Question:
What other labs would show a problem?

My hair is quickly falling out. I have been concerned for some time now that I was losing hair at an alarming rate. At my 3 month check-up I took the hair with me that had fallen out just that morning. The surgeon seemed stunned at the amount. But said that it would be self-limiting. Well, that was March and I can see no difference in the amount lost each day. I now have some extremely thin/bald spots on my head. I went to the dermatologist this week and she examined my hair under a microscope and said that it looked fine. She too said that it would stop. My surgeon and dermatologist both ordered labwork to see if I was deficient nutritionally. Well, the good news is that everything came back perfect!!! My protein, iron, RBC,calcium, B12, Thyroid studies, and everything else too. My question is this... Are there any other things that should be checked? (vitamins, or whatever)or can I safely assume that I am okay nutritionally and I will just have to endure my balding head? Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!!Shelley    — Shelley. (posted on June 2, 2001)

June 2, 2001
Hi Shelley, I have an elderly friend who was experiencing a lot of hair loss. I told her about Biotin (over the counter supplement) and after she was taking it for a few weeks the hair loss totally stopped. I'm unsure just how much to take, but she took what the bottle suggested daily. It's worth a try, best wishes!
   — Gail R.

June 2, 2001
Did you get copies of your labs? Pre-op and recent ones? When you do, compare the pre-op levels to today's levels and see if you are falling, even within normal ranges. The hair you are losing NOW is the protein you didn't get 3-4 months ago, PLUS anesthesia, trauma of surgery, rapid wt loss--nothing you can do to change those things. However, the protein you get today is the hair you will regrow by end of summer. Zinc helps and that can be checked with your next set of labs, too. Zinc aids protein absorption, so that taken with your protein supps will help beef up your new growth. For now, when your hair is wet, slick it all down and rub the roots sideways....... see 'em there? Peach fuzz!
   — vitalady