New member : very rapid hair loss

[isabella_the_lost]

Hi everyone:

My hair has been 'shedding' more than what's considered normal off and on for about 4 years. However, it does start and stop, and about 3 mos ago my hair appeared to be growing.. and looking more 'normal.'

Suddenly... it began shedding again, profusely, large clumps and handfuls to the point where it was alarming.

In a nutshell, my hair was normal 4 years ago.
"Thinner" one year ago, but I wasn't worried.
WAY thinner 6 mos ago.
Better, with little to no fallout 3 mos ago.
3mos ago my hair began falling out again.
2mos ago noticeably thinner.
1 month ago, drastically different than two months ago.
2 weeks ago... I had 25% more hair.
1 week ago I could clip my hair with a large clip and a "poof" of hair, not just thin strands, would be sticking out of the top.
TODAY.... clipped my hair with the same clip, and I have so little hair now that ALL of my hair fits into the clip with nothing spilling over.

My hair is long, about 3 in below vertical bra strap.

Dermatologist did a scalp biopsy and they called with the results yesterday: Pattern baldness.

What confuses me is the speed in which my hair is falling out. If my hair continued to fall out at this rate---I would have no hair in about two months. I realize that pattern baldness in women doesn't result in total baldness, but at this rate of fallout.....

I've seen pictures, diagrams, of the usual pattern baldness women get, and my own fallout doesn't match. The photos show that typically the part of the hair thins and widens as the hair falls out, resulting in a 'crown' of thinness.

My own "pattern" (for lack of a better word) is basically overall fallout, with a new, distinct "part" that goes down the back of my head on one side (right side).

I do have itching, but no dandruff or flaking.

I'm confused, stumped, and worried of course.

All I have to do is run my hands down my hair and tons of hair come away in my hands. It rather reminds me of a couple of horror movies I saw once. No joke.

My default pic here/avatar: that was taken two months ago and I don't even have near that much hair now.

I've been told to use men's strength rogaine, but I know I have to wait until the biopsy wound heals completely. While i wait for that---my hair continues to fall out at an alarming rate.

Has anyone else had this experience?? Is this unusual for pattern baldness? Everyone I know who are balding due to pattern baldness, and yes.. most are men, have been losing their hair for YEARS. My ex says he's been losing his since his late teens, and my hair in 6mos is nearly as thin as his in the back... as he is thin on top.

Opinions? Suggestions?

This is so devastating. :cry:

Thanks for listening...

 

[amibald]

hmm, all i can say is that continous worrying about it is gonna take it's toll, ofcourse u cant stop worrying because it is very alarming, i think i'd faint if that happened to me, seems like u will need to some drug treatment, im no doctor and im no derm, im guessing u would have to ask the derm what the best course of action would be

 

[okiemom]

Hi. Yes....this is devasting to go thru for a woman especially. :cry:

I too am a new member to this forum. My hair has been pattern thinning for at least 3 or 4 yrs, and I got a dx of androgenetic alopecia last year. I am just getting serious about treatment tho. Guess I was just in denial and avoiding dealing with it.

I'm on 5% minoxidil (men's strength) plus I recently went to see Dr. R. Blaine Lehr, who is partnered with the now retired O'Tar T Norwood, MD... noted hair transplant surgeons. Dr. Lehr examined me, confirmed the dx, then informed me I am not a transplant candidate because I'm in that stage between "not enough lost" and "noticably thinning". He stated that many women come in too late for a transplant to really help them achieve fullness. I am trying to be proactive and inform myself of all options. My thinning is mainly only in the left temple area and front crown area, above the bangs. Dr. Lehr, like my regular dermatologist, recommended 5% minoxidil plus one of either 2 drugs.......... 200 mg/day of Spironolactone or 2.5 mg Proscar. I'm still trying to decide. He wants me to make the decision.

Hang in there and keep educating yourself. You're not alone. Okiemom

 

[puggwugg]

Boy...I feel your pain. Hopefully that should give you *some* sort of relief, knowing you're not alone. I'm a 27yr old female, suffering from Androgenetic Alopecia hairloss since I was 13. Since having my son almost two years ago, my hair has progressed even more. Your description about showers and touching your hair, I can totally relate to. It's the same for me...I'm just shocked at how much keeps falling out. And, I know my poor scalp can't possibly replace it quick enough.
As the first replier said - probably your first measure of action is to stop worrying yourself over it (of course that's easier said than done). But, it is true that stress will only worsen your loss - so take a proactive approach and look for answers and alternatives out there. The quicker you accept it and focus your emotions towards finding a solution/treatment, I think you'll find your worrying will ease.
Keep in mind, there's virtually nothing on the market that will help get your hair back to how it was. Minoxidil is the most popular product out there, but it doesn't work for everyone (myself included). I used this product religiously for three years with no effect; only a very sensitive section of scalp. With this, I also took supplements (like biotin, zinc, horsetail, etc.) and tried investing in good-quality thickening shampoos and conditioners. Like many people who post here, we all wind up with the same conclusion: nothing really works and it's all really expensive. BUT, that doesn't mean it won't work for you! So, consider some treatment ideas or ways to help/sustain what hair you still have.
If you get to the point (like where I'm at), where you can't possibly hide your hairloss any longer...there are products out there to help conceal thinness. I'm a happy user of Dermatch - it does the job of covering up my scalp and gives me a sense of security. There are pros and cons to just about everything on the market...so do some research first on what might work for you. I'd be happy to share my feedback - trust me, I've tried just about everything.
Like I said earlier, it's easier said than done trying to keep a positive attitude about your hairloss...especially when the proof comes out in bunches during your shower routine. BUT remember, you're not alone. Talk with ANOTHER doctor...talk with fellow hairloss folk. There are solutions.
Keep posting...and keep us posted. Good luck!!

 

[Artista]

Check out this sister's board, heralopecia.com where women who are experiencing hair loss talk. More traffic there for women than here.

 

[tlmcgee]

I can relate. I have been "shedding" since I turned 20 - about 17 years now. I shed so much that I have been wearing a wig since onset. Very simillar to your story and very scary. I have never lost all my hair, however it will not grow and stay, unless I am pregnant. I have been doing some research lately and it sounds like mine may be due to PCOS (Polycystic ovaries).