Distressed that I may have female balding so been away from LHC

[xoxophelia]

(PICTURES ON SECOND PAGE)

The hair on the sides of my head is significantly thinner than other parts of my head and I didn't realize the severity until I lifted up the hair to look and it isn't so severe everybody would notice as the hair on the crown covers over it but if you were looking you definitely would. Basically a majority of my head has thick hair. The sides I would say is about a i.

The hair in this area also only grows to about shoulder length or a little longer. And it looks sort of... puffy and frazzled (it was this way even when I had virgin hair)? I don't think it is only breakage because it looks thinner even at the scalp. It might contribute possibly.

The reason I am asking is because if anybody knows if this is medical or simply genetic. At least since I was 16 I had noticed some length difference in this area. I have medical issues lately so I don't really want to go to the doctor for this specifically unless it is a symptom of the larger issue.

Or could there be any other causes? I think it makes my hair look slightly more like a mullet O.o

[Purdy Bear]

Sorry you're having to go through this. Your hair tinning in this way could be caused by a few things.

Traction baldness, when one wears to tight a pony tail or up do ( hold backs where you gather the hair from the sides can do this if worn too tightly). It does sound more like this, then others listed below but Im no Dr

Genetic Alopecia (its too early for me to remember the right name)

Hormonal Alopecia

Thyroid or Anaemia problems


I would go to the Drs and get them to check it if your really concerned, if it is Hormonal there is a lot that can do to help. Its very important you catch it early if it is any form of Alopecia, as the treatment works better.

I have Alopecia Areata (which starts in inch round circles round the scalp) which progressed to Alopecia Univarlis (total body hair loss). I had 90% hair loss for about 6 years, however since being on the LHC board since this Spring, I have got new hair growth in patches on my scalp.

There are a lot of things you can do:

Better nutrition (lots of Biotin rich foods, vitamin C, Vitamin A) (Iv done this one major league)
More exercise to help circulation
Less tight updos
Aromatherapy has been shown to have good results with Alopecia and baldness
Massage (I did this one and it works to relax the scalp and encourage growth)
Hypnotheraphy (I did self hypnosis as Id been taught by a qualified practicioner)
Meditation ( I did this one)
Visualisation (I did this one as well)
Hot water compresses (I did this one, and it works)
Loving your hair no matter worked for me as well.
MSM
DE
Monistat Vaginal Cream (in the Uk its called Daktarin).
Rose Water

There is lots of information on the forum on other things, which I cant recall at the moment. I hope your scalp and hair is sorted out really quickly.

Lots of Hugs
Purdy

[xoxophelia]

Thanks for the help Purdy Bear :)

I have looked into Alopecia and some of the symptoms I definitely do not have but what threw me off is that I do not have bald spots but on the sides of my head I can see through to my scalp. The size of the part is also much larger. It is not to the point of being severe perhaps what is most noticable is that the hair doesn't grow very long.

I don't wear any tight updos or even many updos for that matter.

There is definitely something going on with me but I just don't know if this is related. And if it doesn't continue to get worse, even though it is noticable, I can live with it.

I will try the first few suggestions (the vitamins, more working out, massage) first and see if that helps. I just start to feel silly going to the doctor with problems :/

[EvaSimone]

I agree with purdybear anemia and thyroid issues could cause this. Also the hair around the nape of my neck and sides is very much like the hair you describe. It's frizzy and fragile, thin and doesn't grow too far past my shoulders. I always just thought it was a normal variation of nature.

I hope you get this figured out! :flower:

[xoxophelia]

I agree with purdybear anemia and thyroid issues could cause this. Also the hair around the nape of my neck and sides is very much like the hair you describe. It's frizzy and fragile, thin and doesn't grow too far past my shoulders. I always just thought it was a normal variation of nature.

I hope you get this figured out! :flower:

The hair goes from the hairline up to slightly higher above my temples so it is possible it is just genetic. If other people here have it I would be inclined to think that :)

[EvaSimone]

I will try and take a pic of my hair where it's all delicate and frizzy today and post it for you. My hair doesn't go all the way up to my temples, more like the middle of my ear.

[freckles]

xoxophelia, sorry you're going through this and I hope you find some answers. :blossom:

[Sunny_side_up]

sorry to hear this:grouphug: Best arrange a trip to your Dr. You havn't changed your hair routine or eating differently? Hope it gets resolved:)

[FrannyG]

I really think that you need to get a complete panel thyroid test, and get your blood checked for iron.

I hope you can get to the bottom of this, and I'm so sorry that you're going through this. :grouphug: It could also be something temporary.

I had a single instance of localized alopecia when I was 19 or 20. The hair grew back and it's never happened again.

It was after a time of great stress. Only you know if you've been stressed, so I won't pry.

A visit to the doctor's won't hurt and may end up making you feel a lot better.

I hope you find your answers, and soon. :blossom:

[lemonmelon]

I'm sorry you're going through this!

It may also be caused by hormonal imbalance. I used to be on a hormonal pill for acne (a testosterone based pill) and after about 6 months of use my doctor noticed my hair was thinning around my hairline (by the temples). After I stopped using that pill, the thinning stopped. It still hasn't grown back as thick as it was but at least it's stopped.

Along with thyroid tests, let your doctor know what medications you're on (even birth control), hair thinning may be a side effect that you were not aware of.

Good luck:blossom:

[xoxophelia]

I took some pictures so you guys see the exact severity of what I am talking about:

This is the area of my head I am talking about on both sides
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=4575&pictureid=73959

Here I show you ALL the hair I have in this area (some of it is not as long as what extends to my hand) My head is tilted down.. it ends a few inches below my shoulders

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=4575&pictureid=73958

Examples of my scalp:

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=4575&pictureid=73957

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=4575&pictureid=73956

So now perhaps you guys can give me a better idea if this is in the realm of normal and just a genetic hair pattern or if it is a concern?

[xoxophelia]

Sunny: I have had it to a degree for awhile now. I do feel like it is getting worse because the sides of my head feel sort of "bare". I have been perhaps eating more if that would change it?

I'm getting tired of these illness problems :S
I guess I need to get thyroid, hormones, and iron test?

[jivete]

I have very thin hair on the sides of my head, from my ears to the crown. I've always had it but when I first joined here, I became a little more aware and started worrying about hair thinning. If you haven't noticed an increase in shedding, it may just be the way your hair grows.

I was going to post a picture of my hair, but the files are huge and resizing them on photobucket isn't helping. I had a thread about it at one time, I'll look it up and post the link here.

[Drynwhyl]

From the pics, I'd say this is pretty normal. My hair is like that too. It's just how it grows. It's more visible when my hair is greasy and tied back, or when my light roots grow out.
I may be wrong, but I think you shouldn't worry. My hair has been like this for as long as I can remember. ;)

[Kristina713]

Don't worry! My hair is just like that. I have a lot of "baby hair" on the sides that just doesn't grow past a couple of inches. And even the longer hair on the sides is much finer than the hair on the top and back. The coarser, thicker hair on the top of my head falls over the sides and I just don't worry about it. Nobody else would ever notice. My hair has always been like this. My sister's is like it too. I also have fine "baby hairs" all around my hairline.

Unless you've seen a sudden change in your hair, I don't think that you need any medical tests. There are a lot of different hair types and textures. I think part of being happy is accepting the body we were given.

Hope this helps.

[heidihug]

Doesn't look at all out of the norm, so I wouldn't worry about it. My hair is thinning (hereditary, my mom had the same problem) and it is more noticable on the top of my head and at my temples. Those of us with darker hair definitely have more of a problem with "hair cleavage", or show-through scalp, than others, and this can make fine or thin hair more noticeable.

Now, if you start losing hair at an alarming rate, then I would definitely talk to a doctor about it.

[Peter]

I think it's normal. Unless your shedding has increased noticeably, I think your hair is just thinner on the sides.

Also, how's that metal band going?

[Gumball]

If it's abnormal for you given your hair history then I'd look into it. Hopefully you'd be able to find a root cause!

As for me that section of hair on both sides has always been short, most of the hair being easily less than 10 inches long, some more like 2-4. The woes of my curly hair. I think it didn't know if it was scalp hair or facial hair, so the terminal length was much shorter. With curly hair it sure as heck makes me look frizzier all the time which may not have me look as smooth as if I tried to use products to force it down some! Perma-halo!

[xoxophelia]

Somebody asked me if I have been under stress and I have been physically under stress due to the medical problems I have been having lately. I've always had shorter hair there but only recently had it become so thin with empty spots. I think it is quite possible like you guys have said just "normal" but made worse by the stress of what is going on. The area is also expanding.

And lol to the perma-halo :D

I have the opposite.. when I pull my hair straight back I get two curls that stick straight up like devil's horns. Product only makes it worse xD

Peter: I am still writing music as being sick has put a slight hold on things for me. I like the direction it is going thus far though :)

[jeanniet]

I would talk to your doctor, especially if there are other things going on with you. Hypothyroidism can have some odd and subtle symptoms other than the ones typically listed. My son was diagnosed hypothyroid just before he turned 14, and we didn't have a clue. The test just happened to be included in a panel we did to check his vaccine immunities. He was a little tired, but his main symptoms were muscle aches and a twitching eyelid. If you're concerned, you don't need to feel uncertain about consulting a doctor.

[xoxophelia]

Twitching eyelid? O.o

I have had a twitching eyelid for a few hours every day. Haha.

Doubt it is related but I guess I should ask about the thyroid just to make sure.

[jera]

Are your periods heavy? I've had major sheds due to iron deficiency anemia. Also if you've been stressed out over health issues, that could exacerbate hair issues. Your hair doesn't look bad in the photos you posted, but only you know your hair best.

Have you considered self hypnosis? The deep relaxation of the self imposed hypnotic state can bring about positive physiological changes in the body, not to mention reducing stress.

Hugs. I hope you'll find a solution to this. Please keep us posted. :)

[ll]

my hair thinned in a way that looks like yours-- it happened during a long period of extremely high stress. certainly visit the doctor to be checked for anemia and hypothyroid, nevertheless. i've gotten some good re-growth using nightblooming's triple moon hair oil and ayurvedic hair oil (with amla, bhringraj, and brahmi). HTH :)

[ll]

oh, and it looks like you've got some re-growth along your hairline in the photos! :)

[xoxophelia]

Actually it isn't regrowth. I always have those short hairs around the hairline. But since joining LHC they have become less stubborn and curly which is a blessing.

I think it could be stress. I think you guys would have to actually see my hair or feel the difference but there is definitely one be it normal or not.

I'm going to specialists for the medical issues I have been having and will see if they are testing those issues as well and if not inquire about it. They should know if it is needed or not.

When I was vegetarian two years ago my hair became very noticably thinner (I am shocked when I look at the old photos) so it really could be just diet or stress.

I'll go about the plan I already had with the doctors and try some of the tips here. Perhaps even with the thinning on my scalp LHC tips will lessen the scraggliness.

Question: How do you do head massage?

[Domino]

Hmmm I don't have a specific answer for you but looking at your images reminded me how my mum always says that my hair is thinning when she applies henna to my roots. The sides definitely have a lot less hair then the top or crown. I've been afraid of hair loss too (I have PCOS) but I don't shed excessively and don't notice bald-ish spot so...well, I just wanted to say that I sympathize :o

[jeanniet]

Twitching eyelid? O.o

I have had a twitching eyelid for a few hours every day. Haha.

Doubt it is related but I guess I should ask about the thyroid just to make sure.
Lol, yes, that was the main symptom. If his thyroid levels get too high, he gets Reynaud's symptoms--blanching of fingers and toes, which means they turn dead white. It looks really weird. I don't know how common twitching is as a symptom, though. I mostly just wanted to note that sometimes those little nagging things really do mean something!

[xoxophelia]

Lol, yes, that was the main symptom. If his thyroid levels get too high, he gets Reynaud's symptoms--blanching of fingers and toes, which means they turn dead white. It looks really weird. I don't know how common twitching is as a symptom, though. I mostly just wanted to note that sometimes those little nagging things really do mean something!

I am pretty sure that for me twitching eyelid is related to migraine type stuff. I get random twitches from it sometimes but is nothing I'm concerned about. It was just pretty funny you mentioned it :o

[jackiesjottings]

Oh no- poor you :(( I agree with everyone else, get your Dr. to check you over.

The hair on my temples is a lot thinner and also doesn't grow as long but I think it has always been like that.