Hair Loss - Portland,OR

Well, after and at the time I was carrying both my last two boys I had the same thing happen my man got me to start eating more (broacolie spelled wrong) and cauliflower it thicken my hair and it grew which I could never really get it do do before try it and see it may take a least two or three months to see a difference good time growing.

Have your thyroid tested..make sure they test all three levels not just your TSH!

Have you had your thyroid checked? If not, I would suggest a visit to your doctor. Thyroid abnormalities (both too much and too little) are not uncommon in women, especially post-partum and can cause some of your symptoms.

I lost lots of hair while I was waiting for my biopcy for brest cancer and the results. I guess it was the stress. While you are waiting for your tests start taking some vitamines. The nurse in the hospital told me that her doter used the Rite Aid brand for "Hair and nails" and it worked. It worked for me, too. And visiting my doctor... he wasn't impressed at all with my conditions, did some rutine tests and nothing... Good luck!

J. - this really sounds like a question you need to raise with your doctor. Such dramatic hair loss could have many causes - thyroid - vitamins - get yourself there -- and I'm glad you love Seattle- it's the BEST ( am SOOO biased)

Blessings,
J.

J.,
I have always had issues with hair loss since I have very curly hair. Our youngest is 5yrs old now and I am losing hair like crazy. I don't blow dry it or brush it. I wash it every other day, use tons of conditioner in the shower, comb it with my fingers in the shower(I get piles of hair) and rinse. Then I towel dry and run a very WIDE toothed comb through it and let it dry naturally. (The comb is like an afro pick only comb style.)

Stress is a major cause of hair loss, medications as well as poor nutrition. Most people feel that fats are bad, but fats can really help. (Olive oil, olives, avocados, etc.) These may help you with your hair loss. You also may have lowered your calorie intake too much or are just plain eating the wrong foods and the wrong portions.(When you make changes,don't expect relults overnight, things take time.)

Find a nutritionist and get a massage for stress relief.

Be well.

Hi J.,

I think you may be suffering from the same thing that I have been battling with. Please note, I have not bee diagnosed by a doctor. (I can't afford one). But from what I have been reading, it could be adrenal fatigue. I also lost lots of hair, weight (and then gained it all back and then some), and my sanity at times :-). There were a host of other symptoms as well. Most mimic depression, thyroid and post-partum issues. But the key difference is the onset is usually after a traumatic event with not inadequate time to rest and recover after. For me, it was my husband going ballistic and wanting a divorce with our youngest just turning 1. Now, a year and lots of rest and supplements later, I am just beginning to have enough energy for life. Definitely go see a doctor if you can. But I expect that a main stream doctor might not be aware of this issue. But a naturopathic one should be. Here is a link to an article I found the most informative.
http://www.project-aware.org/Resource/articlearchives/adr...
Best of wishes,
K.

Hi J.,

I don't know what the problem might be but this guy is my doctor (a naturopath) and I think he's very good:
Joseph Wessels @ ###-###-#### / ____@____.com luck!

J.

Hi J.,
I hope you will check out the information that I'm sending you. You just might be lacking in some nutrients as you said. Will you take a moment to go to my website, click on Science and then "What Health Professionals Say" it could be just what you need.
Have you heard of Juice Plus? It is 17 fruit, veggies and grains in a capsule. Many people that use it notice a big difference in their hair and nail growth. Not only that but their general health has improved also. It comes in capsule, gummie and chewable form. Young ones love the gummies! We have alot of research done at over 20 well known universities.
Please go to www.cksharesjuiceplus.com and if you'd like more information my email is ____@____.com You can check out the research also on the website.
Let me know what you think J..

Cheryle :-)

Hi J.,
Go have your thyroid checked. I didn't for a long time and now I understand that that was what was wrong with my hair loss. There are actually many things that can contribute but this might be your first step. The endocrine system is complex and thyroid is often is the culprit. See if the doc can give you other tests including diabetes and PCOS. You might come back normal and have to work from there but at least rule that out. It is not that big of a deal if you have a thyroid problem - everyone seems to freak out about it but if you keep it managed, it isn't that bad.

Good luck and dont stress too much.

L.

Are you getting enough fish oil in your diet? I would supplement... and I would go see a naturopath. (I am not a naturopath just trying to drum up business.) A naturopath could take a more indepth look at your diet and nutritional intake. I like Dr. Ramaley near northgate mall. His website is www.seattlenaturalhealth.com
T.

I agree with the other posters who suggest seeing a doctor or naturopath. Most naturopaths are extensively trained in nutrition and will also test your thyroid levels. We had a family friend who was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue and was able to control her symptoms (like hair loss) with supplements and nutrition changes.

I see you are in PORTLAND, not Seattle...do some online searches for naturopaths. Lots of times a good naturopath will have lots of good reviews on yelp.com

I have a friend whose daughter was losing her hair in clumps and was diagnosed by a pediatrician as having the beginning stages of alopecia--not wanting to accept that, they took her to a TCM (traditional chinese medicine) practitioner (this was in the Midwest) and the practitioner said that she needed more acidophilus (the good bacteria found in yogurt), as well as other nutritional changes and some type of accupressure/accupuncture and she did have remarkable improvement.

Best wishes!

Stress, weight loss and an iron deficiency will all contribute to hair loss. Try taking a vitamin supplement with iron. You're burning the candle at both ends, like most parents these days, so putting that extra boost in your diet with the multi-vitamin will help. Check with your ob-gyn and/or hairdresser as well. Ponytails are notorious for causing hair loss, as they put a constant pull on the hair. Wear your hair down when possible, or loosely tied up with a hair band. Fluxuating hormone levels will compound the equation.

It isn't neccesarily this, but I would go and have your thyroid checked. I had thyroid problems after my last baby, and I lost hair (I didn't happen to lose it after my other two). When I was hyper thyroid, I was losing my hair and losing weight (I know you are working at it, but it can contribute). It's an easy blood test for them to run.

:) I hope you figure out what is goin on. I would say if it was over a year ago your hair loss is not due to the baby, but another factor.

Get better!

:) A.

You may want to have your thyroid checked.

I agree that a thyroid check is in order.

If that shows up negative, another avenue to explore is your method of birth control. The Nuva-Ring is well known in other countries for causing hair loss. We aren't so good at getting the word out here, I suppose. My girlfriend was losing a lot of hair and discovered that the androgenic hormones in the nuva-ring was the culprit. If this applies to you, it's certainly something to look into. Many kinds of hormonal birth control cause hair loss.

Im am so there with you. I trying to figure out how to get into the doctors. I don't have insurance. I don't have any advise but can offer a hug.

I have been battling with hair loss for years. It is super miserable, you totally have my sympathy. Things that I have learned in this process... For me pretty much ANY hormonal fluctuation causes my hair to fall out for 3-6 months. This includes starting or stopping birth control, having a baby, getting pregnant, having a miscarriage, weaning after nursing, stress. Also, thyriod (big big culprit get it checked if you haven't already) adrenal glands, low iron stores (called ferritin level). Once the hair loss thing happens it is way more likely to happen again; so be prepared for another potential hearbreaking round. I have also learned from my hair dresser that major diet changes have caused hair loss for several of her clients, so maybe that is part of your issue. Make sure you are eating a healthy diet, maybe try adding a multi vitamin. And see your doctor! Get your thryoid checked, maybe a routine blood sample to rule out anemia, etc. Hang in there. It feels like the end of the world, but usually runs its course before I end up bald anyway (even though it doesn't always feel like it!) Please feel free to send me a message if you are ever in need of moral support. I've been dealing with this for years! :(

Have you ever had your thyroid checked? I had the same problem 5 years ago and found out i had a under active thyroid. I now have to take med. all the time to keep it regulated.

Good luck hope you find out what is going on.

C.

J.:

I just wanted to let you know that my mom has a thyroid problem and she had constant issues with weight and hair loss. Please contact a physician and make sure to eliminate all possibilities.

Also, you may want to start taking some kind of multi-vitamin, or think about what you are eating. Sometimes, lack of calories also means lack of needed protiens, carbs, etc., so please be careful if you are trying to lose weight.

Best of luck, and just wanted to mention that I am from Kansas also. I just moved here from Topeka, but am originally from Wichita. It's nice to see that there are other Kansans out here that feel the way I do-this is the most beautiful state I've seen.

Have to run. Keep me posted on how things work out.

Kim B.

J.,

I would call your doctor. My Mom went through this and ended up with thyroid problems. the hair loss lessened over time.

Call and set an appointment to be checked.

T.

I haven't read the other responses, but I'm sure you're being advised to have your thyroid checked. Good luck!

I have the same thing going on. My son turned 2 in Sept and I am losing a ton of hair still. And like you, it is handfulls. I have very thick hair so I don't really notice it in terms of how thick my hair is but it is annoying. Everything and everyone is covered in my hair. I wondered about a nutritional issue so I started taking prenatal vitamins again (I had some left over). I have not noticed a change. My sister who is a beautician said for some people it is normal, especailly if you nursed as your hormones keep the hair from falling out as much while you are nursing.

By the way, congrats on your weight loss!

I agree you should consult your doctor and have your thyroid tested. Nutritional deficiencies could definitely be playing a role. The fact that you changed your diet and have lost so much weight makes me wonder about whether you're getting enough of what you need nutritionally. Even if we are healthy eaters, the reality is that our food does not contain the same nutrients it did 100 years ago or more and many of us are missing some micronutrients essential to our health and vitality. I would suggest looking into "Custom Essentials" which is an individually formulated supplement based on a metabolic test you can do in your own home. I have more information if you're interested but definitely see the doc as well.

Hi J.,

I'd check with a doctor - maybe thyroid problems? Hopefully not anything serious. I don't think a nutrient deficiency is responsible but maybe. Please do get it checked out earlier rather than later.
So glad you like the NW! Me too and I'm a native!!!

S. Reilly

It could be a few things, but the first thing that comes to mind is your thyroid. Have you had it checked? If your levels are off it causes dramatic weight and hair loss.
Also you could try a product called Nioxin. It is found at a lot of perfessional salons and is very good to prevent further hair loss and promote regrowth of new hair by cleansing your and removing harmful chemicals on scalp. I used it with both of my pregnancies and it helps!! They usually have sales at Regis on it this time of year.

Hi J., I can certainly relate. I have had 3 children and the last 2 I had hair loss and it kept up after my last one until I started on the Reliv supplements. Within a few months it became a non issue as well as giving me energy, easy time getting up in morning and less food cravings! I have also seen results with my eyesight improving and my hormones balancing out! I am not one to run to the doctor when so many things are nutritional deficiences and their common approach is to prescribe drugs not deal with the deficiency that is causing the problem! The Reliv products offer completely balanced nutrition that is extremely bio available meaning great absorption and great results and at near pharmaceutical grade also! We have become distributors and love helping people with these products and seeing the great results they get. I can give you a website to learn more just email me at ____@____.com

I have no ideas but I do share your issue. My hair starting falling out after my first child and has contined to do so ever since. then I got pregnant and enjoyed that fuller hair feeling until last month and it all fell out and is continuing to fall out. I heard Dr. Northrup say it was because of too much sugar and another person say their's fell out after taking out the fats from their diet. It'll be interesting to read what other people have to say. Mine is so bad that you can see my scalp. AGH!!

you might want to have your thyroid checked. If it is off in any way you will lose hair. Talk to you doctor.

Have your thyroid checked. Usually, though, with hypothryroidism (one symptom is hair loss) there is difficulty to lose weight. It couldn't hurt to see - that is one place to start.

What you are describing does sound a little strange. I'd talk to your doctor and have some tests run, like thyroid. Some of your hormone levels might be off causing the hair loss. They will know if it's normal or not to be losing hair from a pregnancy that was 2 1/2 yrs ago. I'd say not. Good luck and let us know what you and the doctors find out.