seasonal hair loss

[imported_stephania]

Hello ladies. I was wondering if anyone out there shares the same problem.
I live in NYC and every spring/summer I go through the same problem. My hair starts shedding in mid May and contiues falling out for the next 2 - 3 months.
This has been on and off for the past 10 years. I have been to so many doctors and none can confirm the theory of seasonal hair loss. I wonder if
it's something in the springtime/summer air in the city. I thought at first it was
a reaction to heat and/or strong sun. I wear a hat every time I'm outside.
Not only is it devastating to see so much hair falling, it is frustrating that no
doctor can help. My diet, exercise and stress levels are normal. My blood tests (hormones, thyroid, ect.) are normal. I've been using Rogaine for the past few years.
Any feedback from anyone ????

[AFemaleProdigy]

I do not know of any documentation about this, but my personal opinion is that it is theoretically possible. Most other animals with hair go through seasonal changes which cause shedding and/or color changing of hair. Why should we be different? I think it would be highly possible that most people just don't notice any changes because it's not as severe.

Are you on any medications? Particularly birth control or anything that manipulates hormones? Some medications and birth control is known to cause hair loss too.

You might consider taking vitamin suppliments and using less harsh shampoos if you aren't already doing that. Keeping your hair shorter, avoid chlorine or hair dye, and keeping it conditioned and clean will help as well. Oh... and let's not forget the stress will make your hair fall out.

[imported_stephania]

Thx for the reply. Maybe I should check into the amount of chlorine in NYC water, which could be higher in the spring/summer. Thanks again

[AFemaleProdigy]

You are welcome!

[imported_miss ruth]

I experience hair loss, thinning all around my hair line and crown of my head during the winter season. It begins November and lasts until March/April... I live on the east coast, right at the north/south border... It is absolutely awful and really stabs at my satisfaction with my appearance. One year, my dermatologist applied hair hormone injections to the affected areas and the hair loss was dramatically reduced. I really don't know if it was the injections, I was expecting and taking prenatal vitamins as well. My plan for this year is to see a nutritionist. I want my vaitamins/mineral/metallic levels measured to see differences between spring/summer when my hair grows like crazy and fall/winter when I have the hair loss. For those of us who experience this, it's very frustrating. And yes, it's understandable that animals loose hair, and we are all creations roaming the earth, but I'm also sure there's some internal answer... we just gotta get it and once we do share so others can benefit...

[AFemaleProdigy]

I experience hair loss, thinning all around my hair line and crown of my head during the winter season. It begins November and lasts until March/April... I live on the east coast, right at the north/south border... It is absolutely awful and really stabs at my satisfaction with my appearance. One year, my dermatologist applied hair hormone injections to the affected areas and the hair loss was dramatically reduced. I really don't know if it was the injections, I was expecting and taking prenatal vitamins as well. My plan for this year is to see a nutritionist. I want my vaitamins/mineral/metallic levels measured to see differences between spring/summer when my hair grows like crazy and fall/winter when I have the hair loss. For those of us who experience this, it's very frustrating. And yes, it's understandable that animals loose hair, and we are all creations roaming the earth, but I'm also sure there's some internal answer... we just gotta get it and once we do share so others can benefit...

Did the hormone injections cause new hair growth or just prevent hair loss?

[imported_Katjuschka]

Hello Stephania and anyone else suffering from this miserable problem!

Just wanted to let you know that I have experienced exactly the same symptoms for the last 7 years and I can really empathise.
I am based in Edinburgh although for the last 6 years Ilve lived in London.
This year the hair loss seems to be worse than ever and I'm at a total loss what to do.
Like you my hair 'falls-' well is more of a moult actually :-((- between June and November to such an extent that as I have long hair, I can never wear it down as it just falls all over everything. The days when I wash it are horrendous with hair in the plughole, clumps in the towel and loads when i comb through it. In fact on the days I don't wash it I don;t brush it at all and try to forget all about it...It seems to happen when its hot-and this is why l'm wondering whether the worsening is due to the fact that we've all had such a terirbly hot summer this year. Has your been worse this year than previous ones? I have seen countless doctors (who all tell me to go on the Pill which I just don't want to do) and nutritionalists and have had countless tests. I am slightly hormonal and have very heavy periods but thryoid etc seem to be OK and I eat quite well. Stress levels of course are at an all time high! I was wondering whether you are especially sensitive to the heat? I get very hot very easily and can't abide it- yes even here in Edinburgh!- I'm also blonde with very fine hair so I don't now whether that makes any difference or is similar to you or anyone else reading this. What I do know is that it can be absolutely devastating for your self-esteem- some days I just don't want to face the outside world and everyone around me seesm to have long healthy looking locks- it is so depressing.
I do wish you much success with finding some sort of cure for this. If you want to chat about this please do email!
All best wishes
Katjuschka :-))

[imported_neria]

Hi everyone!
Im also experiencing hair loss terribly, as in hair falls everwhere. I thought at first this is normal, but when I see myself in the mirror with my hair thinning.. I just got so worried.. I really cant afford to get bald. I love having a long hair.

[imported_Robin Deaver]

Hello ladies, I was surfing the net for articles on hair loss and came to this forum. I am 49 years of age, soon to be 50 in a couple weeks, and have been experiencing hair loss over the last 5 years. It has become noticeably thinner...so much so that you can see right through the top of my head.

I also have noticed a seasonal pattern. I lose my hair between Aug/Sept. through January/February. Funny, this is the same period that my hot flashes re-appear. Do you suppose there is a connection? I have consulted a dermatologist who said that my hair loss is hereditary and recommended rogaine. There must be another explanation. My mother and/or father have not experienced the significant hair loss that I have had at mid-life. Further my scalp almost feels sore/sensitive (like a sunburn) and occasionally small sores or cuts appear in the areas that I have been losing my hair. Has anyone experienced this symptom and if so what did you learn?

[imported_Katjuschka]

Hello there Robin and anyone else reading and relating to this....

So sorry I haven't responded to your posting for so long. In the meantime I have had my long hair cropped and have been trying not to think about it!

In answer to your question- personally I think it has a great deal to do with heat so it makes sense that this coincides with hot flashes. I was told by a trichologist that mine was hormonal and I should try and stay as cool as possible- that the sweat (yuk- sorry!) on my head was killing off the hair prematurely (I also do quite a bit of sport). I have been recommended the traditional Ayurvedic approach to diet- cooling foods etc- and it certainly seems to make sense and help a little. I have to say that I have not experienced cuts on my head but certainly lots of strange bumps which can feel quite tender...

I do hope this helps in some way!
All best wishes
Katjuschka