Help - Horrific Hair Loss

[hairlosshelp]

I am a 40 year old female who is experiencing major hair loss.  I have been having some hair loss over the last couple of years, but in the past few weeks it is coming out in handfuls, especially during washing, combing, styling, etc. I have always had fine, thin hair, but no hair loss like this.  I usually end up with tons of hair in the shower and in the sink during styling.  I have previously had my thyroid and hormone levels checked, and they were all within the normal range.  I have been on Toprol XL (beta-blocker) for eight months for mitral valve prolapse, and was wondering if that could be the cause.  Also, in addition to the shedding, my scalp feels hot to the touch (weird) and quite itchy - especially at night and there seems to be some dandruff (or little white specks) on my scalp and in my hair.  I have never had itchy scalp or dandruff before that I can even remember.  Also, there is no hereditary hair loss in my family.  My family doc has referred me to a local dermatologist, but have yet to make an appointment - our insurance isn't the greatest. Any ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated.  Also, any assurance that I'm not going bald would be great :)

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

When hair loss is rapid and dramatic, it's usually caused by some shock to the system that took place 2-4 months before the onset of the hair loss.  Shocks can include childbirth, high fever, sudden weight loss, etc.  The condition is termed telogen effluvium, because more than the usual number of hairs are in the telogen (resting)phase.  This is a reflection of temporarily disordered body rhythm.  Over a few month period, the condition subsides and the hair grows back.  Don't be afraid to wash your hair--the hairs that come out easily are finished growing and will come out sooner or later anyway.

Check with the doctor, but you should be fine.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[thepurselady]

OMG im in the same boat.  Can you email me at ***@**** if you read this?  Thanks so much