HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Had Blood Trnsfusion, Started Loosing Hair. Using Rogain And Biotin. Suggest?

default
Posted on Sun, 6 Oct 2013
Question: I had a 4 day hospital stay in May for massive blood loss,ended up with several blood transfusions. Around the second half of July I sarted losing massive amount of hair and is still going on,I am freaking out about this,my hair is and looks much thinner (I am 58 years old). My family doctor is telling me it's because of my hospital stay and soon it should stop (still waiting for that to happen),she also advised meto start using Rogain 5% and take 5 mg of Biotin,I've been doing that for 4 weeks now. I was wondering if you can share your thoughts on that. My thyroid is normal. Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (43 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
this is called telogen effluvium

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Hair loss, especially as a female can be distressing.

There are different causes of hair loss. One cause is termed telogen effluvium.

This is a form of hair loss characterised by the absence of scarring on the scalp and diffuse hair shedding.
It is a reactive process caused by hormonal or metabolic stress to the body, medication.This really refers to any physical stress on the body especially if severe as in your case.
The most common causes are as follows: (1) an acute illness such as severe infection, febrile illness, major surgery, severe trauma. This would apply to you

(2)long term illness such a lupus, liver or kidney disease, cancer

(3)hormonal changes such as pregnancy and delivery, stopping estrogen replacement, abnormal thyroid hormone

(4)side effect of some medications

(5)crash diets

Recovery occurs on its own and can take at least 6 months.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (21 minutes later)
Thank you Dr. Gibson for your answer. Is there anything I can do or take to reduce the shedding or speed up the process? And will I recover all of my hair later?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
it will regrow spontaneously

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Sorry about the late reply

There is no specific treatment for this condition. It repairs itself on its own once the stress event is resolved.
You will regain all of your hair, it will just take a few more months.

Please feel free to ask any thing else
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Had Blood Trnsfusion, Started Loosing Hair. Using Rogain And Biotin. Suggest?

Brief Answer:
this is called telogen effluvium

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Hair loss, especially as a female can be distressing.

There are different causes of hair loss. One cause is termed telogen effluvium.

This is a form of hair loss characterised by the absence of scarring on the scalp and diffuse hair shedding.
It is a reactive process caused by hormonal or metabolic stress to the body, medication.This really refers to any physical stress on the body especially if severe as in your case.
The most common causes are as follows: (1) an acute illness such as severe infection, febrile illness, major surgery, severe trauma. This would apply to you

(2)long term illness such a lupus, liver or kidney disease, cancer

(3)hormonal changes such as pregnancy and delivery, stopping estrogen replacement, abnormal thyroid hormone

(4)side effect of some medications

(5)crash diets

Recovery occurs on its own and can take at least 6 months.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions