Hair Thining or Loss of Hair at the Age of 22

Updated on October 30, 2008
D.A. asks from Guymon, OK
43 answers

after giving birth to my son i gained 20lbs and have had a lot of trouble getting back to normal weight, so i started gettin into a diet and exercise and lost 30 lbs, you would say i should be happy right?
well i am dont get me wrong the only thing is that along with those lbs i've also lost a lot of hair to the point where you can see my scalp a lot, i dont know if its balding but i have never seen anyone my age with hair loss that severe or if its due to my weigh loss. if anybody has or has had this problem please help me, i need some advice on what to do or how to cope with it. thank you very much.

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K.E.

answers from Dallas on

It may be due to lack of nutrition. You really and truly should go to the doctor about this situation.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.H.

answers from Dallas on

It's not the weight loss (but great job on losing it!) After the birth of my middle child who is now 21 yrs old, I tried everything. My hair came out in clumps on top, my many doctors kept telling me it was all harmones. Well I live w/less hair on top now & nothing I did helped. I did start using a hair treatment that grew back some of it but not enough (for the money) to even see a difference after 1 1/2 yrs. I wish you luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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C.S.

answers from Dallas on

You should make an appoitment with a dermatologist. It could be a number of things, but seeing a specialist will help rule out many things.

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A.S.

answers from Dallas on

The same thing happened to me at 26! It could be too much DHT (di-something testosterone) the same that causes men's hair to thin out on top. If that is the cause, you can take Saw Palmetto to fight against the DHT. If that isn't the cause, the Saw Palmetto won't hurt you in any way, it just won't help either. But you have to take it consisitently for at least a month before you can tell if its working. It actually did work for me. Good luck!
Actually, I had my thyroid checked and it was within the "normal range" at that time. Several years later, my thyroid was low enough to meet the dr's limits of HypoThyroidism. I didn't realize it was related to my earlier hair loss until I just read everyone's responses to you. But the Saw Palmetto did help...its the same vitamin recommended to men to prevent Prostrate problems caused by too much DHT.

2 moms found this helpful
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A.M.

answers from Wichita Falls on

You should probably see the doctor, it could be your thyroid or something else, Your dr. will need to do some blood work to give you a for sure diagnosis, also, if you took diet pills to lose weight that could be part of it and also if you lost the weight quickly that could be a reason too. Good luck with your search for answers.
A.

2 moms found this helpful
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M.A.

answers from Dallas on

Please try - wal-mart brand - equate - hair regrowth treatment.
I had hair loss about 5 years ago and i am in my fifties, it is cheaper than rogain and you get 3 months supply for about $20.00, and it works. You could see my shiny head and i started putting it on twice a day as directed. You have to do it every day, i started seeing new hair in about 2 weeks, you also have to watch that you don't put to much on your forehead, because you will get growth there.
I am so glad that i found this treatment when i needed it, i now have alot more hair on the top of my head. You need to know that my family already has thin hair on top of our heads, it runs in our family, men and women. So you can see why i needed this treatment it was a god send and i hope that it works for you.
Good luck,
M. a.

2 moms found this helpful
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K.P.

answers from Dallas on

D.,

Rinse or wash your hair in vinegar (white or apple cider). I used both at different times. Vinegar is a neutralizer and will stop the shedding. Then you can wash once more in another shampoo. Purchase the Nioxin line and use it for as long as necessary on a regular basis.

This happened to me a few months after giving birth.

Good luck.

2 moms found this helpful
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S.K.

answers from Dallas on

You need to be sure you are eating enough calories. I have known some people who have gone on drastic diets and it has resulted in hair loss. Check with your doctor, but I think anything less than 1200 calories a day can be harmful. If that isn't the case, I would definitely get your thyroid checked.

2 moms found this helpful
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M.P.

answers from Dallas on

Have your doctor give you the test to see how your thyroid is functioning. My hair loss was ignored and passed of to stress. When I moved and looked for a new doc, the choice to see a female gyno. may have been the saving of my hair. One of the tests was to check my thyroid, turns out I was not producing enough. One of the symptoms of low thyroid is hair loss. I take a tiny pill every morning, which I will forever. Further, your diet needs to include enough of the building block nutrients necessary for good hair and skin. Good Luck. Hope it's that easy for you too.

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L.B.

answers from Dallas on

If it has been over a year since a medical check-up with your doctor now might be a good time to get in. Hair loss and losing weight could be symptoms that should be checked out. It could be just not getting enough of something your hair needed while dieting, slow thyroid, or your hormones still adjusting after having your child. A doctor and if everything checks out a dermatoligist may be able to help.

1 mom found this helpful
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P.F.

answers from Dallas on

Hi and Congrats on the new baby! I actually went through the same thing - 2 times! I believe I was told it was due to hormone fluctuations after pregnancy and that it should grow back. It did but not as it was. After the 2nd baby they did more testing but it took quite a few years before I was diagnosed with a thyroid deficiency. I'd ask the doctor for some bloodwork to check it. There are MANY changes we go through in the child bearing years. Although you might should get some thorough bloodwork done to rule out things and I have heard that rapid weight loss can cause bone, hair and muscle loss.....depends on what you did ...if you took any of those weight loss products it could have caused it also. Go to the doctors and good luck!

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M.

answers from Dallas on

D.,

Congrats on the weight loss! As for the hair, I would go see a doc. The first thing that comes to mind with you having been on a diet and losing weight, etc is that you are malnourished in terms of certain vit and minerals...that is usually the first place that it shows up is in the health of the hair. The other thing that it could be also is a hormone typt thing...maybe a thyroid thing? Check with a doc though...good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.G.

answers from Dallas on

Hi, D.. Great job on the weight loss. You'll keep the weight off chasing around a toddler.
I have a booklet with 5 testimonials about regenerating hair growth using natural supplements. Even if your thyroid is deficient, it sometimes can be turned around before drugs are needed.
The supplements are inexpensive in comparison to medical treatments.
I'll send a Healthy Woman booklet to anyone that e mails me at ____@____.com
Good Luck!
S.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.B.

answers from Dallas on

About 6 months after the birth of my son I started losing a lot of hair. I also gained weight months after his birth, not knowing why. I was breastfeeding, but thought that the natural hair loss that accompanies the birth of a baby should have started sooner. It turns out that it was my thyroid! Weight gain and hair loss are symptoms of hypo-thyroidism which affects many mothers after the birth of their child. My friend and I are both on the same dosage of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), about the same amount of time after the births of our first! Definitely look into that. It is a simple blood test in your doctor's office. God bless you and enjoy that 1-year old. My son is almost one and I'm expecting #2 in April!

1 mom found this helpful
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P.M.

answers from Dallas on

If you have cut out all fat on your diet this might be the cause. A woman I worked with had the same problem. She put some good fats back in her diet and her hair came back. It was a good thing too, she had such long beautiful hair.

Take Care!

1 mom found this helpful
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B.F.

answers from Dallas on

I had the same thing, though not weight or pregnancy related. I started a new birth control and after 6 months on it, my hair was falling out in handfuls too. It has stopped now, but still very thin.

1) Get some of the hair and look at the root. Are there tiny little, white, 'rice-looking' teardrop bits on the root? If so, your hair follicle is coming out with the hair you need to take urgent action. This happens when the pore for the hair follicle closes up into 'hibernation'. If it is not 'woken-up' soon, it will die forever. This is why some men can regrow hair and others cannot. Time is of the essence.

2) Is your scalp oilier than normal? If so, you can take Spironolactone for that, and it did help me.

3) Go to a nice, reputable hair salon (or online) and buy Nioxin products, especially the oral vitamins. This is they very BEST thing you can do. And I would do it now!

- My number 1 and number 2 advice were both according to the Dermatologist that I saw about my hair loss.
Good Luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.D.

answers from Dallas on

I'm 27 and had my daughter almost 2 years ago and my hair did/does the same thing. I was told it was from hormones but I'm still losing it. I have to clean out the tub after I shower because of all the hair that is in the drain. I was told to take prenatal vitamins from the store to help with it

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H.S.

answers from Dallas on

Your body is lacking protein, your appendages hair, skin and nails derive from protein , if you deny your body of this with diet this is what happens.. add vitimins and you should be fine. Be patient it takes a while for new hair to fill in / grow... Hairstylist of 35 yrs and I have seen lots of your issue .... Good Luck

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J.M.

answers from Tyler on

Your hair loss could be hormonal- common postpartum or due to low calorie diet.

Some people have success using Bitoin supplement or Brudock Root rinse.

One other thing is low thyroid could be in play so google low thyroid symptoms and if you check off many of them, seek medical advice.
www.stopthethyroidmadness.com

Hope this helps,
J.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.R.

answers from Dallas on

I've heard that just the pregnancy hormones can make you loose your hair...but lack of nutrition can also be a factor. Did you treat your body well while you where dieting? Were you also nursing and having those nutrients sucked out of your body as well.

I think you should go to your Dr. and let them know what's going on and get some blood work done. Checking your iron, sugars, thyroid, etc.

1 mom found this helpful
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T.M.

answers from Dallas on

I agree with seeing the doc to rule out thyriod or other serious problems but I had the same thing at your age. It was just super stress from back to back pregnancies, and moving, and lots or drama. I also lost some weight pretty fast due to diet and some exercise. I went to a dermatologist who told me to use mens rogaine (over the counter) for alopishia(sp?). I used it a few months and my hair grew back. Now, you can't tell I ever had a huge bald spot.:)

1 mom found this helpful
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K.T.

answers from Dallas on

I also had serious hair loss after having my daughter. My doctor put me on adrenal supplements....and now my hair is coming back and almost normal.
Having a baby depletes your adrenals...find some supplements for support....

1 mom found this helpful
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H.S.

answers from Dallas on

D.~
Congrats on your baby boy! This type of symptom is actually pretty common, unfortunately! I see this very often in my office. You should definitely seek the advice of a Dr - that will approach the issue with an open mind - meaning, drugs aren't the 'end-all' solution! You most definitely should have a comprehensive blood chemistry panel done, especially including a thyroid panel - ESPECIALLY including Antibodies! There are many possible conditions that can result in hair loss/thinning; however, pregnancy can trigger specific conditions...for example, Hashimoto's, which is an autoimmune condition where the thyroid isn't the problem but it is the victim of the true source of the problem - definitely seek out a dr. that will listen to you and request the APPROPRIATE testing! If you have any questions, I'd love to help you out. Many women have had great results with this type of symptom: it could be something small with a simple solution/tweak in diet or it could be a more serious issue that needs to be addrdessed VERY soon! But don't freak out... let's talk about the possibilities!
Dr. H. S.

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B.W.

answers from Dallas on

I had the same problem at 24. I went to the dr. and it was an underactive thyroid. After 30 days on medication, I lost 20 pounds and soon after that my hair started to grow back. Get your thyroid checked, you will feel so much better.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.K.

answers from Dallas on

I would have a blood panel done and check your hormones.

1 mom found this helpful

M.A.

answers from Dallas on

Hey D.!

I have a botanically based skin care, health and wellness company.

We have 2 products that would benefit you.

First, we have a natural hormone balancing cream. This will help get your hormones back to normal.

Second, we have a serum to help grow and thicken your hair.

I have before and after pics if you'd like to see them, please just send me your email address.

Please let me know if you'd like more information and or have any questions.

Take care and God bless!

M.

1 mom found this helpful

P.W.

answers from Dallas on

D.,
Okay, I agree with everybody else that you should see a doc to see if this is a chemical thing. Another thing that may help is a Scalp Treament. It certainly could not hurt. Follow this link:
http://www.shaklee.net/healinghappens/product/81306

1 mom found this helpful
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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

Have your thyriod (and antibodies) checked - that's what mine turned out to be after pregnancy. I also had alot of hair loss. All of my friends said 'oh that's from prenancy, prenancy/delivery hormones, lots of hair loss can be expected' etc. Well, actually - I had a LOT of hair loss & the doctor agreed from the amount of hair regrowth that I needed blood work. Thank goodness... Oh, and I have my beautiful hair back! Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.F.

answers from Dallas on

hi D.,
with both of my kids i lost hair all throughout the first year of their life. my 2nd will be one this week and i have all these short wispies growing back along the top of my forehead. my scalp is also visible where my hair thinned out. also when i brush my hair w/ a wide tooth comb after a shower i'm still losing a lot. i think as long as you notice some growth back pretty soon they you're ok. our hormones take a long time to get back to normal.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.S.

answers from Dallas on

Definitely go to your Ob and get tests done. PCOS can make that happen among other things.

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J.C.

answers from Dallas on

You should probably have your thyroid checked if you haven't done that lately. If it is underactive, it will cause weight gain and hair loss.

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D.W.

answers from Dallas on

Did you recently stop breastfeeding. When you stop breastfeeding you can lose hair. It will grow back.

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A.S.

answers from Dallas on

i also think you should have your thyroid checked. i have thyroiditis and hypothyroid and have the same problem. the doc will probably order a tsh test. a comprehensive blood test will include a tsh, t4, t4 and antibodies. good luck. my hair still falls out a lot, but it's not so much that it's "thin".

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A.K.

answers from Philadelphia on

Sweetie, it's hormones from having the baby! It will start to grow back soon. Keep taking your prenatals, and you should be fine.

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D.M.

answers from Dallas on

hair vitamins
you can just take one a day regardless of what the bottle says, works great

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S.K.

answers from Dallas on

D., I have been a hair stylist for almost 20 years and have lots of clients with this problem. Yes diet can be alot of it especially if you are nursing at the same time you are loosing all the weight. When you decrease your nutritional intake your hair can thin, a common problem for patients of Lap band etc. It can also be a result of anestecia. The hair gene is past down on the mothers side of the family so look at moms dad, brothers etc. There are somethings you can do, feel free to contact me if you want more info.

Hope to hear from you soon, S.

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R.H.

answers from Dallas on

two things, check with your ob/gyn to check on your hormones. Also have your thyroid checked.

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T.S.

answers from Dallas on

I am not sure if your hair is thinning because of the diet however, after giving birth to my daughter I lost a lot of hair as well. So I think it is more of getting out the hormones from being pregnant. I have had several friends that lost there hair as well. But you should ask your Doctor about it. I wouldn't be so certain that it is also from your diet. You must be really careful with diets. Good Luck!!

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S.K.

answers from Lubbock on

Have a doctor check your thyroid. This could cause the kind of hair loss you are expeiencing.

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C.G.

answers from Dallas on

Call Gloria Gray ###-###-####

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R.T.

answers from Dallas on

I agree, see a doc. There could be any number of things causing this. some have already been sited, thyroid, malnutrition... etc.
Other things could be lack of protein in your diet, PCOS (Poly-cystic ovarian syndrome) among other things.
Your best bet here is to see your doc to rule things out.

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B.S.

answers from Dallas on

Get your thyroid checked!

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R.C.

answers from Dallas on

I know a woman this happened to over 20 years ago. She lost all of the hair around her head and only had hair left on top. She solved the problem simply by taking vitamins and supplements! I'm not sure what exactly she did, but she loves to tell her story, so if you'd like to talk to her, reply back and I'll give you her name and number.

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