I noticed about a month ago that I seemed to be losing an awful lot of hair in the shower.  I have really thick hair so I wasn't too concerned,  though.  Now I am noticing my hair everywhere.  I mean, really large amounts and it's beginning to concern me.

I asked my stylist about it and she asked me about any meds that I've been on in the past six months.  I mentioned Decadron.  She seems to think that it is what's causing my issue.  This doesn't quite make sense to me since I haven't taken it since the end of Dec. 

I guess I am being a bit vain but I really am getting worried.  My hair is noticeably thinner.  If I keep losing it at this rate I will be bald soon.  Any thoughts on the matter ?

Thanks,

Jeannie

I went through that about 10 years back myself.  There is a natural thinning of the hair as we age, men and women both.  At what age that begins is more of a genetic thing.

If you are really concerned, see the doctor, as they will have you collect hair to do a count to see if it's higher than what would be normal under your circumstances.

Thanks, Pegg.  It's comforting to know that someone else has gone through this and still has hair!   Maybe it is just another joy of turning 40. 

Jeannie

Hmmm...interesting. I know I've lost a lot of body hair, especially on my legs, over the last 15 years or so. Not so much on my head.

I'd do just like Pegg suggests - talk to your GP or OB/GYN about it. Be ready to tell him or her about all the meds you've been on.

I have an aunt who suffers from alopecia universalis. She lost every strand of hair on her body in the 8th grade (including nose hair and eyelashes) and has been completely bald ever since. That's a genetic condition, and I'm pretty sure it would have affected you by now if it was in play.

And if worse comes to worst, it works for Sinead O'Connor.

Brew wrote on Apr 13^th, 2010 at 10:02am:

And if worse comes to worst, it works for Sinead O'Connor.

Yes it does...   She also wears batteries in her ears!

Hormone changes, certain meds, and some medical conditions can lead to hair loss.  If it is a noticable change, I would check with your gp.  My mom lost a considrable amount of hair due to the thyroid issues she had. 

If you believe all the online testimonials, some shampoos are the cause of hair loss.  Change shampoo and see if you notice a difference. 

Brew wrote on Apr 13^th, 2010 at 10:02am:

Hmmm...interesting. I know I've lost a lot of body hair, especially on my legs, over the last 15 years or so. Not so much on my head. I'd do just like Pegg suggests - talk to your GP or OB/GYN about it. Be ready to tell him or her about all the meds you've been on. I have an aunt who suffers from alopecia universalis. She lost every strand of hair on her body in the 8th grade (including nose hair and eyelashes) and has been completely bald ever since. That's a genetic condition, and I'm pretty sure it would have affected you by now if it was in play. And if worse comes to worst, it works for Sinead O'Connor.

I've noticed though that men's ear hair, eyebrows and nose hair starts to grow out of control when they age...( tee hee)

Balding men can always fall back on this excuse: "Testosterone is used for two things, and my body has chosen not to use its supply growing hair - if you get my drift."

I've never heard/read anything about hair loss being a side effect for steroids.

I guess it is possible especially that you've been on it for such a long period of time.

It is an immunosuppressent which could effect the health of your folicles.

I'm not a dr. nor a stylist though I am stylin' and do have killer hair.

MWAH

E-Double wrote on Apr 13^th, 2010 at 1:11pm:

I'm not a dr. nor a stylist though I am stylin' and do have killer hair.

The most stylin' of which are those ass-kicking sideburns.

Jeannie, it may be the start of menopause, too (oh-freakin-joy, right?).

You OB/GYN can order a blood test to determine where you are in the natural menopausal process. Talk to your mom and her sisters if possible, and find out when they started menopause - it's good to know these things.

I remember when I was pregnant I had the BEST hair - thick, shiney, wonderful!!   . . . until about a month after I gave birth and all that glorious-progesterone-caused-hair-growth started falling out in clumps. Now I'm back to baby-fine-straight-as-pins-graying-hair.

I had to have a hysterectomy at 32 years of age so it is very possible that I am having some hormone issues.  I got to keep one ovary.  Maybe she's tired of having to do it all and is giving up!   

Jeannie

Things are looking up Brew. I guess you don't have to shave your legs so often  :o

Several of the anti-convulsants I've taken over the years cause a little hair loss. I was happy that it seemed to have eased up but alas it's just that most of my hair is the same color as the tub now.. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGESTART PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Charlie

I'd be tickled pink if it was the hair on my legs that I was losing!

Jeannie wrote on Apr 13^th, 2010 at 9:58pm:

I'd be tickled pink if it was the hair on my legs that I was losing!

Hate to tell you this but what you lose on your legs moves to your chin . . . .

Mosaicwench wrote on Apr 14^th, 2010 at 8:01am:

Jeannie wrote on Apr 13th, 2010 at 9:58pm: I'd be tickled pink if it was the hair on my legs that I was losing! Hate to tell you this but what you lose on your legs moves to your chin . . . .

I'm Italian.  I already know...   :-/