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[GeordieGirl]

Hi,
My very thick hair has thinned a lot over the last 6 months. I had a very stressful time at work in August and had attributed it to that, I've since found out that I'm actually post menopausal but didn't realise as I'd had the Mirena coil in (Although I've rarely been affected by my hormones in the past and never experienced PMT so it may also be that I didn't have many symptoms).

Anyway, I want to try and do what I can to save and protect my long locks and have been looking at various treatments online. I'd already heard of Regaine with Minoxidil (apparently you can also buy Minoxodil unbranded for cheaper), I've also just come across a product that treats you from the inside out with a mix of vitamins - Viviscal. It's apparently been recommended by a few celebrities too.

Has anyone tried either of the above, or any other topical products? Any success?  I've read the reviews but always have a healthy dose of cynicism for these things, although I see that both are stocked in the High Street so hopefully that adds to their credibility.

I'm not on HRT although seriously close to trying it, I'm not sure whether that would make matters better or worse, or does that depend on the mix of hormones given (I would need progesterone too as I have all my bits).

Any advice or feedback would be welcome....rather than 'get a hat' 

GG x

[CLKD]

So far my hair has remained where it should be but some ladies here have noticed thinning or drying ….. I'm sure they will be along or you could use the 'search' facility ……….

[dahliagirl]

Not had this (at least not the head hair  ) but a friend of mine had it and said that it can be low iron.

[Kittyjay]

Hi - I have used plantur 39 shampoo for 4 months and it seems to keep my hair in better shape. Definitely notice much less lost hair on my hairbrush after washing!

[GeordieGirl]

I've heard about iron too and have started taking iron tablets. I also had a lot of stress last year (an employee nearly sunk my business) so it could be attached to that too, the timing fits.  Because my hair was so thick beforehand, it's actually more 'normal' and manageable now and takes half the time to style, but I just want to ensure it stops where it is - I really don't suit hats!

Like all these things on the internet there's an awful lot of information and recommendations, let's see which work. I'll try the Plantur shampoo too Kitty, every contribution helps x

[Mrs January]

Hey there

I had my lovely hair thinning around two years ago, it did stop at a point and all is fine now and healthy.

I hope someone comes along with more reassurance for you too.

Mrs January xx

[GeordieGirl]

Thanks Mrs Jan.  Are you taking HRT?  Was the thinning before or after?

Having read a few other posts on here I realise that the thinning has happened 'down there' too. I had thought that was due to constant epilation but it's a lot more sparse everywhere now. Not necessarily a bad thing, let's just hope the 1970's fluffy muffs don't come back into fashion 

GG x

[tiger74]

http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,23889.msg363662.html#msg363662

Hi GeordieGirl,

Sending you my sympathies.  This is the very subject which first brought me to this forum about a year ago so above is the link to the thread which I started then - it might be of interest to you.

As regards Minoxidil - I've heard that it can work although not tried it myself.  Main thing that puts me off is that my trichologist said that once one stops using it the hair density reverts to where it would have been anyway, i.e. no better than when one started using it and possibly worse.  So unless one is prepared to use it ad infinitum it seems that it may only give a temporary reprieve.  Personally as it essentially a hormonal preparation I wouldn't be prepared to use it for many years.   

Wishing you all the best.

[GeordieGirl]

Thanks Tiger. I've thought about Minoxidil but am going to try the Viviscal first - they're offering a 3 month money back offer and it would be good to treat this from inside out if possible. At least there are a few other options if that doesn't work.

I have had hair thinning before due to stress (about 20 years ago) so suspect there's been a few things going on in my body that haven't helped my mane.  I've also started taking iron tablets as that could be a contributor too.

Here's hoping I can report back positively in a few months,
GG x

[Suzyq]

I take folic acid daily as I'm on a medication that can cause hair loss (luckily for me haven't had any although I wouldn't have minded a little loss as my hair is very thick too - think Monica in the Caribbean...) anyways having read about folic acid it is known to promote hair growth and prevent male pattern baldness! It's also cheap and easy to buy at a chemist, so may be worth considering

[GeordieGirl]

Thanks Suzy, I'll add that one to my list too 

[Winterose]

GG - let us know how you get on and if things improve,