Hair Loss Info

Found this (http://www.nourkrin.co.uk/nourkrin_types_hair_loss.asp) & thought others might find it interesting: Telogen Effluvium Telogen effluvium occurs when sudden or severe stress causes an increase in the shedding of the hair. With telogen effluvium, a sudden or stressful event can cause the hair follicles to prematurely stop growing and enter into a resting phase. The hair will then stay in the resting phase for about 3 months after which time a large amount of hair will be shed. Often the person involved will have recovered from the event before the hair loss occurs. In most cases the hair loss is temporary and the hair soon recovers. However in some cases the hair loss continues until the underlying cause is fixed. Telogen effluvium appears to affect more woman than men because more of the precipitating events such as childbirth are experienced by women. Telogen Effluvium can be caused by the following: Hormonal changes Infections of the scalp Major Surgery/Chronic Illness Severe psychological stress Crash diets/inadequate protein Drugs/Medication Back to the top Hormonal Changes: There are many reasons for hormonal changes within the body; a lot of these can result in hair loss such as: Hair Loss after Child Birth: It is quite common for some women to experience some hair loss approximately 3 months after childbirth. This hair loss is triggered by the sudden changes in hormone levels. Some statistics suggest that 20 percent of mothers lose hair after childbirth and others suggest a figure closer to 45 percent. Fortunately, in most cases the hair will return to normal 9-12 months after the child?s birth. Many women notice that their hair is thicker and healthier during pregnancy, this is due to the increased levels of hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which cause more hairs than normal to remain in the growth phase. When the child is born however, many of the hair follicles that had delayed entering the resting phase suddenly enter the resting phase due to a rapid drop in hormone levels. As a result, these hairs are then shed about 3 months after the birth. Hair Loss resulting from taking the Birth Control Pill: Birth control pills affect the hormone levels within the body and these hormone levels can affect hair growth. In some cases, hair thinning may occur due to the male hormones present in some contraceptive pills. This type of hair loss is similar to pattern baldness or Androgenetic Alopecia. However, discontinuation of the pill can result in hair loss similar to that which occurs after childbirth due to the drop in hormone levels. Hair Loss resulting from Thyroid Gland malfunction: Generally the first test a doctor or specialist is likely to carry out on a patient who is experiencing hair loss is a thyroid function test, as a thyroid problem may result in hair loss. Two types of thyroid problems can occur and either of these problems can result in hair loss. These conditions are Hypothyroidism (the under production of Thyroxine) and Hyperthyroidism (the over production of Thyroxine). Hair loss may occur from either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. In some cases hair loss is minimal, however some individuals experience severe hair loss. Fortunately hair loss is usually reversible with proper treatment. If you suspect that you have a problem with your thyroid function then you should visit your doctor. Back to the top Infections of the scalp: Infections such as ringworm can invade the hair and skin of your scalp, leading to hair loss. Once infections are treated, hair generally regrows. Back to the top Major Surgery/Chronic Illness: The shock involved in a major operation can result in sudden hair loss. Also after micro graft and mini graft surgery where follicles are transplanted on the scalp telogen effluvium almost always occurs. Due to the shock of surgery the hair follicles will fall out within about 3 months after which time new hairs will grow from the transplanted follicles. Some cancer treatments will cause hair cells to stop dividing. Hairs become thin and break off as they exit the scalp. This occurs one to three weeks after the treatment. Patients can lose up to 90 percent of their scalp hair. The hair will regrow after treatment ends. Back to the top Severe Physiological Stress: Some people experience telogen effluvium or sudden diffuse hair loss after a traumatic event such as the death of a family member or someone close, an accident, abuse or any other severely traumatic event. These events may trigger hair follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely in which case an increase in the amount of hair shed will be noticed about 3 months after the event. When the stressful situation is over or the body adjusts to it, the hair usually grows back. Back to the top Crash Diets/Inadequate Protein: Some people who go on crash diets that are low in protein, or have severely abnormal eating habits, may develop protein malnutrition. The body will save protein by shifting growing hairs into the resting phase. Massive hair shedding can occur two to three months later. Hair can then be pulled out by the roots fairly easily. This condition can be reversed and prevented by eating the proper amount of protein and, when dieting, maintaining adequate protein intake.

I was experiencing really bad hairloss (handfuls at a time in the shower). There was hair EVERYWHERE in my house. That's one reason I cut my hair. Now the hairloss has slowed some and its no longer by handfuls but I'm shedding lots. My coat, a Walmart NorthFace wannabe...is covered with my curly strands. Thanks for the info I enjoyed reading it. Mandy

I've hit hair loss big time. I've ordered some biotin from ebay so hope that helps. A blunt talking friend the other day said "whats' happened to your hair - it's got so thin'!!! Gee thanks Sema I said. It was well meaning so it didn't offend me, but it shows how bad my hair is looking at the moment. Sigh, I guess it's a small price to pay for this fantastic weight loss and new life.

Ruth, I didnt recognize the "old you" what happened to your new pic? I just got my hair cut and she put lots of layers in it to help it look better. I dont know - I feel self conscious because mine was thin to begin with. I have biotin but it hasnt really helped - I hope it will for you! I keep reminding myself that it will grow back......I hope

Sarah is doing a make-over for me. The one she has rolls from her before to after pic and she's getting it to work for me too. Can't wait, as it really shows the difference. I can't believe my face was that fat - I saw a fat body in the mirror but not a huge fat face Frightening but it's gone for good

Ok you guys i usually accept whatever it is that this surgery brings but the hair loss has me a bit down. I used to have super thick ringlet curls that shone like gold dust. Now i've got limp. lifeless locks that droop down my back in pitiful curls. I've upped my biotin to 5000 mcg and that seems to have gotten it to stop falling out by the handful but now i'm ready for some serious regrowth. I'd like you all to know that the hair on my legs, arm pits and girly bits is now so thick i can only cut it with a weed whacker! I am giving my head hair 4 months to grow back then i'm going to take my leg, arm pit and girly bits hair and brush them upwards in an attempt to do a comb over, i'll tell you how that goes! Hugs, ANDI

mine was falling out in handfulls but has slowed down quite a bit I take Biotin from to time and I think it helped... it seems to happen to most of us but it also grows back for most of us (or so I'm told)...LOL