Hair Loss and Depression

by Pippa
(Australia)

A photo the dermatologist so kindly e-mailed to me!!

I am a 50yr old woman who had a full head of fine hair up until five months ago when I noticed an increase in hair loss across my entire head and thinning patches at the front and sides of my head and also on the crown.

As I am in a profession that requires me to present myself to the general public, my hair loss has been devastating to say the least. Although my doctor is extremely sympathetic she has referred me to a psychiatrist who has prescribed anti-depressants as I feel I am no longer presentable enough to attend social engagements with friends and family. I was suffering from extreme anxiety attacks due to my sudden loss of confidence in my appearance. I now read on your web-site that this medication I have been prescribed causes hair loss as well. What am I to do?

I have been to two dermatologists and one told me that I have androgenetic alopecia and chronic Telogen effluvium and to expect the hair loss to stabilise. The other told me that I have had a TE episode and that my full head of hair will return. I don't know which one to believe.

My blood tests have shown extremely low haemoglobin and ferritin levels for which I have had an iron infusion and am taking iron supplements. My iodine levels are low as well. Supplementation has had no positive effects on me. I am still losing hair on a daily basis but my thinning patches do not seem to have gotten any worse and I do have some minimal hair regrowth although not enough to indicate my hair will return to its healthy state.

I have been through a lot in my life and I find it hard to fathom that losing my hair has caused me such distress. I suppose it demonstrates how one's self-confidence and appearance go hand-in-hand.

It's been wonderful to find your web-site and read the experiences of others and to know I am not alone with this problem.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my experience with others and would you have any advice for a distressed woman from down-under?

Editor’s Comments

Dear Pippa,

Sorry to hear about your current hair loss situation and I do hope that you can manage to get hold of your emotional distress. A lot of people are very upset when they are facing sudden hair loss and I am sure that hair loss can really be very overwhelming at times. That is the main reason I started this website in hope that hair loss sufferers can find answers to their problems and have a place to share their ordeals.

Thanks also for your picture as it will provide us with a visual guide on the kind of condition that you are facing. According to the diagnostics from your dermatologists and after reading your story I believe they could be right that you are either facing with early stages of Androgenetic Alopecia and probably also chronic Telogen Effluvium related to your low iron levels as well as possible hormonal imbalances.

One of the causes of hair loss can be related your low haemoglobin and ferritin levels because haemoglobin carries iron to your hair and continued deficiency of low levels of iron could indicate a possible early sign of Iron Deficiency Anaemia, which is a main cause of hair loss. As Anaemia denotes that you are having low blood counts, the condition can hamper your blood circulation which carries vital supplies of oxygen and minerals to your hair. In turn, your hair will suffocate and their growth disrupted which can lead to progressive hair loss and that is where Chronic Telogen Effluvium comes in. Symptoms of Anaemia can include dizziness and fatigue as well as shortness of breath so you have to watch out. Supplements like Iron, Vitamin C and Copper can help you alleviate this condition but you should ask your doctor whether you are facing with this condition first.

Another possible factor is probably caused by a weak body that will in turn lead to other health issues. The more internal problems you have, the more they will accumulate and cause more stress to your body which will lead to more hair loss. You might also want to check with your doctor whether you might be facing pre-menopause because it is a leading cause of hormonal imbalances and iron deficiency problems. These kinds of symptoms are fairly common among people entering this stage in their life.

The reason I say so is because the picture of your scalp does resembles an early signs of Androgenetic Alopecia (AA) based on the Ludwig Scale and most cases of AA occur around the time you start to enter menopause. If I am correct, it could also explain about your anxiety attacks and well as your other emotional problems.

Well, whatever the case, try to cheer up. I know it’s not easy not to think about it, but further depression will not help with your situation and can even worsen it. A holiday or some support from your family and friends will definitely help you make it through. The anti depressants that you are taking might trigger some hair loss but if your doctor thinks that you need it now to get your feet back on the ground then it’s good to follow the advice. I am sure you will stop using it once you managed to get control of your problems.

There are actually several products that I think can help you. Ask your doctor about Rogaine 2% for women which can help stimulate hair growth. It’s quite effective and can definitely help reduce your hair loss. Another good product is Viviscal for women. The main ingredients contain marine extracts that are high in protein and minerals and many women have reported beneficial results using it. But if you are having blood circulation problems, it might hamper the effectiveness of this product. Vitamin B Complex is a good skin and hair food that can help promote hair growth and thickness so you might want to consider getting one too.

What I also suggest is that you see a professional nutritionist to offer you a nutritional plan to help boosts back your body’s deficiency. Herbs and alternative treatments like meditation and yoga are also very beneficial for your situation. I strongly believe the cause of your hair loss lies inside your body and the only way to reverse it is to normalize it back.

In the meantime, there is also another way to provide you temporary relieve over your hair condition. You might want to consider Toppik, a type of hair concealer that helps cover the appearance of baldness. It’s easy to remove and stays on your hair. It’s one of the best concealers in the market and almost no one will notice it. I am pretty sure it can help you get back your confidence immediately while you start getting hold of your situation.

All the best with your condition and I hope that one day you can come back and tell us on how you survived hair loss. Have a nice day.