hair loss for 2.5 years

Question
QUESTION: Hi there, I have experienced hair loss for 2.5 years - it all started after I had surgery three times in six months (also lost a lot of blood during one of those instances). The loss started about three months after and was initially extreme and diffuse. I had blood tests done and my iron was very low so I started taking supplements (it is now above 70). Since then though my part has started to widen and the diffuse shedding fluctuates. My dermatologist thinks it's chronic diffuse hair loss - but the scalp biopsy was undiagnostic for female pattern (AGA) or CTE. He said sometimes you need to have three done to get a clear idea. I have been using minoxodil for three months and there is little shedding but I am still losing volume. Have prob lost 60 per cent of the volume of my hair. I am also taking a dna test for AGA and having tests done for PCOS (thyroid and testosterone levels are ok). In your view, does it sound like CTE or AGA or both? There is very little hairloss in my family except for my grandfather on my dad's side. I have seen numerous specialists (endo, derm, naturalpath, trichologists) but really need to get to the bottom of the problem as it is causing me much distress #and effecting my social life. Would you recommend spirolactane or will essential oils help in my case? (I have read your story) Or laser therapy? My hair did seem to improve somewhat for a few months last year when I put on some weight - my weight does tend to fluctuate a bit - is this a factor? Sorry for the long drawnout questions but this problem has been plaguing my life for sometime and I really need some answers. Btw - I can notice some regrowth at the parting after starting the minoxodil - but volume wise my hair is still getting thinner (with minimal shedding now) - does that make any sense? Could it be that more of my hair has entered the resting stage and therefore is dormant instead of regrowing? thanks again "



ANSWER: Hi Jay: Your condition sounds like chronic telogen effluvium that may have been originally triggered by your surgery. Any type of imbalance, disturbance or change can trigger telogen effluvium. Surgery can create a "shock" to the system. If your body has a difficult time adjusting to the disturbance the hair growth cycle may become disrupted, sending more hairs than usual to the resting stage where they will then be shed approximately 3 months later. It is possible for miniaturization (individual hairs become thinner) to occur along with chronic telogen effluvium. Having 3 separate scalp biopsies sounds a little exceesive. Scalp biopsy is often only used when scarring is suspected.

My part also widened during an episode of telogen effluvium. Now it is perfectly normal and completely filled in.

It is possible to have androgenetic alopecia along with telogen effluvium. Spirolactane is only used for aga. It can make other forms of hair loss worse.

Fluctuating weight can inhibit healthy hair growth in those who are prone to hair loss. The hair growth cycle thrives on balance. Staying physically and emotionally balanced without a lot of extreme changes can be most helpful.

Essential oils can help stimulate healthy hair growth with telogen effluvium and with androgenetic alopecia that has not fully progressed. Essential oils cannot be used at the same time as minoxodil. You can learn more about the effects of essential oils on hair growth at the link provided below. Please let me know if I can help you further.

Sincerely, Melanie Vonzabuesnig

Essential Oils for Hair Loss

http://www.vzbotanicals.com/aromatherapy%20for%20hair%20loss.html





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QUESTION: Thanks for your reply Melanie :) so how long did it take in total for your CTE to resolve? Is it possible that the miniturized follicles can recover? (sounds like it if your parting is back to normal) Also, did you experience long periods with mininal shedding but the hair still seemed to thin? (possibly due to miniturization). Is there any other way to get a clear diagnosis? sorry to load you up with questions but really want to rid myself of this problem  


Answer
Hi Jay: I started seeing results within a few months after using essential oils. I wore a wig for about 6 months. With chronic telogen effluvium it is not uncommon for new episodes to occur. That's why its so important to stay physically and emotionally balanced as any disturbance can trigger a new episode.

Increasing energy and nourishment to the follicles can help improve miniaturized follicles. The amino acid n acetyl cysteine (nac) has been used  to help increase hair shaft diameter.

Sincerely, Melanie Vonzabuesnig



Understanding Female Hair Loss

http://www.vzbotanicals.com/overcomefemalehairloss.html