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What Causes Severe Hair Loss And Rapid Weight Gain In An Elderly Woman?
Question: Hello,
I am a 59 year old female. I have been experiencing significant hairloss (not balding), as well as weight gain.
I have had lots of blood work done and I have high cholesterol and my thyroid is normal. I can not tolerate cholesterol medication. I am not on any medication. I have tried everything the doctor has suggested.
I have been reading a lot about hormones and would like to see a specialist to discuss this further. What kind of a doctor should I be looking for?
Thank you.
I am a 59 year old female. I have been experiencing significant hairloss (not balding), as well as weight gain.
I have had lots of blood work done and I have high cholesterol and my thyroid is normal. I can not tolerate cholesterol medication. I am not on any medication. I have tried everything the doctor has suggested.
I have been reading a lot about hormones and would like to see a specialist to discuss this further. What kind of a doctor should I be looking for?
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Endocrinologist
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.
An endocrinologist is who you would want to see.
Hair loss and weight gain are commonly associated with thyroid hormone imbalances and reproductive hormone imbalances
Deficiencies in trace minerals (like zinc, magnesium, iron) can also cause hair loss as do external factors such as dry scalp, harsh chemicals, dandruff, ultraviolet radiation from too much sun exposure and certain Medications.
- Have you had any recent diet/lifestyle modifications?
-Have you attained menopause?
-are you on any medications?
-is the additional weight mainly on your abdomen or generalized?
-any swelling of feet, ankles (water retention)
-any medical conditions or medications?
I recommend
- a consult with an endocrinologist and a gynecologist (to check for ovarian cysts and reproductive hormone imbalances).
-use gentle/mild shampoos and use cool water on scalp (avoid hot/warm water for hair)
-air dry (avoid blow dry).
- massage scalp with oil and leave on for a half hour before washing off.
-Have balanced, nutritious diet.
-avoid sugar, carbonated drinks.
Hope this helps.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Wish you good health.
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad
Endocrinologist
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.
An endocrinologist is who you would want to see.
Hair loss and weight gain are commonly associated with thyroid hormone imbalances and reproductive hormone imbalances
Deficiencies in trace minerals (like zinc, magnesium, iron) can also cause hair loss as do external factors such as dry scalp, harsh chemicals, dandruff, ultraviolet radiation from too much sun exposure and certain Medications.
- Have you had any recent diet/lifestyle modifications?
-Have you attained menopause?
-are you on any medications?
-is the additional weight mainly on your abdomen or generalized?
-any swelling of feet, ankles (water retention)
-any medical conditions or medications?
I recommend
- a consult with an endocrinologist and a gynecologist (to check for ovarian cysts and reproductive hormone imbalances).
-use gentle/mild shampoos and use cool water on scalp (avoid hot/warm water for hair)
-air dry (avoid blow dry).
- massage scalp with oil and leave on for a half hour before washing off.
-Have balanced, nutritious diet.
-avoid sugar, carbonated drinks.
Hope this helps.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Wish you good health.
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
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