My hair is thinning and I don’t know why?

Note: Please do not take this post as actual medical advice. I am simply sharing my experience which I hope will help others. If you are concerned about your hair health, please go see your doctor.

My hair has been thinning gradually for the past ten years. It’s had its ups and downs, I have tried hiding it with extensions until finally when I turned 29, I decided I would try and treat the cause – not the symptoms.

You see so many miracle treatments available whether they be pills, shampoo and conditioner or oils, promising better hair in a week that so many celebrities have endorsed. They are really tempting to buy and try but at the end of the day, it should be down to your diet and lifestyle.

I went to at least three doctors (GPs) and let them know my concerns. All of them had different ideas as to what it could be. I was tested for the following:

• Gluten intolerance
• Thyroid disorders hyperthyroidism (overactive) and hypothyroidism (underactive)
• Iron deficiency 

The only result that came back positive was iron deficiency. Apparently my body was so lacking in iron that I was almost anemic (which explains the easy bruising too). 

I started on iron supplements soon after that, making sure I followed the advice of the doctor and pharmacist and took them with food at least three hours after caffeine to make sure they digested properly (the best time for me was at lunch). In combination with the supplements, I started cardio as well. I believe the extra circulation of blood in my body (specifically my scalp) really helped too.

Even after one month of being on these supplements, I could see a difference in my hair. The roots were thicker and stronger. It has been just over a year now, and although the entire length of my hair still isn’t 100% back to normal, you can definitely still see a difference between what it is now and what it was. I still take supplements while it continues to grow better. I figure that seeing as I have neglected it for so long, it will probably take that amount of time or probably more to get back to its former glory.

Iron deficiency for women is very common amongst those who are of childbearing age. We lose a lot more blood in our menstrual cycle than we think we do, and especially if you have had children, you lose a lot more.

Not only that, certain things in our diet interfere with the absorption of the iron we do eat (from meat and plants). Coffee and soft drinks, for example, are two drinks that hinder this. So the next time you think you’re being healthy by having a sandwich and a diet coke from Subway, think again. Those drinks will hinder your iron absorption from whatever is on the sandwich. Opt for a water or orange juice instead. Studies have said that vitamin C is great for assisting with the absorbtion of iron.

In the meantime, if your hair is like mine (frizzy in some parts with thinner strands), I recommend using Argon oil to protect it from everyday elements like air conditioning and the sun.

I now look at recent photos of me and think “wow, that’s my hair! No hair extensions or anything. It’s not perfect, but it’s a whole lot better than it was, and it will get better with time if I keep up this treatment plan.