that and probably try it. I will also try the Aveda products.

Worth asking anyway. Just in case anyone else is reading this in a similar position, I was asymptomatic when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Had no clue. When they took my thyroid OUT however (I had to go a month without medication) I had terrible hair loss, hot flashes, dry skin, brain fog, etc. so the symptoms of ANY hormone imbalance, whether due to menopause or thyroid (or anything else) are all quite similar which is why it's worth checking, since the treatments are different.

 

[eeyoresmom]

Worth asking anyway. Just in case anyone else is reading this in a similar position, I was asymptomatic when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Had no clue. When they took my thyroid OUT however (I had to go a month without medication) I had terrible hair loss, hot flashes, dry skin, brain fog, etc. so the symptoms of ANY hormone imbalance, whether due to menopause or thyroid (or anything else) are all quite similar which is why it's worth checking, since the treatments are different.

You're right of course. I have the same doctor i had 15 years ago. Let's see if she is still reluctant to test my thyroid. Hope you are doing well now

Try the "Big Sexy Hair" product line. It will definitely plump up your hair. Also prenatal vitamins.

Coloring actually thickens your hair. The hair follicle absorbs the color and plumps.

For me, yes it does feel thicker after coloring, but there's no doubt the chemicals from coloring were making my hair loss worse. At least for that week after coloring.