Hair Loss in Women: A Devastating Experience

Author: Fernanda B.Sc, Pharm, M.H

A short time ago I went through this emotionally painful experience where I noticed I was beginning to lose my hair. To some this might appear and vain, but any women who has gone through major hair loss understands the grieving.

I’ve always had dark brown thick curly hair with a vast amount of body – I always thought too much body.  Hairdressers always were impressed about my hair. Secretly I pined for the hair I didn’t have which is silky straight blond hair. However, when I looked down and saw my hair on the floor, instead of being rooted to my head, I definitely appreciated what I was losing.  At the time, wherever I went, I dropped a trail of hair behind me. When I washed and combed my hair large amounts of hair would fall out. When I combed my hair, after only a few strokes, the brush would literally become invisible in all the hair burying it. I felt so absolutely vulnerable that I sobbed continuously. When I pulled my hair up into an elastic and its thickness was no longer what it used to be I then realized I had to act hastily.

 
My first step was to make an appointment to see my Doctor, There are several medical conditions that contribute to hair loss such as Cushings, hypothyroidism, diabetes and polycystic ovaries, etc. I had a number of tests and they all came back negative.  Although I was relieved to know I was in great health, it did nothing to alleviate my grief about the hair loss.  Now I was sure I had been cruelly blessed with the curse of baldness which runs all through my Dad’s family.  This flung me into a painful depression.

 
My next step was to peruse the internet looking for answers.  The internet was crammed with all kinds of miracle advice for hair loss and baldness. I was frightened at how single-minded I felt to try something, anything, that would stop this hair loss. Particularly attractive were all of those hair transplant advertisements offering a solid head of hair. But none of these advertisements discussed an explanation.  Why was my hair falling out so quickly?

 
I did find a sensible solution. On the internet I saw a medical clinic with a dermatologist who has special knowledge of hair conditions. I called the clinic and was advised I had to have a referral from my physician with results of tests to rule out other medical problems. Once I called my physician and the results of the tests were forwarded we made an appointment. I saw the specialist and he did a in-depth check of my scalp and my medical background. After discussing my medical history with me for a good length of time he knew the reason for my hair loss. I don’t bring to mind his name but he will always be “GOLDENDOC”

 
Previously that year I had come down with pneumonia which was very challenging to my body.  Mother Nature being what she is, made a decision my body was in need of all the nourishment available and nourishing my hair was not on her agenda.  “GOLDDOCTOR” in his defined wisdom discussed with me that the loss of my beautiful locks of hair would be over soon. True to his word my hair finished falling out after a further five or six weeks.

Then I stepped through the opposite experience. No hair fallout at all, not even the normal loss of 100-200 hairs daily.  This remainded for six months or so.  Now I have all my hair back, and I sure highly regard it.

If any female is experiencing hair loss, please try what I did. See your doctor and get the needed tests done to rule out underlying medical problems.  If these are proved negative, make an appointment with a dermatologist who is professionally known for work with hair loss.  He/she will provide information and options that allow you to make a more sensible choice.  Look for my next blog Hair loss in women; Sensible Information.