Archives for 2009

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

A short time ago I went through this emotionally devastating experience where I started to lose my hair. To some this might sound and vain, although any women who has gone through a large degree of hair loss can relate to the grieving.

I’ve always had dark brown colored thick curly hair with a significant amount of body – I always thought too much body.  Hair Stylists always spoke highly about my hair. Secretly I wanted the hair I didn’t have which is silky manageable blond hair. However, when I looked about and saw chunks of my hair on the floor, instead of being attached to my head, I definitely appreciated what I was losing.  At the time, wherever I went, I dropped a trail of hair in my path. When I washed and combed my hair large bunches of hair would drop out. When I brushed my hair, after a minimal amount of strokes, the brush would literally disappear in all the hair on it. I felt so helpless that I sobbed all the time. When I pulled my hair up into an elastic and its thickness was a fraction of what it used to be I then figured out I had to take some drastic measures.

 
My first step was to consult with my Doctor, There are many medical maladies that cause hair loss such as Cushings, hypothyroidism, diabetes and polycystic ovaries, etc. I agreed to an assortment of tests and they all came back negative.  Although I was pleased to know I was in perfect health, it did nothing to settle my nervousness about the hair loss.  Now I was sure I had befallen the curse of baldness which runs all through my Father’s family.  This delivered me into a heavier depression.

 
My next move was to search the internet looking for information.  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 prevent this hair loss. Particularly interesting were all of those hair transplant clinics offering a solid head of hair. But none of these ads discussed an explanation.  Why was my hair falling out so dramatically?

 
I did find a rational solution. By way of the internet I found a medical clinic with a dermatologist who has special knowledge of hair conditions. I contacted the clinic and was advised I had to have a referral from my doctor with results of tests to disclaim other medical problems. Once I contacted my doctor and the outcome of the tests were forwarded we booked an appointment. I saw the specialist and he did a in-depth check of my head and my medical history. After discussing my medical history with me for 30 minutes he knew the cause of my hair loss. I don’t bring to mind his name but he will forever be “GOLDENDOC”

 
Previously that year I had suffered with pneumonia which was very challenging to my body.  Mother Nature being what she is, determined my body required all the nourishment possible and nourishing my hair was not on her agenda.  “GOLDENDOC” in his infinite wisdom told me that the deterioration of my beloved locks of hair would be short-lived. True to his word my hair ceased falling out after a further five or six weeks.

Then I travelled through the opposite experience. No hair fallout at all, not even the usual loss of 100-200 hairs daily.  This lasted for six months or so.  Now I am happy to have all my hair back, and I sure value it.

If any lady is experiencing hair loss, please experiment with what I did. See your physician and request the required tests done to eliminate underlying medical conditions.  If these turn out negative, find a dermatologist who is professionally known for work with hair loss.  He/she will give information and solutions that allow you to make a better choice.  Look for my next blog Hair loss in women; Sensible Information.