It's been a few months now...

by Jamie

Hello. I'm a 26 year old female and over the last few months I've noticed more and more of my hair falling out. At first, I wasn't too worried because this has happened a few times in my life. The first time was because I went vegan and the other two times, well, I'm not exactly sure of the cause but after a few months my hair stopped falling out so I didn't worry....

However, in May of this year I noticed a few more strands than normal falling out... and now I'm pulling out 100s of hairs a day. Now, Oct 2008, my hair just looks thin and unhealthy. It's stopping me from being social and although I'm trying not to worry, I'm trying to convince myself it will stop soon, it still brings me to tears a few times a week.

I stopped taking Yasmin in about March this year when my script ran out. Then, a few months later I went back on it. I'm not sure if that has anything to do with my hair falling out, as it hasn't stopped yet...

This year at the end of May I had the worst tonsillitis I'd ever had in my life. My temperature went up to 39.5C and I ended up in hospital for a few days... 16 IVs later and a small medical procedure on my tonsil, I was able to go home and rest more.

I've had a blood test. Everything is within the normal range. My hormone test was fine (though a little on the low side, but the doctor says that is because I'm on the pill).

I exercise everyday and eat healthily...

I'm open to absolutely any suggestions and advice! I'm so worried that in a few months I'm not going to have any hair left!!! It's very noticeable now and really really getting me down :( It's basically been 4 months... when is it going to stop???? :(


Editor Comments

Dear Jamie,

Sorry to know about your sudden hair loss condition. For starters, if you go on a very strict vegan diet which you are not used to it’s a possibility to face with poor hair quality and some hair loss. That is because our hair needs iron and zinc to strengthen and thicken and vegan diet lacks these much needed minerals.

Your condition is pretty general and I can’t comment much on it. Based on your picture it really looks like dull hair and diffuse thinning. It seems that you might be facing with a period of post operation stress and also partially caused by your tonsillitis. Since it happens in May, it’s logically to face some sudden shedding after 3-4 months or more.

Another major cause of hair loss is taking contraceptive pills, which is very common and can lower your estrogen, cause hormonal imbalances as well as your metabolism rate. These pills are known to cause some hair loss. If there is no need for such pills then it’s advisable not to take it as they in the long run can ruin your body’s natural rhythm.

In the meantime, do take a look at my Preventing Hair Loss page where you will find some remedies that you help you enhance your hair. Drink plenty of water and also consider supplements to boosts your hair growth. You should just wait another month or two to see what happens or whether your hair shedding will slow down before you take more major steps. Best of luck.