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Suggest Treatment For Severe Thinning Of Hair

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Posted on Wed, 22 Jul 2015
Question: I am in my middle 70's and my hair is thin and getting thinner. I did have chemo in 2006 for breast cancer and my hair started to come in after I finished chemo then all of a sudden stopped and since then it just keeps getting thinner and now I hate to even look in the mirror. A few months ago, one of my doctors prescribed pre-natal vitamins for me and said to take them for about 6 months which I have been doing but it seems like it is getting worse...have been taking these vitamins for about 4 months now. I now question if I should keep taking them or if there is something else I can take to help my hair come back...or at my age, maybe this is impossible. Any ideas?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vasudha (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Change of attitude,/lifestyle & needful treatment with expert care..

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for the query under HCM forum.
I have read your query carefully, & understand your concern.
* In old age hair loss is greater than growth, The length of newly hair growth also diminishes. This is physiological due to hormonal, constitutional decline causing other signs of aging too.( So the answer to hair loss at this age is to prevent further loss by needful medication/ good hair care.)
In your case, the process was hastened due to chemotherapy, but it is known that once the therapy is stopped, new hair growth starts within 3 to 10 months.You had it years back, so chemotherapy can not be blamed for your hair problem at present.
* There are number of Causes & their treatments for hair loss ranging from ---different hair oils, protein hair treatment, treating some systemic conditions which favor hair fall ( thyroid problem), skin infection of scalp,medications causing hair fall as a side effect. Medicines for depression/ arthritis/high blood pressure, heart problems,cancer - these need to be revised by your doctor's advise/ managed by local hair care) .. to hair transplant.
- A skin specialist's advise is needful for investigations & the specific treatment for you.

* Hair care-
- Using gentle /natural hair products . Avoid using harsh chemicals.
- Use combing rather than brushing hairs.( gently, regularly)
- wash hairs at least once a week, Avoid hair drier, let the hairs air
dry.handle hairs very delicately. Oil massage done gently before
head bath,
- Include Wall nuts Omega 3 fatty acid), spinach( iron,,Halibut
( magnesium), carrots ( Vitamin A), Yogurt( Vitamin B5, D), eggs
( proteins )in your diet. If it's not possible to eat you can continue
with the multivitamin pills you are already having.--
- Avoid stress ( physical/ psychological ) practice meditation for
maintaining psychological XXXXXXX
-To do regular mild exercises ( walking/ yoga )
* Apart from this , I feel what matters is to understand age wise changes in body. Though thin/ grey hairs do cause hindrance in personality/ presentation... The growing age also offers a tinge of maturity, experience & offers respect from society.
* So my suggestion to you is-
_ consult a skin specialist to find possible medical condition & it's treatment. / change of medications already in use.
- Accept the change ,at the same time have some lifestyle changes to
favor hair growth. Try to maintain hairs that are left by hair care.
- If you are too much for normal hairs .. give a try to hair wigs
- Move with society with enthusiasm & confidence.
- Try to help people in whatever way you can. Have good friend circle.
- Go for natural means for hair care rather than harsh chemical cosmetics.
* I am sure with natural hair care measures and changed psychology & lifestyle you will overcome your present worry & lead a haooy & meaningful life.
I hope, the answer has provided sufficient information to guide your way out of the problem. Any follow up query is welcome.
If you are satisfied, Please grade the answer before you close the query
Thanks.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vasudha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1970

Answered : 10399 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Thinning Of Hair

Brief Answer: Change of attitude,/lifestyle & needful treatment with expert care.. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Thanks for the query under HCM forum. I have read your query carefully, & understand your concern. * In old age hair loss is greater than growth, The length of newly hair growth also diminishes. This is physiological due to hormonal, constitutional decline causing other signs of aging too.( So the answer to hair loss at this age is to prevent further loss by needful medication/ good hair care.) In your case, the process was hastened due to chemotherapy, but it is known that once the therapy is stopped, new hair growth starts within 3 to 10 months.You had it years back, so chemotherapy can not be blamed for your hair problem at present. * There are number of Causes & their treatments for hair loss ranging from ---different hair oils, protein hair treatment, treating some systemic conditions which favor hair fall ( thyroid problem), skin infection of scalp,medications causing hair fall as a side effect. Medicines for depression/ arthritis/high blood pressure, heart problems,cancer - these need to be revised by your doctor's advise/ managed by local hair care) .. to hair transplant. - A skin specialist's advise is needful for investigations & the specific treatment for you. * Hair care- - Using gentle /natural hair products . Avoid using harsh chemicals. - Use combing rather than brushing hairs.( gently, regularly) - wash hairs at least once a week, Avoid hair drier, let the hairs air dry.handle hairs very delicately. Oil massage done gently before head bath, - Include Wall nuts Omega 3 fatty acid), spinach( iron,,Halibut ( magnesium), carrots ( Vitamin A), Yogurt( Vitamin B5, D), eggs ( proteins )in your diet. If it's not possible to eat you can continue with the multivitamin pills you are already having.-- - Avoid stress ( physical/ psychological ) practice meditation for maintaining psychological XXXXXXX -To do regular mild exercises ( walking/ yoga ) * Apart from this , I feel what matters is to understand age wise changes in body. Though thin/ grey hairs do cause hindrance in personality/ presentation... The growing age also offers a tinge of maturity, experience & offers respect from society. * So my suggestion to you is- _ consult a skin specialist to find possible medical condition & it's treatment. / change of medications already in use. - Accept the change ,at the same time have some lifestyle changes to favor hair growth. Try to maintain hairs that are left by hair care. - If you are too much for normal hairs .. give a try to hair wigs - Move with society with enthusiasm & confidence. - Try to help people in whatever way you can. Have good friend circle. - Go for natural means for hair care rather than harsh chemical cosmetics. * I am sure with natural hair care measures and changed psychology & lifestyle you will overcome your present worry & lead a haooy & meaningful life. I hope, the answer has provided sufficient information to guide your way out of the problem. Any follow up query is welcome. If you are satisfied, Please grade the answer before you close the query Thanks.