What can I do to stop hair shedding?

[Guest Posts]

I am 64 year old sri Lankan woman (south Asian )
Am a type two insulin dependent diabetic take 500mg metformin two tablets twice a day gilcazide 80g again two tablents twice a day simstatin once a day 32 mls of lantas insulin in the morning
I used to have thick hair now it hardly covers the scalp I stopped colouring grey hairs with artificial colouring
What can I do to stop hair shedding?
I don’t smoke or drink alcohol
I eat lots of vegetables and fruits drink herbal tea no sugar and tap water no fizzy or sugary drinks
Also take exercise
Apart from taking medications for diabetes I never worry about it. I laugh a lot and have good friends not too much stress
I'm 5 4” and 70 kgs in weight - on the overweight category
I am a widow and spend a care free life I work full time

Please let me know what I can do to help myself.

Thank you, Muriel

[Dr Anton Alexandroff]

Dear Muriel,

I am very sorry to hear about your hair loss. Hair shedding is very common I am afraid. Common causes of hair shedding are low iron (ferritin below 70 mcg/L), abnormal thyroid function, stress, crush diets, new medications (within 6 months before hair shedding started), illnesses, contraceptive pills, pregnancy. Sometimes there is no cause found. I think a good start would be ask your GP to do your ferritin and thyroid blood tests.

I hope this is helpful.
With Best Wishes,

Dr Anton Alexandroff FRCP(UK) PhD CCT(Derm) FRSM FAAD
Consultant Dermatologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer
The British Skin Foundation Spokesperson
London, Cambridge, Leicester and Bedford

http://www.alexandroff.org.uk
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