Hair Loss in Women: A Devastating Experience

Author: Fernanda B.Sc, Pharm, M.H

 

A short time ago I went through an emotionally painful experience where I noticed I was beginning to lose my hair. To some this might appear and vain, however, any women who has gone through significant hair loss understands the grieving.

I’ve always had dark brown colored thick curly hair with a significant amount of body – I always thought too much body.  Hairdressers always raved about my hair. Secretly I wanted the hair I never have which is silky straight blond hair. However, when I looked around and saw bunches of my hair on the floor, instead of being connected to my head, I definitely appreciated what I was losing.  At the time, whatever I was doing, I lost a trail of hair behind me. When I shampooed my hair clumps of hair would fall out. When I styled my hair, after a few strokes, the brush would literally vanish in all the hair burying it. I felt so helpless that I weeped much of the time. When I put my hair up into a ponytail and its thickness was definitely not what it used to be I finally realized I had to take some drastic measures.

 
My first move was to visit my family Doctor There are many medical conditions that contribute to hair loss such as Cushings, hypothyroidism, diabetes and polycystic ovaries, etc. I consented to a number of tests and they all came out negative.  Although I was pleased to know I was in good health, it did nothing to settle my anxiety about the hair loss.  Now I was sure I had inherited the curse of baldness which runs all through my Father’s family.  This delivered me into a deeper depression.

 
My next move was to peruse the internet looking for solutions.  The internet was filled with all sorts of miracle cures for hair loss and baldness. I was concerned at how compelled I was to try something, anything, that would stop this hair loss. Particularly spectacular were all of those hair transplant advertisements offering a solid head of hair. But not one of these advertisements discussed an explanation.  Why was my hair falling out so dramatically?

 
I did find a reasonable solution. Through the internet I saw a medical clinic with a dermatologist who devotes his time to hair conditions. I contacted the clinic and was advised I had to have a referral from my doctor with the outcome of test results to deny other medical maladies. Once I called my physician and the outcome of the tests were forwarded we set up an appointment. I saw the specialist and he did a complete check of my scalp and my medical history. After discussing my medical history with me for half an hour he knew the cause of my shedding. I don’t recollect his name but he will always be "GOLDENDOC”

 
Previously that year I had had pneumonia which was very damaging to my body.  Mother Nature being what she is, made a decision my body was in need of all the nourishment available and nourishing my hair was not her priority.  “GOLDDOC” in his infinite wisdom told me that the forfeiture of my beautiful locks of hair would be over soon. True to his word my hair stopped falling out after a further five or six weeks.

Then I stepped through the opposite experience. No hair fallout at all, not even the usual fallout of 100-200 hairs per day.  This remainded for six months or so.  Now I am happy to have all my hair back, and I sure highly regard it.

If any lady is going through hair loss, please consider what I did. See your doctor and request the required tests done to rule out underlying medical conditions.  If these results are negative, locate a dermatologist who deals with for work with hair loss.  He/she will provide information and suggestions that allow you to make a better choice.  Look for my next blog Hair loss in women; Sensible Information.