cosmogal

[Happy2girls]

I saw that you are a hairdresser and thought maybe you could offer me a few suggestions.  I am a 40 y/o female who has always had thin hair.  But now it seems I am actually going bald on top of my head.  I've kept my hair just past my shoulders so that I could pull it up in a clip (sort of the female version of the comb over) but that doesn't help all that much anymore.  I've been to two hairdressers and explained my problem and asked for a flattering haircut but they just trimmed it without offering suggestions.  One of them said that it would be a mistake to go short.  I am becoming more and more depressed about this.  I guess I am asking you what women in my situation usually do, what type of haircut is most flattering?  And is there anywhere I can go for a more professional opinion, sort of like a beauty consultation...I am willing to pay whatever the cost.  Are there any hair products that I can use to thicken my hair (I need substantial help).  Thanks for any advice you can offer.    

[Cosmogal]

Hello,
First of all have you seen a doctor to see what could be causing your hairloss? Alot of women I know it is caused by PCOS or polycystic ovarian disease syndrome. You also could have issues with your thyroid function. Here is what I suggest. Yes I think sometimes it is better to cut it shorter. You could try one of those cuts where you flip it up in the back. You could also try color. I like to deepen the color on fine hair and then add a few highlights to create depth. Also one product that I find that works well is Body Double by Sebastian. They had shampoo and conditioner and thickening products. One of the products is a serum that you apply to the hair. The stuff is amazing! If you also have PCO you may want to try Rogain for men!!! NOT for women. With PCO you usually have higher testerone levels. Also PCO symptoms are hair loss, weight gain, insulin  resistance, acne, skin darkening like around the neck, and irregular menstral cycles, etc.......... If any of that sounds like you please check it out. Good luck!
Paula

[Cosmogal]

Where do you live? Maybe I could help you find a stylist that specializes in fine hair.
Paula

[Happy2girls]

Yes, I have very heavy periods (last 9 to 12 days, very heavy for the first 3/4 days) that only became regular after the birth of my second daughter when I was 30.  I've been having palpatations and breathing issues pretty severe for the past year.  I also have about 30 pounds that doesn't want to come off even when I was at the gym 5 days a week for 90 minutes.  I was underweight until I hit 22.  I've fallen off the exercise wagon but intend to jump back on as soon as the girls are back in school.  Anyway, I've had quite a bit of testing because of the heart troubles and nothing has shown up.  I did get a high T4 reading but I was on birth control at the time and when the free T4 was tested I was in normal range.  When I see my dermatologist in October I will ask her opinion about my hair.  Truth be told I never thought to mention it my doctor because I was more concerned with my heart and didn't want to bombard him with things that seemed unrelated and I've always had thin hair but this past year it has gotten really bad.  In the end my doc said I have anxiety, I've reluctantly come to accept that is my probelm.  

I live in the Phila, PA area.  Thank you so much for your help.  There are so many other problems to be concerned with in the world today and I feel guilty that I am so distressed over my hair.  

[Cosmogal]

Unfortunately sometimes we neglect to mention things to our doctors because we do feel they are unrelated but the truth be told they are. Now you say you have heart palpitations and breathing issues. I did with PCO too. I think it could be related. Hormones are funny things. I would see an endocrinologist. They would be able to pinpoint and run the right tests. That is what finally happened to me. Your hair can tell you so much about your hair so don't be thinking that it is trivial cause it is not. It is a signal usual in women that something is not right, usually its not a heditary factor. I knew of a client that had heart issues where she had an extra heart beat and caused her to lose excessive amounts of hair. But with her she lost weight too causing malnutrition and she lost a lot of hair. Thanks God the had alot to start with. Look up in the internet at soulcysters.com and see if any more of the symptoms relate to you. In fact alot of women who have this can't get pregnant or have a hard time. I got this disease after my pregnancy and had 2 more after. My hair is thin but I have taken really good care of it and have been able to maintain what I have. I used Nioxin for many years and now I maintain it and use only the best hair care products. Good luck to you! Please let me know how you do.
Paula

[Happy2girls]

Thanks for the suggestions and advice.  I ran right out and bought the products you suggested and I'm very excited to try them.  I will be seeing my gyn and dermatologist in the next couple of months and I will mention all my symptoms to them.  My GP is an internist who I like very much.  He spends a lot of time with me and has no problem ordering tests.  But I am concerned about being seen as the little girl who cried wolf, if you know what I mean.  I am hopeful that exercise will help too.  I will do some internet searches as you suggested.  

I wanted to ask you about your breathing issues.  It's not that I am gasping for air and there is no pain.  It's more like my throat feels tight, like there is something constricitng my airflow, whether I breathe through my nose or mouth it's the same.  I am always clearing my throat but I can't get anything up.  Is that what you experienced?  

[Cosmogal]

Sounds like you have reflux! I had that too. Alot of women get a hiatel hernia after having children. I had one and that is what caused my reflux. Its annoying I know. You can take over the counter meds for that. Ask your doctor.  Never be concerned about crying wolf cause that is what they are there for. You say you have a great GP so I see no problem. Its always nice to find a good one.
I am so glad you are going to try those products. I really like them. They are not cheap so be careful not to use too much. A little goes a long way. Did you get the thickening treatment package? I love that the most. If you did one of those little vials can be used twice. Anyway, try them and let me know if you like it.
Paula

[Happy2girls]

Funny thing you mention reflux.  After ordering tests to rule out heart troubles my GP sent me for an upper GI.  He was certain that I had reflux, he even gave me some samples of Prilosec (I believe) to try.   But the test came back negative for reflux or hernia.  I realize anxiety can be causing my symptoms even though I don't feel particularly anxious, I am a born worry wart though.  I would like him to explore the hormonal angle though, I feel like maybe I could be perimenopausal.  

I did buy the treatment serum.  I will let you know how all goes.  Are results immediate or do they take time?

Again, thank you so much for all of your help.  Have a great day.  

[Cosmogal]

Hey I still think it could be reflux. My son had relux and it never showed on an upper GI. They really only can tell if that flap opens and closes properly. Try the meds and if they work then you have your answer without having to go through having an EGD. Anyway your results with the serum should be immediate. First you put treatment #1 on and comb through and then you put on the serum and come that through. Then you can use thier mouse or gel. Blow dry for best results. The more you use it the better.
Paula

[Happy2girls]

I used the products today and they worked fantastic!!!!  I wasn't expecting miracles and I still am bald (lol) but it looks 100 times better and I am very , very pleased.  I wonder why my hairdressers never mentioned this product.  I am so grateful for your advice.  

I think I'll give the samples the doctor gave me a try.  My understanding is reflux can cause palps too.  They did tell me after my upper GI that it I could stlll have reflux but it wasn't showing up on the x-ray.  

Thank you again for all of your help.

[Cosmogal]

You are so welcome! I am so glad the products work well for you. I love them! I am a big fan of them for fine hair. I have some ladies I keep the serums on hand for. Let me know when you try the samples if you have any luck. Best wishes to you!
Paula