Hi everyone!
After reading and spending lots of time on the board, i finally decided to jump in and ask for support! I’m scared and a little freaked out by suddenly being consumed with concern over something I totally took for granted before – my hair! My rational brain says "it’s only hair" you could have so many other things bad happen, this is nothing…to kind of having a panic when the more emotional brain takes over.
Quick story – recently lost about 20 lbs. on a very low cal, low carb diet,(I know, I know, bad for you – it worked but this is a crazy price to pay):p over 2 months which is most likely the cause of the Telogen Effluvium I now have, according to my derm (just went today)…Over the past few weeks, I noticed lots of shedding, but tried to make light of it, thinking it was hot weather, or a 7-year shed, etc. Finally couldn’t ignore it any longer after vaccuuming and washing the bathroom rugs and seeing the lint traps full of MY hair
Also noticed shrinking ponytail, and feeling lots of cold air blowing on my scalp, and seeing reflection/shadows through my hair, which has always been really fine but fairly thick. Which gets you to also, counting lots of strands, doing the OCD hair-counting thing, which is wearing me out! If I had to guess, probably 20% or more of my hair is gone now, and losing more by the minute, it feels like, at least. And I read that this can go on for months…will there be anything left?
The derm recommended a minoxidil/beta-val lotion 4 times a week, and a ketoconazle shampoo twice a week. Do any of you have experience with these? I know they can both cause more shedding, at least in the short term. And don’t you have to stay on Minox forever once you start? Also, apparently my hair pattern is ripe for male-pattern baldness, WTH? I’m 42 now, with all normal bloodwork.
On the other hand, lots of reading says to ride out TE, it will resolve itself once you stay healthy and take proper care of yourself, supplements, etc.
Help! Any friendly voices or opinions would be great…
Best to all of you, I love the warm feeling of support around here…
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