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Is it Telogen Effluvium?
by Rebecca
Hi everyone, I am a 22 year old female, an Asian, and used to have relatively thick hair. However, one year ago, I started to realise that whenever I used conditioner during my showers, I found about 10 strands twirling around my fingers. A few months later, my hair loss condition started to worsen. When I was studying for my exams, and was rather stressed about my papers, I kept seeing hair strands dropping on my table and floor. It freaked me out, and my boyfriend encouraged me to see a dermatologist. My doctor obviously does not think that I have hair loss, as my hair still looks pretty OK, but the thing is - MY HAIR IS REALLY THINNING, even my hairdresser who cuts by hair every 3 months have realised it. My doctor took a blood test, prescribed me with Minoxidil 2%, which was the start of my nightmare. I started applying on my thinning spots, and my hair started falling out like crazy (amount to about 100+ a day). I was told that it was the shedding period. It has caused the back of my head (where I applied Minoxidil) to empty out in the form of an extended receding hairline. My blood test results came back, everything was in range, nothing was wrong, and I was asked to continue Minoxidil but it gives me SUCH AN ITCHY SCALP that it drives me crazy, plus it makes my scalp feel so oily I don't even know why. After the shedding period, my condition became a bit better. It doesn't drop as much, but the itch persists. However, on some days, my hair loss relapses. On days when I don't fidget with my hair that much, it does not drop much. I am very confused regarding the condition I am undergoing. Could it be Telogen Effluvium? I am always stressed up with my relationship and studies, and I have chronic insomnia but I try my best to catch up on my sleep most of the time. My menstruation isn't regular, as it does not come every month. I am ruling out Female Pattern Balding because my entire family has a whole head full of hair. Plus, my hair which falls out has a white bulb on top of it. I do not know if my hair loss is a chain effect, because I spend many days and nights crying about it, and it has disrupted my entire lifestyle, with me being afraid to head out like how I used to. My boyfriend speculated that it's the stress of my hair loss which keeps making problems worse, with me turning paranoid and anxious with every strand of hair which falls out. What do you think? I'm really feeling suicidal and depressed. Editor’s Comments, Hello Rebecca, Thanks for your story. Based on what you have described, it doesn’t sound much like Female Pattern Baldness to me and I am also not convinced it’s any underlying medical condition since your blood tests and body check up came out fine. There are many reasons for hair loss and I won’t say that this is sudden kind as it’s been happening for some time already. Usually accelerated hair loss can be caused by a multitude of reasons such as your chronic insomnia which in the long run will definitely play a role in accelerating hair loss as it strains your body. Also the most common cause of thinning hair is always related to work stress which I am sure a common issue with people residing in Singapore. (Been there many times and yea they are really hardworking people). What you can do is check whether you are currently undergoing any medications for your health like for your insomnia since you mentioned that there are white bulbs coming off. If there are a lot, then it might be sign of Anagen Effluvium, which is usually caused by chemotherapy and usage of certain drugs and supplements for a period for time. If you recall you did or still taking such meds, then stopping these meds if possible might be your ticket out of hair loss. By the way, I also noticed that your scalp is sensitive and reacts to Minoxidil 2%. One of the main reasons for scalp itchiness is that Minoxidil 2% contains alcohol that can dry off the scalp and cause allergic reaction to some people. It might also lead to dandruff as well as excessive sebum production. If it’s still making you feel uncomfortable I would recommend that you quit using Minoxidil 2% and try other alternatives. You can try Viviscal for Women which is a natural supplement that helps boost hair growth and nourishes the hair. It’s made of marine extract and if you are not allergic to seafood, then you can try it for sure as many have reported benefits in hair growth after consistent use. Besides that, try taking Vitamin B Complex supplements as it’s one of the best hair vitamins group available. Drink plenty of water, exercise regularly and reduce prolonged exposure to TV and computer screens as the rays can cause Insomnia. Cut down on caffeine and exercise more will help with your sleeping problems. Another advice for you is that you must try to stop worrying about your hair condition because it adds on to the stress that your body is already trying hard to maintain. Worrying more will make it worse. I know it’s hard for most women not to think of their hair condition but please do try. If it’s really such a bother, you should ask your hairdresser to cut your hair short to minimalize the effects of thinning hair while you recover. Stay focus on the treatments and I am very sure you will get through this ordeal soon enough. I do hope I am able to help you so please mail me so we can discuss further of your condition.
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