Thread: Hair Loss and Blood Tests

Maybe I can help...

I recently experienced diffuse hair loss (specifically telogen effluvium in response to anesthesia) which just had to run its course. My dermatologist ordered the following blood tests to confirm there wasn't something else going on:
Iron, Total
Thyroid basic profile
Thyroid Peroxidase AB
Ferritin
CBC (includes diff/plt)
FSH
LH
Prolactin
DHEA sulfate
Hepatitis PNL w/RFX Acute
ANA IFA Scr w/ refl titer
Rheumatoid factor
FTA-ABS
Zinc
D3
Testosterone, FR (dial) tot
Protein, Total Electro, S
HIV
Compliment, total (CH50)

I believe you should wait a minimum of 6 weeks after your last hcg injection to have the bloodwork done.

Though my test results all came back normal, my dermatologist prescribed biotin and vitamin D supplements in addition to my multivitamin and probiotic.

I would be honest with your doctor about your hcg use. Your hair loss is likely not from the hcg itself, but losing weight sometimes causes hair loss, as can other physical "trauma," stress, giving birth, diseases, etc.

Evaluate whether your hair loss is diffuse (all-over, even thinning) receding, top of head only, patchy clumps, etc. Mine was diffuse, shedding at an alarming rate for a few months. It finally stopped abnormally shedding about 3 weeks ago, which was about 5-6 months after my surgery. As is typical of telogen effluvium, it did not fall out completely and is growing back... though slowly. Also check the condition of your scalp. If it looks scaly or like a skin condition may be at play, definitely see a dermatologist.

One thing that may help you see the light at the end of the tunnel is checking for little sprouts cropping up... if you have acute telogen effluvium, your hair would have started growing back (beneath the surface) as soon as it shed. So by now, in front of a mirror and in the right light, you may be able to see some short hairs scattered about your head. You can tell new growth vs breakage by looking at the ends. New growth will be neatly tapered.

I hope this helps. Good luck!

Thank you Kar! Its been about 8 months of this constant shedding from all over. I do see sprouts popping up, so I am GLAD to see that They stick out from the top of my head when I pull my hair back. I think I will make my appointment for June to talk with the Dr Thanks again!

Good news to see sprouts!
I hope the crazy shedding stops soon.

One thing that has helped my shedding hair is using collagen. You can buy it from Amazon or another online supplement site(I have also ordered from vitacost). I prefer either the Great Lakes or Zint brands. Not only is my hair growing back quicker but my eyelashes have become longer and thicker. I put 1-2 TBS in each of my coffees but you can put it in smoothies, teas, even water. It dissolves pretty much instantly and doesn't leave an unpleasant aftertaste. Good that you are seeing little sprouts!

I deal a lot with hair loss, and experienced the hair loss after my first round.

Now when I do a round, I follow the 800-calorie protocol (Sonia Russell's book). It has more lean protein than the 500-calorie and she claims it prevents the hair loss; I've found this to be true and I lose better on the 800-calorie protocol anyway.

Supplements I take - a combo of Ferronyl iron (18mg), vitamin C (500mg) and l-Lysine (1000mg) every day, as well as Biotin 5000mcg. The iron+C+lysine has been clinically proven to restore hair in people who were iron deficient. My iron tends to get low so this has really helped grow my hair. Of course you need your iron tested before supplementing, but if your ferritin level is below 60 that can directly lead to hair loss. I also take digestive enzymes (Solaray Super-Digestaway) to break down my nutrients better so my body can absorb them.

I also get hair loss when my thyroid is off but that's another story, I would probably consider iron deficiency first.

Originally Posted by fenix

I cannot tell y'all how much this forum has helped me and want to add my experience in case it benefits someone else. I know how scary it is seeing that big clump of hair in the shower. I have to second the additional protein and collagen suggestions. About 5-6 weeks after my first 40 day round, the hair loss started. I was already on an assortment of vitamins, but added hair, skin, & nail formula, biotin, more vitamin C & Omegas, MSM, even saw palmetto. I did not notice any difference. I took vitamins during the round too, just not the oil based ones.

I started my second round about 9 weeks after ending the first. I was still having significant hair loss and was very concerned, so I continued these vitamin through that round (except the omega & saw palmetto). I did 40 days again. I was beginning to think I would go bald. The amount of hair loss did not increase during the second round, but it wasn't any better either. My hair was thinning so much, my scalp was showing. As soon as I finished the second round I added the Omegas back in and 2 Jay Robb whey protein shakes daily trying to get extra protein. These were for extra protein, not meal replacements. This seems to help some, but the hair loss continued to be a lot more than normal. My skin was also dry and suffering. In a search to help my skin, I learned about Amino Sculpt (liquid collagen) by Health Direct. I found a Sugar-Free formula and tried the Tart Cherry flavor. It is very thick, syrupy and is an acquired taste, reminiscent of childhood cough syrup, sort of. Ok, so not my favorite flavor or texture, BUT, within the first week my hair loss decreased drastically. I am starting the 3rd week of taking this supplement and my hair loss is almost at a normal level now. The first week I took it twice daily, then went to once daily right before bed. It is a little easier to swallow if you thin it with water. I also have a bottle of the sugar-free mango flavor, but haven't opened it yet.

I have no affiliation with this product/company and ordered it from amazon (best price I found). I have no idea if any collagen will work. I think for now I will continue with the Amino Sculpt because it is working and that in itself is worth the price. I would like to do 1, maybe 2 more rounds of hcg at some point. When I do, I may try another collagen supplement if there is something "safe" to take while on protocol. When on protocol I do Simeon's original. The only variation I made was the occasional Jay Robb shake as a meal replacement, maybe 3 shakes within my 40 days. When not on protocol I eat low carb as a way of life now. I lost 50lbs between my 2 rounds and have no trouble keeping it off this way. The sugar-free Amino Sculpt has not had any negative impact. FWIW, my skin is no longer dry, itchy and flaking, and my nails are growing strong.

I finished my second round 3 months ago. Maybe this would have fixed itself eventually, but it was really scaring me and I was thinking I'd never touch hcg again. I am so relieved to have found something that quickly made a difference. Also I had routine blood work during this time, all normal, including iron and thyroid levels. The skin problem I was having was on my face, probably worsened by my rosacea, and my legs. No problems with my scalp, no change in hair products.

Brief timeline: Round 1 Dec 2015-Feb 2016. Round 2 April-May 2016. Increased hair loss stared the first of March/April and continued until the first of August.

This is somhelpful, thank you for sharing! I have been losing hair since starting hCG. I have been on and off hCG now for the last year or so. I have also developed weird skin issues on my face which the dermatologist doesn't know what to do. I will definitely try the collage, thanks again!


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Originally Posted by Ginger1

One thing that has helped my shedding hair is using collagen. You can buy it from Amazon or another online supplement site(I have also ordered from vitacost). I prefer either the Great Lakes or Zint brands. Not only is my hair growing back quicker but my eyelashes have become longer and thicker. I put 1-2 TBS in each of my coffees but you can put it in smoothies, teas, even water. It dissolves pretty much instantly and doesn't leave an unpleasant aftertaste. Good that you are seeing little sprouts!

Hi Ginger! I searched Amazon for the brands you mentioned, as well as the one fenix mentioned. I just started a new round and have had issues with hair loss during/after rounds in the past, plus am already having some increased hair loss from a miscarriage in September. The Great Lakes and Zint Brands list the collegen as "gelatin", but also use the term "collagen hydrolysate" in the product title. Is this the right product? The one fenix mentioned (http://www.amazon.com/Health-AminoSc...Bcollagen&th=1) is sugar-free. Do you think it would be safe for P2? Or do you know if the brands you use are safe for P2?

Collagen and gelatin are both protein sources, so you would have to consider the protein calories if using it in P2.

Collagen hydrosylate is the form that doesn't gel when cold and is the one that will help your hair and nails faster, and is easier tolerated, but either will help. Both products can be purchased without flavors or sweeteners.

I like both brands Ginger mentioned.

Thanks Leez!