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Cathmomof8
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| Posted: May 15 2007 at 12:26pm | IP Logged
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Two years or so ago I found an indented bald spot on my scalp and went through a few rough months trying to diagnose it. That area was dead by the time I went to the doctor and I couldn't recall any symptoms before that. So now, needless to say, whenever I think I'm losing my hair I sort of freak out. I had the usual postpartum hairloss (baby is 13 months now) but now the past few months I feel like I'm losing hair like crazy again. yikes. Suppose this is something I could blame on hormones? I saw a dermatologist last year and was on topical steroids for a couple months. My hair doesn't look like it is thinning and there isn't a certain area that is worse but when I wash my hair every other day, my hands are covered with hair and when I put the mousse in my hair it is the same again it seems.
Not even sure what I'm asking, really. Anyone have comments? suggestions? natural hair care remedies??
Theresia
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organiclilac
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| Posted: May 15 2007 at 1:17pm | IP Logged
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I discovered that I am sensitive to the ingredients in almost all shampoos. They cause itching, flaking, and hair loss. I started washing my hair with baking soda and vinegar, and it stopped. (Not to mention being much cheaper.)
I have also read that thyroid imbalance can cause hair loss.
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Tracy, wife to Shawn, mama to Samuel (4/01) and Joseph (11/11), and Thomas (2/15)
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teachingmom
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| Posted: May 15 2007 at 1:42pm | IP Logged
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Thyroid problems were my first thought as well.
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~Irene (Mom to 6 girls, ages 7-19)
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Bethany
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| Posted: May 15 2007 at 2:08pm | IP Logged
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Well, I certainly don't want to scare you, but my mother experienced patchy hair loss probably in her late 30's that resulted in dead areas where hair has never grown back. She also had other symptoms and was diagnosed at that time with Lupus. However, over the years they ruled out Lupus and couldn't really diagnose it as anything except acute autoimmune disorder. She did some self diagnosis and found that her symptoms most closely matched an autoimmune disease called Lichen Planus (sp?). It mostly attacks mucus membranes, she has suffered with extreme mouth sores, eyes issues (tear duct ceased functioning), sinus tumors, finger and toe nail problems, and gynelogical issues. She finally went to a Rheumatologist at Johns Hopkins and she agreed that it's Lichen Planus, but unfortunately there aren't a lot of treatments for autoimmune diseases.
I know hair loss can be many things, I also lose a lot after pregnancy, but thought I would put this out there in case any of these other symptoms ring a bell. She's never had a thyroid problem.
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Bethany
Wife to Mike, Mommy to Amelia (6/02), Sarah (10/03), Martha Grace (10/05), Rebecca Anne (12/07), Laura Catherine (3/10) and Reed Michael 7/4/14.
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juststartn
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| Posted: May 15 2007 at 4:44pm | IP Logged
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There are other things that can result in hair loss. PCOS is one of them. Are you gaining weight, or having troubles losing weight you've gained? do you, or any of your immediate family members, have dxd diabetes or IR (Insulin Resistance)? Do/did you have skin problems (ie, acne)? Cycle irregularities (I know that with nursing, I have had them)?
Basically, PCOS is an endocrine disorder...the IR is the first "domino" in the chain. You may not even have diagnosable IR, and still have PCOS (you'd need a full hormonal profile, done at least twice, probably, before it could be really well diagnosed). Thyroid issues are also common among women with PCOS, so one does not necessarily rule out the other.
There are many symptoms for PCOS, and not every woman has every one of them (hence the reason it is a syndrome and not a disease). A good website to check out is SoulCysters.com . There is a "could you have PCOS?" quiz on there. It can be very helpful.
I wasn't dxd til last August (right before I conceived my twins, lol). But I had had symptoms for years, symptoms that got much worse after I had my last dd in 2004, and had added a little weight (I was already overweight, but my symptoms get worse the more weight I have on me). I had been checked for thyroid problems again and again, and no results.
Anyway, I'd definitely get it checked out asap. The sooner the better. I always have had hair loss in the post-partum period, but not like this. And, my post partum loss had stopped, and then it seemed to start back up again...which really freaked me out...after I had weaned my youngest dd. I didn't have it in patches, just thinning all over. It was rather appalling to see so much hair (and mine is long, so it looked like ALOT of hair, in the drain, on the hairbrush, on the floor....). I would swear I would be able to clothe a smallish rodent on a daily basis, were I to knit that hair into clothes...
Anyway, I do hope you will look into this. Hair loss, changes in fingernails, and skin, can be a very big red flag for any number of issues.
Oh, also, check and make sure you are getting a GOOD vitamin supplement. Every single day. EVERY DAY. If you aren't already. If you are on any long-term medications, make sure that they aren't ones that will drain you of a particular vitamin (I am on metformin for my PCOS, and it will suck the B vitamins out of you, so I take an extra B vitamin supplement on top of my regular vitamin).
HTH
Rachel
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Cathmomof8
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| Posted: May 16 2007 at 12:25pm | IP Logged
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Thanks everyone for your comments so far.
Two years ago when the first incident happened, I went through about six months of trying to diagnose the 'dead' area on my scalp. first they thought I had Morphea, then some other things and then Lupus. All those tests came back negative. Being a year postpartum and nursing I do have some obvious hormonal issues - short luteal phase, some acne, etc. I do not have any issues with my weight, no family hx of diabetes. I do have psoriasis of my fingers/nails that flares up from time to time.
I've put off going back AGAIN to the dermatologist because of time, money and frustration! But, golly, I'm certainly vain enough that I don't want to lose all of my hair!!!!!!!!! Or for that matter - ANY of my hair. yikes.
I'm going to look into a couple things mentioned and also go find my vitamins. ;)
Theresia
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4Real Forums : Our Lady of Good Remedy and Care
Topic: Hair Loss??
