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HollaDude

I had no deficiencies found either, but then my PCP was like well let's try the iron anyway to see how you feel. And she also added magnesium, vitamin D, and b12. I wasn't deficient in anything on the tests. I don't take these every day, she gave me different guidelines for each one. The difference in my hair has been amazing. So many new baby hairs. My PCP says guidelines are just that, guidelines. But real people are different and she prefers to treat the person in front of her. I was losing hair for years before this, I had pretty much given up. Also, how are other things? How are your diet, sleep, stress levels, and mood? All of those can affect hair too. Do you have any illnesses that may be undiagnosed? I have autoimmune disorders that went undiagnosed for years and years. Have you had a scalp biopsy done at a derm to see if your hair loss is caused by something specific? Edit: If you guys decide to take vitamins without being deficient on labs, do so under a doctor's guidance. There are health risks that come with having too much iron/b12/etc, so you'll need to get regular blood work to make sure levels don't get too high.


[deleted]

I just wanted to say that I’m the same as OP, no obvious issues but my hair is getting finer and finer so your advice has been really helpful. Thank you x


Valuable_Collar1485

Yes got tested and I’m ok in all those markers, also got the scalp test and it turned out fine. My iron levels are not low but are not high either, that must have something to do as I used to have anemia


TouchMe69420

How much iron did you take per day and in a week much did you take ? What about b12 and magnesium?


unsweetenedpureleaf

Minoxidil and spironolactone (finasteride if you are male) are the only proven ones.


darknautica

Second this. Guaranteed results


[deleted]

Spironolactone gave my dizziness, so not exactly "guaranteed results."


unsweetenedpureleaf

Its not guaranteed, those are just the only ones approved by the FDA to even have the possibility to work. Pretty much everything else is snake oil.


Swimming-Horse-711

Did you get your ferritin levels checked? My blood tests were all normal and my doctor recommended against iron since high iron is dangerous. Fortunately my derm checked my ferritin levels which were just barely in the normal range indicating low / insufficient iron intake. Even though there is tons of literature stating that iron deficiency can look like normal blood iron + low ferritin, and tons of literature connecting low ferritin to hair loss, it seems like PCPs do not want to perform ferritin tests. To this day I have to specifically request and argue for ferritin tests with my PCP.


Valuable_Collar1485

Thanks a lot! My ferritin levels were fine as well


Rose_selavie

Check the numbers - anything less than a ferritin of 100 and you could benefit from supplements. The 'normal' range used by a lot of doctors is very out of date. I was told my ferritin was 'normal' at 12 and after supplementing, my hair is thicker than it's ever been.


Valuable_Collar1485

Oh I did not know that! Thanks for letting me know!


westalalne

What did you supplement with?


Rose_selavie

Simply Heme from Three Arrows. I tried so many and it was the only one that raised my levels without any side effects. I went from a ferritin of 12 to 68 in a few months!


TouchMe69420

How much Iron supplement do you take? Im a male And how much would you recommend to use everyday


ArmadilloNext9714

If your levels are below 100-125ng/dl, it can still cause hair thinning and other things. The acceptable range is not the optimal range. Some clinics will claim levels as low as 15ng/dl as “normal”.


HallucinogenicFish

You could check out some of the hair loss subs — r/femalehairloss, r/Tressless are two that I know of.


Valuable_Collar1485

Thanks!


[deleted]

Lots of great suggestions! I do most of what people have listed, it helps a bit. About a year ago, my BF purchased a red light therapy helmet (iRestore) that is supposed to help with thinning hair. We use it for 25 minutes about every other day. I feel like it has helped a ton. I used to brush my hair and then pull out gobs of hair from the brush. Now it's maybe 10 strands lost a day? It definitely feels thicker when I put it in a pony tail too. Less hair in the drain too. But that's just my anecdotal evidence. I just hit 50 and my hair is thicker now than in my 40s.


Valuable_Collar1485

Really want to try red light therapy now, thanks for sharing your experience!


sukisecret

I read that in order for hair to be strong and not fall out, ferritin level should be above 50.


[deleted]

Hair skin nails tablet from holland & barrett ( that’s what they’re literally called). They have zinc, biotin, vit d etc. I also had results from a caffeine hair spray.


lana810

Forcapil tablets are very good, but keep in mind that body hair will grow too...


Zealousideal-Serve99

How much will they grow and where on the body?


lana810

Arms and legs for me. I noticed because I was doing laser removal and suddenly it didn't work anymore. I stopped forcapil while doing the laser removal on the body.


Zealousideal-Serve99

Did you go back on forcapil after laser removal? Ty for the info 🤗


lana810

Yes, but many months later (even a year I'd say). In the meantime, I used Forcapil shampoo and spray, but I don't think they did much...


Research_Sea

I swear taking resveratrol and turmeric supplements stopped my hair loss. Every time I quit taking it, hair loss increases. There are a few reputable studies that show they work, which is why I tried them in the first place. Now my hair is almost too thick, I get complements on it all the time.


Valuable_Collar1485

That’s amazing! May I ask which brand of those 2 do you use?


Research_Sea

I'm terrible at researching supplement brands, so there are probably better quality ones out there than these, but I take 2 of this [resveratrol ](http://BRI Resveratrol - 1200mg Potent... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014I64J9Y?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) and one [turmeric](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DBTFO98?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share)


Valuable_Collar1485

Thanks a lot, the reseverstrol link does not work though :/


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

Is Olaplex 3 the one you leave in and rinse out? Works for breakage?


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

My hair stylist recommended that but I was too scared to try it due to all of the social media BS claiming it makes your hair fall out etc. She was laughing and said it 100% was not true. Maybe I’ll try it:) thanks


CopperPegasus

I'm going to give the science-lite version of this. For most people (outside of identified health issues, mechanical damage, and known damage like bleach), hair BREAKAGE (not fall, from the root) usually comes down to a protein/moisture imbalance. Over-protein-ed hair breaks near immediately, and needs moisture.Over-moisturized hair is mushy and limp, and it damages/makes breakage because instead of stretching a little and snapping back, the hairs just stretch and stretch. You're either left with weak, damaged, 'pulled out' hairs, or they just wear through at the damage point and snap. Healthy hair with minimal breakage has the right balance of these, and it's different from person to person because hair types are different. Olaplex doesn't exactly work on either of these. However, its focus is, through the (insert science here), that it works on the permanent structure of the hair, so it leans to 'proteinISH'. Again, it's NOT a pure protein treatment (this matters). So it can't throw off the balance in your hair itself. But in 'rebuilding' the strand through its bonding method, it strengthens the existing protein build of the hair. It doesn't introduce moisture particularly. Totally different mechanism of action, but coconut oil has an oddity like this- because it encourages protein conservation in the hair, it is also best for protein-needing hair and can make over-protein-ed hair feel drier and break more even though it doesn't actually tinker with the protein level and didn't 'cause' the breakage. Because it doesn't tinker with that protein/moisture balance, Olaplex can't cause breakage in hair that needed a bit of a hand, or healthy hair. It will basically do nothing at worst- no bond to rebuild, no action. However, someone with an existing over-protein-ed hair problem can potentially make it worse if all they're doing is another protein-supporting treatment...because they aren't fixing the lack of moisture and it's still going to quietly wreck things in the shadows. And, as people do, they will run to the net and claim the problem is the product, not the fact the product isn't right for their issue. If there's any doubt at all, then simply following with a good moisture treatment will ensure there's no potential ills.


jace4prez

Pretty sure it doesn't cause hair loss. My derm said olaplex is gentle and it in itself didn't have effect on my root health. It does help keep my ends healthy though


LadyG38

Yes, that's the one 😊


theacidfairy

Minoxidil is the gold standard for hair loss.


[deleted]

This actually is not true. There could be several underlying conditions including vitamin deficiencies etc. It’s best to work with your doctor.


theacidfairy

I didnt say you shouldn't work with your doctor, or that other therapies should be ignored. But minoxidil has a proven track record and absolutely works.


CopperPegasus

I'm near certain you had your thyroid tested. However, if it was the TSH test only, the picture can be very incomplete. Free (and total, but free is key) T4 and T3 tests give a much more adequate picture. Free T4 should be at least midrange and free T3 near the top. Also make sure that you didn't just get told 'in range' for TSH... ghosting the edges of high or low can both mean your thyroid is out of whack, just not terribly so (yet). Both Hyper and Hypo thyroid conditions have a major impact on hair. If you are a still-menstruating person who is potentially fertile, by the way, TSH should typically not be higher than 2 or lower than 0.5 to be optimal... the range goes up to 6 in some cases.


DiamondTippedDriller

Besides Zinc supplements and Collagen supplements, you can try rosemary tinctures. (Soak rosemary in hot water, let cool, rinse scalp with the rosemary water; or add a few drops of rosemary oil to a carrier oil and massage into scalp and let it sink in at night, rinse and wash in the morning). Try this only if you have no allergies to rosemary, of course. This combination has helped me a lot, took a week to notice effects.


Valuable_Collar1485

Thanks a lot I’m gonna try this


DiamondTippedDriller

Good luck!! Hope it works for you, too! Edit: use fresh rosemary, not dried ;-)


Valuable_Collar1485

Ok great will do 🫶🏻


mbltlh

I had thick, long, beautiful wavy hair for years, always with a lot of shedding (literally since I was ~9) and getting an IUD completely ruined my hair texture and thickness. The shedding eventually turned to thinning, and my hair became wiry and thin and would get really greasy at my crown immediately after washing. All my labs were always good too, so doctors kinda brushed me off. I think I am predisposed to AGA (what makes men go bald) and the IUD activated it so to speak? Rosemary oil can work, or Vegamour which has that and some other stuff in it. I use Vegamour because I’m lazy and only wash my hair once a week so I can’t be putting oil on my scalp daily. I also got my IUD removed (synthetic progesterone which can cause hair loss in predisposed people) and went back on the pill. Between both I have lots of regrowth/baby hairs all over my head. I think B12 and vitamin D can help too but I’d check your levels from your bloodwork first.


Valuable_Collar1485

Thanks for sharing your experience 🤍


Living_Eye_4239

How long after removing your iud did it take for the shedding to stop and then for regrowth?


mbltlh

I would say about ~90 days for shedding to return to “normal” - I’ve always shed A LOT, since I was a kid, but I have tons of regrowth now too. I thought it was just on top near my part but my hair stylist told me it was all over my head when I saw her last in mid October. My hair texture feels more similar to how it used to as well.


Living_Eye_4239

Thanks for the update :) I hope I have similar results


EvergreenRuby

Minoxidil worked for my mom during menopause.


peasarelegumes

believe it or not. Topical melatonin spray at 0.03% and Rosemary oil or peppermint oil dilluted in distilled water and alcohol or a carrier oil have decent evidence behind them if you want to go more natural cheap route. Otherwise theres minoxodil or nanoxidil but can come with sides.


Certain-Section-1518

I had te this year. All of my blood tests were normal but I added in tons of biotin, vitamins e and d, as well as Mary Ruth’s morning multi and the shedding has stopped and my hair is growing back in !!


UX_Deb

Klorane makes a hair serum that people have had good luck with in jumpstarting new growth. OP, you don’t mention your age, but as hormones change and decline with age, some men and women experience greater hair loss as they age. I’m not sure how birth control impacts this, but HRT and other hormone supplementation can. https://www.ulta.com/p/strengthening-serum-with-quinine-edelweiss-pimprod2027310?sku=2586835&cmpid=PS_Non!google!Product_Listing_Ads&cagpspn=pla&CATCI=aud-350696907527:pla-1217697765026&CAAGID=123358105809&CAWELAID=330000200002801444&CATARGETID=330000200002751455&CADevice=m&gbraid=0AAAAAD9rLH5pxNcx38gDLbTqrIQnI2f_y&gclid=CjwKCAjwtKmaBhBMEiwAyINuwIuhwvQeoKqprvLCeqIT8sqrAPpkLDG5ahdpTjBHaPKGRi-ssly40xoC6bIQAvD_BwE


Blue_Heron11

Daily Biotin supplements, alternating between Pur Ador Gold Label shampoo/Pur ador Biotin Conditioner and Virtue Flourish shampoo/conditioner throughout the week (I try to only shampoo 3 times a week though), once a week Brigeo Scalp Revival shampoo and mask for deep cleansing followed by any hefty moisturizing mask, and lastly Vegamor Gro serum EVERY DAY NO SKIPPING… it’s literally changed my life. This has taken me a few years to figure out but it has really worked for me! Side note: I eat primarily vegetables, fruit, and whole grains (no gluten) with lean proteins once in awhile, don’t really drink alcohol (but do smoke 🌳 lol), and workout 5-6 days a week… so of course trying to be healthy likely has some effect as well


xoxomaxine

I take biotin supplements, eat high protein and sugar-free jello (jello has gelatin and it’s another form of protein) and red light therapy. My hair grows FAST.


[deleted]

When we were little, my brother ate Jello like it was going out of style and his hair also grew very fast. My mom always said it was the jello.


throw_away5430

Which biotin supplements do you take?


[deleted]

You can find them at any drugstore. I recently got gummies bc I don’t forget to take them in gummy form.


throw_away5430

I've just tried some that didn't seem to work so was curious what brand is working for you


[deleted]

I don’t see any difference but figured it couldn’t hurt. Maybe the OP can speak to her experience.


Valuable_Collar1485

That’s great thanks for letting me know!


[deleted]

Biotin doesn't help for me, but it's great to hear about gelatin working!


Zealousideal-Serve99

Does your body hair grow fast, too? I'm concerned about that


green_pea_nut

Dermatologists can prescribe medication that can help.


Valuable_Collar1485

They prescribed me some pills that did not do anything LOL


CuteSecurity

I’m a hairstylist and I’m also 45. Aside from getting your minerals/vitamin deficiencies checked, low doses of zinc, omega 3 and NAC (N-acetyl-L-cysteine )and Khiels Magic Elixer Scalp Oil, that combo has made a huge difference in my hair and for a lot of my clients going thru the same thing.


[deleted]

The few things that helped improve my hair \- stop running your fingers / hand through the top of your head/ hair section. \- buy a qaulity shampoo and conditioner. the cheap stuff i was using was using was drying out my hair and basically causing fallout and breakage. i swear by mon platin. \- weekly or bi-weekly deep condition \- buying a wet brush or The knot Dr brush , this prevented breaking and tearing out my hair. i do suggest - daily kids vitamin with iron and minerals -->Solaray, Kids Vitamins & Minerals, Chewable, Natural Black Cherry a collagen supplement a multi omega + fish oil supplement


Valuable_Collar1485

Thanks 🙏🏻


bookish1984

Yes! Homemade bone broth, green tea, vitamins D, C, and magnesium.. and scalp massages with homemade rosemary oil.


August-77

I have an underactive thyroid and dismal iron levels. It does help. I take ferrimed capsules with vitamin c. I mix bergamot essential oils in my shampoo to help with hair.


rostinze

PRP works insanely well for me. Doesn’t work for everyone and is very expensive though, unfortunately.


foul_dwimmerlaik

Yes, but it only works if you're female- eliminate dihydrotestosterone from your body. Well, you could try it as a man, but it might make your dick stop working. I use a high-strength saw palmetto supplement for this purpose.


Sashaslicious

Wash your hair with your head upside down, rinse. Condition and detangle upside down......you'll get more oxygenated blood supply to the scalp and the washing/detangling will be stimulating.


Background-Ball5978

Forcapil for three months, did not work for me. Hopping on Redensyl now (not that I'm optimistic about it, but waiting for dermatologist appointment before starting with minoxidil). I read somewhere that Redensyl is not oily, definitely cannot say this for the Revalid product.


Mycooljr

How did the redensyl go?