Have any of you experienced significant hair loss? What medical treatments or supplements have helped? How do you cope with this challenge?
– Jo from Jersey City, NJ
Community comments
57Real experiences shared by the community, from the original discussion to today.
Join the discussion
Share what worked for you — comments are reviewed before they appear.
Po5 years ago
I have. I read on Real Simple that women have had more hair loss this year because of stress than is normal. For me, the excess hair loss happened this year, but I started menopause at least a year ago.
Tracylynn5 years ago
I can tell you I am one of those women. I have lost more hair in the last 10 months than I ever have and I am starting to get concerned I may go bald. I am thankful I had a lot to start with but now I am scared. I take a scoop of colleges peptides in my coffee every morning, I take Biotin every morning and I have changed shampoos many of times. With all that said the stress I have been under is a big trigger for the loss. First Covid, then I am from SWLA (Lake Charles) actually and we have been branded as the worse weather related area in history. Hurricanes Laura and Delta 6 weeks apart, a major freeze, Record flooding and we are now back In hurricane season once again and haven’t recovered from the last ones. And fighting insurance companies to pay for damages has been the worst and now most are in litigation. On top of that trying to build a new house so we are not still living in the damaged house if another hurricane decides to come out way again. I find myself not doing what I am suppose to do physically and mentally because I am all over the place with the stress. All that and menopause can drive a person absolutely insane. I have been in full menopause for about 6 years now managing it on my own. I am a certified herbalist and have studied medicinal medicine so that has helped me get through a lot of the symptoms. Let me just say clary sage essential oil and lavender essential is your friend during the worst part of hot flashes etc. Right now I am trying to manage it all again and bringing my focus on me and not what is going on around me and it’s hard but I know I have to be at my best to get through the worst of times. I am so grateful for finding this ap and seeing that I am not alone in my struggles. I hope soon I can share what has worked for me.
Sara5 years ago
Yes. I have experienced hair loss & thinning hair. Especially on the top of my scalp. To the point it is thinning so much on top that my scalp shows where my hair parts. I have tried numerous shampoo products for hair loss & thinning. And in all honesty none of them worked. Or I haven’t found one that does work yet!
Christi5 years ago
Me too. I’m going to try collagen after scrolling through this feed.
Di5 years ago
Absolutely. I’ve always had very fine hair but the last 2 years have seen me lose at least 1/3rd of the volume. The hairs that come out of my comb every day is getting more and more. I don’t have any ‘block’ grey or roots but my mousy brown is getting peppered grey but therefore more sparse looking. But I need to use a fibre thickener (Topik) after I wash my hair to try and hide my scalp. I’ve started to look at toppers and wigs but daren’t move to the next step. It’s so de-feminising. ?
Jo5 years ago
It’s good to know I’m not alone. I’m so sorry Ny of us have to go through this experience. My hair sheds so much. I’ve tried scalp injections and topicals. Nothing has worked.
Ari5 years ago
Not specially, but then again, my hair has always fallen out quite a bit. Also, my hair is the longest it’s ever been, so it falls out even more.
Jagz5 years ago
I have just stopped thinking about it
Lisa5 years ago
You know I think there is some truth in doing this. A different mindset!
Carlyn4 years ago
Same same. I think I’ll try weekly scalp massages and collagen/biotin.
Cristina5 years ago
I was the same, but I have been on Regain (Rogain/minoxidil) for about a year now and my hair has stopped falling and is looking better than ever. I also take an Imedeen hair supplement which seems to compliment the Regain nicely. However, the whole thing can be very expensive and it’s something that you would need to do forever because if you stop (like I did for about 3 months to see what happened) it all goes back to square one. I used to shed hair everywhere I went ?. I wish you all the best
Mel5 years ago
I’m very concerned about how much hair I’m losing. Every time I wash my hair I lose loads!!! I spoke to the nurse during a recent smear test about it and she wasn’t concerned but I am. I used to have very thick hair but it is reducing very quickly and I’m not sure what to do about it ?♀️
Christi5 years ago
The shower when my hair is wet is wear I lose the most.
Nat5 years ago
It’s strange this topic has come up and reading the comments here. I noticed my hair falling out a lot once the lockdown started in March. The loss became noticeable when washing my hair. I thought that maybe it was the fact that I had coloured my hair too much and was too dry. So I had it cut shorter by about 5 inches. However I feel that it’s much thinner than before and I had a LOT of hair. Is it stress or the perimenopause or am I imagining it? I don’t think so as even my son has mentioned that my scalp is showing. I don’t know but it has caused me to have all sorts of nightmares about going bald. I am 52. Incidentally, my husband who is 54 and has had a good head of hair has also been losing his hair substantially since the lockdown in March. Perhaps it’s a “sympathy loss”? What is happening to us all this year?? Like one of the ladies here said: “I have stopped thinking about it”. I have tried doing that, but it’s a bit difficult when you can feel it and see it.
Jo405 years ago
My hair is definitely thinner. I always had fine hair but there was a lot of it. Since the menopause it has thinned out also mr eyebrows have become sparse too.
Marian5 years ago
Thinning eyebrows happened to me - in my case it was under active thyroid.
Rosemary5 years ago
I have experienced hair loss too and am going through the peri menopause so am blaming it on this. I spoke to a barber/hairdresser about it and he said the best way to encourage hair growth is to massage the scalp/hair follicles as expensive shampoos only thicken the hairs we already have but don’t encourage others to grow whereas massaging can encourage new growth. I have been doing it and think it is helping.
AM5 years ago
I started doing this once a week with a scalp scrub. DP Hue makes it. Definitely notice new hair growth. That and a scoop of collagen powder in my coffee each morning
Getting there4 years ago
Yes, I use a weekly scalp scrub - one with mint as my hair dresser said it gives a nice tingle - the sensation help the remind your brain . Anyway, yes, it helps with scalp health clear away dead skin cells if their getting stuck and not being she’d properly. Tried nioxin 3 it was okay but for me the supplements biotin, selenium and collagen have made the biggest difference - like I was missing ingredients in my diet! I guess it depends on the reason for hair loss.
Leslondon4 years ago
Take support for your adrenals too - maybe ashawangha
Her eggship5 years ago
I have found significant hair loss & have tried biotin tablets and bought plantur shampoo with no real benefits, am on hrt and hoping that will help a little ?
Lynda2185 years ago
I take Collagen peptides (comes in a flavourless powder which you can put in your tea). 1 tablespoon a day, I’ve found that helps, contains 18 amino acids (a precursor to protein) which is responsible for growth and repair in the body. Also good for skin, nails and digestion. I think in the US there is a brand called ‘great lakes’, in UK ‘Hunter & Gather’. Hope this helps! Primarily I think the underlying cause is fluctuating hormones, in particular thyroid!
Leesalu5 years ago
I’ve been taking this collagen powder in my coffee every morning & I find it helps with my hair breakage.
Marian5 years ago
That’s interesting I take thoroxine for under active thyroid I also take lyrothronine for hashimotos disease
Getting there4 years ago
Age 48 been taking a powder collagen powder in my littles instant Colombian coffee in the mornings as well, upped my biotin and selenium intake and hair started growing back. Nails stopped splitting - infact I need to trim them regularly now. My hair still breaks so I’m stuck with a Bob for now - but wow I have so much hair growing in! PS: read the label on the supplements as some doses may not be suitable for some medical conditions.
Caroline5 years ago
I was experiencing thinning patches in my hair some years ago and assumed it was stress but could well be to do with peri. My hairdresser suggested shaving it all off and keeping it like that for a few months. It was extreme but my hair grew back thicker and fuller over time - I kept it shaved for 6 months and didn’t use colour or any products, just washed it daily with a mild shampoo, not sure how it worked but it did. I’ve since shaved it off again when I realised that I only had long hair to suit everyone else as it seems expected by society, I hated the weight and feel of hair (sensory issues as I’m autistic) and have to say I’m much happier with it like this (so much easier with all the lockdowns).
Tracy5 years ago
I got alopecia in my 20s so had little bald spots so I’ve been fighting hair loss for a long time. Various things have helped, but as I’ve gotten older and came down with hypothyroid and now perimenopause, these things have stopped helping as much. I bought a lazermax hair comb and that made a difference, until I started skipping my periods and now I’m losing hair again. I recently started Nutrafol and will give it 6 months to see if that helps. Biotin seemed to help my nails but not my hair thinning issue; it also cause my thyroid numbers to be off so I stopped that.
BB-C5 years ago
I’ve had what I would consider to be excessive hair loss for several years. Initially, it was due to undiagnosed food allergies. Recently, I found out I was low in some b vitamins. Started taking Folinic Plus as recommended by my endocrinologist and I’ve noticed less hair loss.
Melanie5 years ago
My hair has been thinning quite a bit. A dermatologist can help. My doctor gave me finesteride. It blocks testosterone which can lead to female hair loss. I also use Rogain and take Biotin vitamins. I also use hair thickening fibers to help cover it. It’s right at the top of my forehead. In the past months I’ve stopped using the powder. I think it bothers me more than anything and others don’t notice it like I do. I am planning to see a stylist that specializes in toppers when Covid rates in my state decrease.
P Vz5 years ago
I have read everyone’s comments. I have also noticed my hair thinning. I will be 49 this year, and had a partial hysterectomy in my early 30’s. I went into menopause not long after my surgery. I would be a walking fireball in like 5 seconds, and there was nothing I could do to help it. I would ask my gynecologist about it and she would tell me to go get an over the counter pill for my problem because she did not want to give me hormones and me be stuck the rest of my life taking them. So.... I am also a diabetic on an insulin pump, I have neuropathy, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, I have a severe problem of not being able to absorb B-12 like y’all so I am on a B-12 shot twice a month, I also have diabetic gastroporisis, I also have disks in my neck and lower back that are deteriorating, and I also have bad problems with my sciatic nerve. So I am on a lot of meds. I have turned to over the counter herbs. I take biotin and collagen for my hair, nails and skin. I take cinnamon to help with my diabetes. I take co-que10 for my back and legs. Does anyone have any other suggestions that might help???
Cathy5 years ago
Gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar free diet change? And then start bringing back one food at a time after 3 weeks to see if one thing causes symptoms to increase. It sounds hard, but it is doable and it works! Especially for autoimmune disorders.
Kim5 years ago
Hi, Reading your comment is just like reading about myself. I also take a lot of medications, b12 shots & supplements. I have degenerative disc disease from my neck to the end of spine. Due to all of my pain & taking all of my meds, I lost all of my teeth 10 years ago. Now I have begun to lose my hair. I have always had really healthy nice teeth. I also have had very very thick hair. I always had people compliment me on my hair. I have decided to try the collagen. I can’t take any hormones for my menopause symptoms because of my blood clot problem. Be careful about certain products too, they could cause serious clotting problems. But I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. I understand. Peace, love & good health always.
Christi5 years ago
Lots more of my hair in my brush now. Also lose hair in the shower. I’ve been menopausal for 2 years.
Sue5 years ago
My hair started falling a lot more suddenly, so I researched and Biotin seems to be the holy grail for me, my hair is regrowing and feel so much happier, as I was stressing up a lot due to that.
KayM5 years ago
I have. It’s everywhere. Plug hole, bedding. I should be bald but thankfully I’m not.
Bev5 years ago
Yep I’m the same hun ? it’s awful isn’t it xx
Vikki5 years ago
I was losing hair. My irons levels were tested and within the ‘normal’ range. However they should be above 70 for healthy hair so I took iron supplements and my hair has stopped falling out and thickened back up. Maybe look into this? Good luck x
MrsM5 years ago
Hair loss has been one of the most prominent symptoms of menopause I have experienced. I’ve had some mild success with Vegamour products. They are very expensive but a little goes a long way, they are natural, and I am comfortable embracing their philosophy to hair loss.
Jewels5 years ago
Yes, around my temples; dunno what that’s about. Been thinking about shaving it all off, but my daughter said noooo, mom, coz people will think you have cancer. Like I care about what people think...! It’s more along the lines of me not liking my face as the years go by. This realization made me burst into tears... oh, well, this, too, shall pass -eventually.
Karen5 years ago
Every time I wash and comb my hair out my comb is full of my hair and I have a small ball spot in the middle of my head. What do you suggest for me?
Sue5 years ago
Go see a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss I did and my hair is back to normal
SS1123785 years ago
Latisse - the product used for eyelash growth has made a huge difference dmfor my hair loss- thinning hair. I’m still working on the cause, but, in the meantime, Latisse helps me keep it from getting worse
Yolanda5 years ago
I have been supplementing with Zinc and Chinese Tonic herbs, Hei Shou Wu specifically, for this issue (By the way Hei Shou Wu means something to the extent of “Mr. Wou’s full head of hair”.) I am 55 an have been in Menopause for 5 years now. I had always had very fine but a very full head of hair.It was a shock when I started shedding and even worse when I started to see my scalp where my part my hair. I have had good results overall still not what it used to be but then again nothing is albeit much better than before. My hair is fuller, growing in again, has bounce and shine and more manageable.
Bev5 years ago
Thanks for sharing this, I’ll definitely have to look it up & start using it. I’m 55 to & been in Menopause for about 5ys so I’m just the same as u hun, I always have to de-hair the plug hole at least twice when getting a shower ? & my hair falls out all over the place ? also started to go bald at the front hair line ? bloody hate this getting older business xx
Bets5 years ago
I highly recommend going to see an endocrinologist and a dermatologist.
Tam5 years ago
I’ve always had thin, fine hair but noticed a huge loss of hair in February of this year. It was literally coming out in clumps. I started using Nioxin shampoo and conditioner for thinning hair and I invested in the Nutrafol monthly supplements. It’s costly at $89 per month, but I have noticed a huge difference. Hair is growing back and I’m only shedding a small amount. I did have my thyroid checked and blood work done, everything was fine. Definitely feel like stress had a lot to do with it. I’m 57 and no period in about 3 years.
Diana5 years ago
I'm 51 and my hair began falling out in very small amounts as I was in my late 30s. I have poor vision but my cousin came to my apt and she asked me why I let all of my hair build up on the kitchen floor. I knelt down on the floor and I finally saw what other people must've seen. It has gotten progressively worse. This week, I was sobbing after brushing my hair. My brush was completely filled with strands of hair. I don't have a clue as to what I ought to do. I'm on a very tight budget.
Amy5 years ago
I’m peri-menopause and my hair is definitely thinning and the fall-out is bad when I wash my hair. I used to have very thick and a lot of hair too. I have not tried special shampoos and supplements and don’t know where to start. It’s overwhelming
Ann5 years ago
I was divorced in 2019, my ex left me in 2018, I noticed hair loss during the divorce and it continued through 2020 I used to have such thick hair. It’s also changed in texture, my hair strands are thinner, my hair is much more wavy partially due to the fact there is less of it. I am 59 and have been post menopausal for about 4 1/2 years.
Veronica5 years ago
My hair started to thin. It looked awful and made me feel awful. In the end I made a bold decision. I shaved my head and now wear wigs. I know it’s not for everyone but it’s the best move I ever made. It saves me time, energy and money and I now have lovely hair.
T64705 years ago
There is a vitamin called hair skin and nails that worked for me. My hair was coming out in clumps. A lot of it was stress but I was in menopause also. It has all the vitamins in it not just biotin.
Sarah5 years ago
Within twelve weeks of applying one pump of oestrogen gel to each thigh I developed alopecia aureate. A bald patch the size of a small banana around the back of my head. The medication cured all my symptoms and now I'm back to square one. Hair not regrown fully, just some downy hairs. Can I go back on a lower dose ? Or a different type ?
Sarah5 years ago
On Estradiol my chap also lost the hair on his legs just sleeping beside me. I've read this can happen to a women's canine pet. I'm wondering if losing my hair wouldn't happen if I halved the amount of gel I apply. My doctor is also reluctant to put me back on it until I find an answer as she does not know and it's quite rare.
Kristen5 years ago
I’ve been post menopausal for two years now but my hair loss got much worse in the last year (can see scalp more on top and balding a little right in front) and I think stress and hormonal changes were the culprits. I also have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis but it’s been treated; started nascient iodine drops on recommendation of a hairdresser (hard to tell if this has helped). I Definitely recommend seeing a dermatologist to start. They did bloodwork and recommended I start with Rogaine. I use 5% liquid (“for men”) each night- found it easier to get to the scalp than the foam, which went more on my hair. It’s starting to help as I see little hairs sticking up. Downside is you can’t stop using it. Not sure if I’m willing to use it forever. I prefer to wash my hair every other day to cut down on styling time but the Rogaine leaves a little residue and looks kind of white/powdery the next AM. I also had itchy scalp the first couple days but that went away. Will consider Nutrafol after reading comments. Already taking a hair, skin and nails supplement but it has only helped my nails. I also got a colored hair powder I use when the bald spot is particularly noticeable- the brown powder makes it less obvious.
Tanya5 years ago
Has anyone experienced significant scalp itching and tingling with hair loss? Sometimes it gets so bad it’s all I can focus on. How have you dealt with it besides ignoring it? I’ve tried Rogaine (my scalp still itched on that) with my minimal hair loss, but I don’t have the motivation to use it forever and have stopped. I saw the thread about scalp massages. I’m wondering if that will help this issue as well.
Vic5 years ago
I had the same problem for years. I tried almost everything (including blood test which was all ok) that is available on the market against hair loss but nothing really helped until I did a hormonal test and ta-dah… The test showed that my estrogen and testosterone level was not ok. I discussed it with my gyn and she recommended HRT which I am taking now for 2 years. That was a game changer, hair loss stopped and hair grew again. I was 45 when I started the cure. I am taking Angeliq as HRT product.
Zee20185 years ago
Been going through hairloss phase after menopause, I am 51, although my scalp is not showing it is definitely thinner on the crown. Only wash my hair 2-3 times a week and have stopped using shampoos with sulphates (am loving Body Shops ginger shampoo) also getting a regular hair trim, finding the latter few changes for me have slowed down hairloss, after a comb/brush there’s less hair in my hairbrush!! I tried biotin hair supplements but unfortunately they didn’t work for me.