Thinning hair - please help

bernie115

Hi

I have always been lucky enough to have thick hair (but didn't realise it at the time)! - and the last few months i have noticed my hair has gone really thin. I am on medication (sulphasalasine) - have been on this on and off for 3 years (it didn't have this effect first time round being on it so i'm thinking that its probably not the cause now) although i could be wrong.

Is there any other reason why your hair can start to thin out all of a sudden?

chise

Hi

I use Sulfasalazine as well and hair loss and thinning hair are rare side effects of the drug.I did experience some hair loss at the front of my head due to the Sulfa but it grew back.You should speak to your GP or the specialist that recommended the treatment.My Rheumatologist told me that drug side effects can happen at anytime during your treatment so maybe you were lucky first time around.If you have an auto immune condition and thats the reason you take the drug then thyroid problems can occur they can cause thinning hair.So best to speak with your Doctors.:)

Tiddlywinks

You need to go to your GP but be prepared because some are just not that interested in this issue and do not really have the background knowledge to help.

Definately ask for your iron, B12 and thyroid levels to be checked as this may impact on hair growth.

To find out more about the subject try this website, it's got a great forum with lots of women with hairloss issues.

http://www.heralopecia.com/interact/

Let us know how you get on with your GP and good luck.

Tiddly

bernie115

Thanks Chise & Tiddlywinks for your responses.

I mentioned it to my rheumatologist and he had said he had never heard of that side effect! will go back to my GP - just got the pain under control and now this starts. I'm obsessed with checking my hair all the time.

Tiddlywinks

When I had a problem I became absolutely paranoid and counted hairs in my brush, in my hand after applying shampoo etc. Even now I can spot hairloss in other women from 50 paces - and I really feel for them.

Unless you're faced with the prospect then you don't really know how depressing and frightening it is do you?

My GP was pants and very dismissive but I went to a trichologist, a dermatologist and did a lot of reading. The Heralopecia site really helped as well. I've also changed my diet and have a lot of supplements and all seems well for now (although I still count hairs and worry a lot).

Hope you get it sorted as I know how bad it made me feel and don't wish that on anyone.

bernie115

Thank you Tiddlywinks.

Will let you know. Thank you.