Natural Treatments for Hair Loss in Women

| Modified on Nov 13, 2024
The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Red Light Therapy
Posted by Jon (Wa) on 11/12/2024
★★★★★

Red Light Hat is very helpful therapy. It is basically a red-light cap that you wear that helps with hair growth. of course, this is good to start; right away, when you notice hair loss, the red light is at 650nm. It assists the hair follicles and scalp, and it stimulates hair growth. This, along with supplements collagen and biotin, has proven to be very helpful


Borax, Diatomaceous Earth
Posted by Tarin (Owensboro KY) on 06/05/2024

How much DE you recommend? My daughter has alopecia areata, Hashimoto's and Down syndrome. I want her body healed. We went gluten, sugar, and dairy free but it hasn't helped. Thank you kindly.


Amla, Ashwaganda
Posted by ShrimpusMinniemus (KY) on 05/09/2024

Hollyhock, you are correct. I second your statement!


Amla, Ashwaganda
Posted by Hollyhock (America ) on 02/13/2024

Xylitol is poison to pets. So I wouldn't use it. My sister's dog died after eating a piece of a cookie she made with xylitol.


Amla, Ashwaganda
Posted by Vicky (New South Wales) on 02/13/2024

Use Xylitol----- Tastes like sugar but is GOOD for you and for teeth as well. Speaking to all people here: I can't believe people EVER thought that white CHEMICAL powders (sweeteners) could ever be better for you than sugar. Sugar is bad yes- but at least its natural...NOTHING is as bad as pure chemicals. People are having seizures because of these chemical sweeteners and pilots aren't ALLOWED to use them because their planes are expensive and they don't want pilots crashing them when they have a seizure! It's a known thing! Now we find that these sweeteners are making peoples hair fall out? Geez people- The point is to stay AWAY from chemicals, not use them to replace natural products which we are told is fattening. Don't you know that EVERY "non-fat" "low-fat" "sugar-free" thing you eat, puts ON weight? Also cri--s--co is the most weight gaining worse poison you could put in your body...and every restaurant uses it amnd almost every home SMH. I'll tell you something you may not know but FAT...makes you THIN. Yep. The right kind of healthy fats like avocado, nuts and coconut oil have c--ured diabetes and made people lose weight. Also know that we are flooded with omega 6's... Omega 6's turn ON the fat gene and omega 3's turn the fat making gene off. We NEED omega 6's but certainly not in the ratio thaty we're getting them... Whatever 'They' want you eating, they put in everything--- (because they are in the SICKNE$$ business" not the health industry).


Chinese Red Dates and Honey
Posted by Vicky (New South Wales) on 02/13/2024

Braggs apple cider vinegar (with the mother) ;)


Iodine
Posted by Vicky (New South Wales) on 02/13/2024

Scroll up. If you can't re-find your own post to scroll up, or his...go to the beginning and type in hair loss and then scroll down through every post til you find it.


Anti-Fungal Treatment
Posted by Vicky (New South Wales) on 02/13/2024

Colloidal silver water. I bought a silver generator and make my own (with distilled water only) When it comes to any kind of fungus---- silver water. Borax (20 mule team borax) apparently also kills fungus.


Avoid Retinoid Skin Products
Posted by Jacqueline (El Paso Texas ) on 10/20/2023

Would sure appreciate if you would share your recipes, especially recipe or recipes for reversal of grey hair.


Collagen
Posted by Derek (USA) on 08/01/2023

What brand of collagen are you taking? My wife is looking to get some for her hair. Not really sure which kind to get since there are different types.


Borax, Diatomaceous Earth
Posted by Sabata (Spotsylvania ) on 08/15/2022
★★★★★

You are not drinking enough DE for your body. I'll bet you haven't drunk DE long enough to see improvements or even enough DE.

Let me give you an example. Although I don't have fibro I suffer from body pain immensely without DE and Boron. Not sure what so have as I do not trust Dr's and haven't been to. Dr's in over 20 years. Nonetheless, I have to take at least 8-10 tablespoons of DE and waited for a few weeks and my pain was almost gone, about 90% of it. Then when I added boron and reaching to about 1 teaspoon daily the rest of my body pain was gone in literally a couple of days. After 8 months I noticed my hair was growing something I have been suffering from for r over 10 years, I almost went bald as a female 😞 but thank the Lord for DE my hair is now back to about 95% when I added boron my head started to itch the feeling of needles poking my head which is hair growing all at one time. I still have inflammation problems and know it will go away within time.

Everyone is different and requires large dosage to even start to address deficiencies in their bodies.

Now I know you have fibro and need to take a much larger dosage to even begin to feel a relief. You haven't given DE enough time and or taking enough of it to address you body issues. So you give up 😞 I would rethink what you are doing and try again only this time keep on upping your DE dosage until you start to feel a relief. I would highly recommend adding Boron at least 2 full teaspoon of the powder not the watered down liquid crap, that won't touch you at all. Don't give up and trust that DE along with Boron will help you in a big way and will eventually heal you. Boron (the 20 mule team) brand only.

B6 for Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
Posted by Ella (London) on 09/15/2022

Thank you for your post. I also suffer from frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Do you apply liquid B6 topically on the scalp? If so, how often do you do this?

Thank you


Essential Oils
Posted by Lou (Tyler, TX) on 08/24/2022

I just shampoo with S____ coconut shampoo and add a few drops of peppermint essential oil. It smoothes out the psoriasis textured scalp. Very soothing.


Protein
Posted by Mary (NY, NY) on 08/23/2022
★★★★★

I experienced hair loss after COVID-19. I was losing at least 50 strands of hair per day. I started increasing my protein consumption with foods like salmon, chicken, lamb, grass fed beef and dairy like cheese and milk. My hair is much thicker and I no longer see large quantities of hair in the bathroom after blow drying, on my brush, etc. I also take a good multi vitamin multi mineral complex.


Amla, Ashwaganda
Posted by GertJr (Madison) on 07/30/2022

I dealt with Karen Hurd about 30 years ago or so. Be careful. Every bit of advice she gave me was exactly wrong. I have ibs-d and she pushed raw and fiber, which about killed me. I tried hard to follow her protocol, costing me a fortune I didn't have, and got sicker and sicker. I finally said this isn't working and stopped. Best move I could have made. Not saying she isn't good at what she does but, for me, she was a disaster. (This could have been when she was just starting out and hadn't learned about ibs-d yet, so not totally against her. Just be careful.)


Amla, Ashwaganda
Posted by MHO (Provo UT) on 07/26/2022

Avoid all sweeteners including honey, brown sugar, molasses, artificial sweeteners, stevia, monk fruit, etc. They all cause the production of too much glucose, hence too much adrenaline, and hence too much inflammation. Eat only low sugar fruits like berries. See karenhurd.com, a bio-physicist for more details.


Amla, Ashwaganda
Posted by GertJr (Madison ) on 04/19/2022

Why Monk fruit instead of xylitol or stevia? Monk fruit has a strange aftertaste to me, bitter. Stevia does, too, but not quite as bad. I like xylitol's taste best if I can't have sugar, but xylitol has carbs that I'm trying to limit. So, what of the natural sweeteners is best? Are any natural sweeteners to be absolutely avoided? (Sugar cane/beet sugar is a natural sweetener, right, just not as good for you). I can manage the Truvia (erythritol + stevia) easier than the plain stevia, but am trying to adapt to the liquid stevia without anything else. It's hard, they all have a strange taste except the xylitol. Anyone? Pro's and con's?


Amla, Ashwaganda
Posted by Lady Liza (Los Angeles) on 04/18/2022 32 posts

Please people, stop using Splenda or most fake sugars. Some of them are known for putting weight on and never being able to take it off. Others are really a pesticide. Use Monkfruit by Lakanto. It works well and has no side effects. Also you can try yacon syrup. Totally natural. Monk fruit is mixed with erythritol and tastes pretty good. It also comes in bulk for baking and packets for traveling. Sprouts has it in California.


Vitamin D
Posted by Ali (Wales) on 12/13/2021

D3 is far better than D2, and is best taken with K2 & magnesium (any type other than Oxide or hydroxide - unless you also need a laxative….), because Vitamin D boosts calcium absorption & the K2 & magnesium are apparently needed to ‘orchestrate' the calcium into the bones & teeth, etc. Without these co-factors, the calcium may inappropriately dump anywhere into the body - soft tissues, arteries, etc & cause issues.

it seems that any issues the D may appear to trigger at higher doses is not the D itself, but the inappropriate calcium deposits, if it has not been taken with the co-factors. It seems it's is important to get enough Vitamins A & E with the D too as they work together.

Nothing works in isolation……


Reproductive Issues and Hair Loss
Posted by Ali (Wales) on 12/11/2021

I had menopausal hot flushes for quite a while, but after dumping highly refined nutrient-stripped wheat & sugar they gradually went away. So did years of IBS, neuropathy, raging restless legs, acid reflux, hiatus hernia, high blood pressure & rampant Candida & fungal issues I'd tried unsuccessfully to eradicate for years!

I'm still working on the thinning hair...


Post Menopausal Hair Loss
Posted by Uncertain (La) on 11/08/2021

Looking for solutions for post menopausal hair loss. Has anyone used any of these lasers you see advertised everywhere? Had any luck with any particular products?

Thank you.


B6 for Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
Posted by HMTC (Dublin) on 08/08/2021
★★★★★

B6 for Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

I was diagnosed with Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia supposed to be related to Lichen Planus. I have found B6 cream to be very effective in treating this. Reconval is a B6 cream, though not always available. Liquid B6 (particularly Pyridoxal Phosphate) is just as effective.

Note: B6 may trigger cold sores, which can be contained with Lavender cream.

Collagen
Posted by Anagra (New York) on 07/09/2021
★★★★★

I have been taking collagen for several months now on a daily basis. It has definitely helped with the hair loss I had been having. I take approximately 2 tablespoons daily. My daughter recently commented that my hair looks like it has filled in considerably, so I think I'm on the right track.

Test the Thyroid
Posted by Lilly (USA) on 03/01/2021

Hi, there's a website called Stop the Thyroid Madness. On this site, they have lab tests that you can purchase and take to a local lab for your blood draw. There's a corresponding STTMadness free yahoo group where very knowledgeable people will be happy to interpret your lab results for you. There's also a website called Forefront Health where you can purchase thyroid glandular capsules without a prescription. Because I have no insurance, I've treated my hypothyroidism by myself for many years as have many of my friends. The Stop the Thyroid Madness website also has lists of recommended doctors who will actually listen to patients' concerns and who will happily prescribe the needed tests when asked. Thyroid issues are very complicated and many doctors just don't have enough training in this area. The STTM website helps fill in any missing crucial information so that even a layperson can understand this very complex disease.


Avoid Retinoid Skin Products
Posted by Jodi (Australia) on 06/05/2020
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Around middle age my hairline started receding...A LOT! The entire shape of my face seemed to change since my forehead looked a lot bigger. It was disturbing and made me feel bad about my appearance--especially since I used to have quite a lot of hair. In recent years I developed many health problems, notably chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia (one or the other). So I have focused a lot on my health over the years. I gave up alcohol, started drinking lemon water every morning, etc. But still, there was the hair loss (which I have read can be associated with fibromyalgia) and hairline recession.

Then I read a little tidbit on some random website. EUREKA! It said RETINOIDS can be associated with hair loss. This was a light-bulb moment, because it coincided exactly with when I started losing so much hair. Right then and there I stopped using the topical retinoid that I had started years earlier (Differin). After several months my hair loss stopped and my hairline has filled back in. In the interest of full disclosure,

I also use a number of hair oils on my scalp that are supposed to be good for hair growth (I "oil my hair" before washing using oil blends like black seed oil, castor oil, argan oil, curry leaf infusions, etc.).

These are very good for your hair and can help reverse gray hair. There are lots of videos and diys about this online. I do recommend scalp and hair oiling for the health and appearance of your hair. But it was stopping the retinoid product that made ALL the difference for me!

Iodine
Posted by Sara (Ca) on 09/11/2020
★★★★★

I know this is an old post but I'm responding in case someone else comes here for information. I use 12.5 mg Iodoral and have had no problem whatsoever. I'm about 113 lbs.


Onion
Posted by Nan (Oh) on 06/22/2020

Can you make up a big batch and store it in the refrigerator? How long will it keep?

Also, is there any commercial product that has the same beneficial ingredient? Thanks.


Iron
Posted by Nan (Oh) on 06/22/2020

How much blackstrap molasses should I take every day? Thanks.


Iodine
Posted by Lj (Fort Edward, Ny) on 12/01/2018
★★★★★

For women, sometimes, the hair loss has pattern most noticeable at the temple area at the beginning and moving towards the top of the head. Often this is resolved by iodine and addressing the thyroid. Determining if this is an underlying issue is important

Rubbing a small amount of iodine ( I used nascent as it's less drying) into the scalp at night. I would wait about 20 min and then add a very small amount of shark liver oils- squaleen. It's an oil easily absorbed into the skin. I tried coconut oil but it was messy.

As I also had fibroid breasts. Painting iodine reversed this. However I also took a 3mg Supplement oral, iodoral. Split into quarters.

Within a month peach fuzz new growth appeared.


Chinese Red Dates and Honey
Posted by Kavita (Usa) on 09/30/2018

HEy Veena, My son has alopecia from last 5-6 yrs and he is 10 yrs old..he got his third patch which grew into palm size. And I tried ginger juice onion juice, nothing helped him. Then I went to homeopathy after lot of research that nothing but homeopathy can help him. Please please please DO NOT use any steroids medicines it will bald you permanently. Please go to homeopathic doctor. If you want I can provide my dr info. My son got all his hair back he had to take medicine for alomost a year. His medication stopped few months back. Hoping this was the permanent treatment. But do not apply any steroids or any western medicine it wont help.


Iodine
Posted by Alya (UAE) on 09/26/2018

Be VERY wary of Kelp! It is usually very heavily contaminated with heavy metals, even some organic brands! I would go for Lugol's iodine, or something similar.


Test the Thyroid
Posted by Gretchen (Midwest) on 09/06/2018

Hi IowaMa, This is interesting to me as I am also in Iowa. This gave me a new lead to follow, thank you for taking the time to write this. I am going to check out the supplements.


Test the Thyroid
Posted by Iowama (Ny) on 08/31/2018
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Hi, I just have an observation to add to the discussion of hair loss and thyroid. Years ago when we moved from the West coast to the Midwest, we couldn't help but notice it was quite common to see women who were at least partially bald. Iowa is one of those states that used to be referred to as "the goiter belt". Was there a connection?

As an aside, another thing we noticed was that several vegetables weren't popular there. How did we ascertain this? In the grocery store check-out line, we were always having to tell the cashier what the vegetables were called. It was a bit comical, and it has been explained to us that the families of the state share a very strong work ethic and value the ability to put a quick meal on the family table above fine tuning the ingredients.

In my case, probably because they were so well priced, I started cooking with a lot more cruciferous vegetables than we had been used to and I developed visible thyroid nodules. Tests indicated my condition required monitoring and no treatment. I'm glad of that because it caused me to go digging for my own thyroid answers here on EC. I took Bill Thompson's advice and began taking all of the recommended companion nutrients for iodine supplimentation and used Loguls iodine. I also cut way back on cruciferous vegetables. Alas, I never liked the way the iodine made me feel, so I tried cutting out the Loguls, but continuing the companion nutrients, with great success. I might add that I use iodized salt faithfully in the kitchen and pink Himalayan salt at table. For anyone with a thyroid issue, I would recommend those companion nutrients and salts. You may find, as I believe I have, that all the needed iodine can then be absorbed through a good diet without iodine supplementation. When I go a few weeks without taking those vitamins, I find a bit of anxiety creeps in and that if I go long enough, I see the familiar lump of an enlarged nodule. This episode took a few years of experimenting to play out, and today I am back to enjoying fresh cole slaw and making our own sauerkraut. My nodules appear to have resolved completely, and I owe it to the companion nutrients that are well discussed on this site.

Back to the original topic, my vote is that thyroid and hair loss are indeed related, even if testing indicates a level within a normal range. Best wishes to all in finding your answers.

Test the Thyroid
Posted by Betty (Centralia ) on 08/29/2018 11 posts

Liz from Boston: I know all about thyroid after doing extensive study and having Wilson's Syndrome, myself. All you need is a supplement with both ioDINE and IoDIDE in it, and your thyroid levels will get back to normal. I had all 37 symptoms of the worst thyroid the doctor had ever seen. Those things I mentioned is all you need. I have a special supplement I take, but cannot give the name here, I don't suppose, but as long as you get a good combination iodine/iodide Supplement, you'll be fine.


MSM, Vitamin C
Posted by Charity (Faithville, Us) on 08/23/2018

not sure which vitamin c is the best but I use msm and c and horsetail and D with K-2 and many other vitamins and minerals. Also using your own urine can reset hair follicles to get new hair to grow .

Love to watch Eric Berg teach how to recover health on youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r8Mf7BL2Pk


MSM, Vitamin C
Posted by Carlton (London, Uk) on 08/22/2018

I have been losing hair for nearly 6 years since I started menopause, I am 57 years old. I have recently started taking MSM in the hope of reducing the hair loss and have heard that taking Vitamin C with it is really helpful. Can someone tell me the best type of Vitamin C to , ake please? Thankyou.

Iodine
Posted by Tea (New Zealand) on 06/28/2018

Google MSM and hair.


Test the Thyroid
Posted by Val (Uk) on 05/18/2018
★★★★★

I have recently been prescribed a course of treatment for over active thyroid and one of the side effects is hair loss.


Essential Oils
Posted by Linda (New Brockton, Alabama) on 07/27/2017

How do you use the oils? what is the amounts of each oil that you use?


Nettle Leaf
Posted by Laurel (Ca) on 07/24/2017

Hi Julie,

Did the nettle leaf work for hair regrowth? I read about it on another site and came to EarthClinic to verify whether it works. I was surprised to see that you are the only one who's written about it.


Amla, Ashwaganda
Posted by Beverly (Us) on 03/29/2017

Thank you for the information on Splenda. That may be the reason that my hair won't grow back after I cut it short twice. I had to stop using sugar.


Biotin
Posted by Barbara (Philadelphia) on 03/10/2017
★★★★★

Hi...I started losing my hair a few years ago and my sister advised me to use Biotin. I did and, slowly but surely it's coming back. Vitamin D, Iron, Protein, and sunlight are major helpers too. Along with anything else you do please consider making sure their vitamins include these and that you also consider getting them more sunlight. I also just started using castor oil and letting it sit overnight, washing it out in the morning or I just put a few drops in my shampoo, leaving it in a few minutes. It's worth a try! God bless your kids!


Amla, Ashwaganda
Posted by Mari (Australia) on 02/01/2017

How long did it take for your hair to not fall out after using Amla? My mother used to apply it on me when I was a child but as an adult I stopped. Now I notice my hair is much thinner than before. I use the brand Dabur, is that what you use as well? Will see how it goes but I have a feeling it will work.


Essential Oils
Posted by Renee (Victorville, Ca) on 12/10/2016

Am I supposed to just rinse all this concoction of oils out of my hair every day or wash them out? I also have a product that has DHT blocker in it and was wondering if I should add this to the concoction? HELP!! Renee


Filter, DHT, Grow, Massage Protocol
Posted by Art (Fort Lee, Nj) on 09/16/2016

I have serious reservations that this will give anyone any increase in haircount. It just doesn't make scientific sense. As soon as I see saw palmetto mentioned in anyone's hairloss regiment it's safe to assume they aren't fully understanding the amount of DHT suppression needed to have any efficacy to slow down or stave off hair miniaturization. There is no natural course of treatment that will restore hair. There are some combinations of natural therapy and toipicals which may slow down hair loss, but this suppression would be very minor.


Filter, DHT, Grow, Massage Protocol
Posted by Anon (Los Angeles, California) on 09/11/2016
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have been losing my hair since my teens, and that's about 20 years ago. Instead of doing one remedy, you really need a 4 step synergistic approach. For reference, I am 36, have a great head of hair, normal to oily skin and scalp. Here is the synergistic combination that worked for me. No one thing is going to work for you 100%, you have to use a combination to fight all the toxins you are facing daily.

I call this the 4 step FILTER - DHT - GROW - MASSAGE method.

1.) First you need to get rid of toxins that's inhibiting your hair follicles and hair growth. Surprise...where does that come from? Your daily shower water. Chlorine and lead pipes both kills follicles. I lived in a place with lead pipes and my hair loss went 50% worse. Once I moved out, and installed a shower filter that gets rid of chlorine (plus some other substances), my hair loss significantly decreased. I bet a whole house system that gets rid of fluoride would be even better, but I can't afford that, so a shower filter does the job.

2.) The second step is killing the DHT hormone on your scalp and your body. DHT is the primary hormone responsible for hair shredding. You do this by supplementing with Saw Palmetto Extract. This is a naturally safe method. The one side effect is that it makes you gain 5 lbs. So you need to clean up your diet and exercise routine to make up for that, in order to look the same weight. If I ever get off the Saw Palmetto, my hair loss increases. Once I get on again, it remains stable.

3.) Next you need to focus on growth. To do so, you need a high quality hair supplement. Do your research there, there are tons on the market. Make sure it has Biotin, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Silica, etc. Your body needs all the help it can get to regrow hair.

4.) The fourth step is primary for oily scalps. Although it may also help a dry scalp with a different solution. The reason you need to brush your scalp is because for most women, shampoo isn't helping your scalp. You are just washing hair strands. Its your scalp that needs help. I make a solution of caster oil, a bit of alcohol and some castile soap in one of those tooth shaped plastic bottles used for dying hair (you can get them at a beauty supply store). Apply the solution into my scalp, then brush my scalp with a medium to hard hair brush. Preferably one with hard, pointy plastic bristles, the real hair bristles wont get to your scalp. Important you are cleaning and exfoliating your scalp. There will be a lot of oily substances on the hair brush and you. What comes out of it is a cleaner scalp with less oil, allowing hair to grow stronger. I do this for about 15 - 20 minutes, sometimes, 30 minutes. Do this massage once a week to keep your scalp in optimum condition.

If you apply the synergistic approach of Filter - DHT - Grow - Massage, your hair loss will significantly decrease. This approach was much better than any rogaine or prescription product I have ever found. I am still doing it 10 years later.

Iodine
Posted by Venusissunev (Mexico City, Mexico) on 09/06/2016

Sounds like all the answers point to an iodine deficiency. Kelp seems to be the solution. Good luck!


Tea Tree Oil and Lavender Oil
Posted by Milroc (Ny) on 08/05/2016

It's a long time since you posted, but I just signed up to answer. I have hair loss from some years, but I noted that those last time, I had uneven fingernails on my two thumbs, and some other nails too. I don't know if it's linked. I'm also 46 year old. According research, some uneven nail can be a deficiency in iron too.


Reproductive Issues and Hair Loss
Posted by Kay (Destin Fl) on 08/04/2016
★★★★★

Hair loss - Beware it may not be your Thyroid (see "ATTN WOMEN" & *** notes below)!

Beware also that many sea salts do not contain sufficient iodine, a NECESSARY thyroid nutrient, so you must to read the lables for iodine content! (Thus, decades ago the USA mandated iodine fortification of table salt, in order to supply the recommended daily dose of iodine to the general populace [many of which did not consume seafoods on a regular basis, thus many were 'naturally' iodine deficient). A "Lite Salt" like Mortons table salt in the LIGHT BLUE canister is still good for your table (P less sodium and sufficient iodine), meanwhile cooking with sea salt!

***ATTN ALL WOMEN***Please consider my experience: I developed the same symptoms as you describe after being very sick (up & down) for over a decade (despite previous good health, then hundreds of doctor visits). Finally I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, allergies/chemical sensitivities etc. Fortunately, most all these symptoms abated after my recent radical hysterectomy; it was actually OVARIAN CANCER (OC; found accidentally when I was palpating my naval area/lower waist and found rock hard lumps).

Unknowingly, I had all the key signs/symptoms of OC (but no doctor or OBGYN noticed): I still had my regular period/menses at age 57. I had started my menses very young (9/10 years old); had never had children or used chemical birth control; and had suddenly become quite overweight in the past 2 years (despite a VERY healthy diet; albeit too ill to do much exercise beyond necessities of daily living). These are ALL the common denominators of OC! However, most women with OC never experience such serious symptoms of "sickness", thus OC is called "The Silent Killer" prevalent among middle aged women!

THE GOOD NEWS: Within months of surgery (removal of all female organs, plus some) all my body hair started growing back, as are my nails! All my skin marks/scars are going from dark purple/black to light pink, & still fading! My skin is moist, not flaking. I am no longer "freezing to death" in Florida; my BP is back to normal; all my joints/muscles no longer ache 24/7; night sweats are much less troubling; and many other notable improvements (unfortunately hot flashes are still here, but no near as bad).

***So, regardless of estrogen levels/tests, please utilize OBGYN orWomens Center specialists if possible; or plead with your PCP to check you out extra well for hidden female/ovarian problems (of any kind/cause).

Good Luck & Best wishes!

Vitamin D
Posted by Moni (Arlington, Tx) on 05/05/2016
★★★★★

Hair Loss:

Have your vitamin D levels checked.


Test the Thyroid
Posted by Timh (Ky) on 04/08/2016 2048 posts

Beyond the standard recommended supplements for Thyroid conditions, like Iodine, Tyrosine, Selenium, and Coconut Oil, I have used Magnet Therapy and Zinc Lozenges with good results.

Maybe not correct, but it seems very likely that infections in the mouth/gums could easily find their way to the Thyroid and Thymus Glands. So one might try Swishing Colloidal Silver for possible infections followed by sipping and slowly swallowing Colloidal Silver.

Fluoride may also be a problem if one is not taking measures to minimize this toxin.

Lastly, supplement Raw Bovine Thyroid Glandular and Raw Bovine Pituitary to help rebuild these glands.


Test the Thyroid
Posted by Helena (Toronto) on 04/07/2016

Liz,

Your doctor's attitude is really really strange!

I understand that he/she doesn't want to do the additional thyroid tests, but to test thyroid once in 3 years, this is total nonsense! Considering that you have all hypo symptoms this is unbelievable.

I know in US you can order tests through private labs. Maybe you should consider this possibility. You need as I said TSH, Free T3 and Free T4.

You will have the result the next day.

It will be your baseline result, and only after that you should start with supplements.

If the result will be out of normal range you can show it to the Dr, and I think she will be ordering the tests for you in the future through your insurance company.


Test the Thyroid
Posted by Liz (Boston, Ma) on 04/07/2016

Helena,

No, when my test came back within the normal range, that was that. When I asked for additional testing because of my symptoms, she said that my normal results didn't justify additional testing.

She chalks a lot of things up to "getting older". (More sensitive to cold, etc.) I'm 58 for goodness sake! I see people in their late 70's walking around in short sleeves in an air conditioned room, while I'm bundled up looking like I'm going out to shovel snow.

I've been with this doctor for 12 years and for the most part, I'm happy with her--just not on *this* particular issue.

I could all but guarantee you that if I asked her to do another thyroid test, she'd say; "Well, we just did one a couple of years ago and it came back normal and your symptoms are still the same, so..." :


Test the Thyroid
Posted by Helena (Toronto) on 04/06/2016

Liz,

So Doctor did not test your thyroid after this "normal" test? Even with the tests within normal range 3 years ago you can be way of the normal ranges now!!! Especially that you have Hypo symptoms.

I would advise you first do the necessary thyroid test ( at least Free T3, Free t$ and TSH) .

After that you ( or your Dr) can decide on thyroid supplements. But you should do the tests BEFORE starting the supplements.


Test the Thyroid
Posted by Rsw (Oh) on 04/06/2016

Hi Liz,

The tests that you have listed are what you need, with the possible addition of the Thyroid Antiibody Panel, which will tell you if you have an autoimmune disease called Hashimotos. I would also call the Lab Corp that you will use to make sure they accept the Life Extension prescription for the bloodwork before you pay for it, in case MA is a state that does not. There is a Yahoo Thyroid Group that has trained volunteers who can interpret the results if you post them with the range numbers from your tests, and make recommendations if you join. They are very helpful and kind people, and it's free of charge. They may also be able to recommend a thyroid supplement until you get your results. I think TimH on Earth Clinic has recommended some supplements for thyroid, and maybe others, too. It does sound like you may in fact be hypothyroid, so hopefully you can get some answers soon. Take care!


Test the Thyroid
Posted by Liz (Boston, Ma) on 04/06/2016

Hi Rsw,

Thank you so much for your reply. I just checked out Life Extension's site. They have many thyroid tests to choose from. Would this one be sufficient: Thyroid Panel (TSH, T4, Free T4, Free T3)?

If not, and you could point me in the right direction in terms of which test I should order, that would be great and much appreciated! (The others are verrrry expensive...I wish they accepted insurance.)

Thank you, again!


Test the Thyroid
Posted by Liz (Boston, Ma) on 04/06/2016

Hi Myway,

Thank you for your suggestion. I was excited to check out 'request a test' but when I did, I found that Massachusetts was not on their drop-down list of states where the testing is available. (Huh?! I live in Boston; a medical mecca, but they don't provide service here or anywhere in Mass?) Very odd; particularly where states like Alabama, etc. *were* on the list!

Back to the drawing board, I guess. Thank you for taking the time to reply though. :)


Test the Thyroid
Posted by Liz (Boston, Ma) on 04/06/2016

Hi Helena,

Thank you for your reply. The thyroid test, that was done at my request, by the way, took place about 3 years ago, so I don't recall what the exact number was.

All I remember, because it irritated me, was that my doctor saw "no need" to test me further, since my initial testing showed that I was within the normal range.

I have been *very* tempted to try a thyroid support supplement to see if it alleviates any of my symptoms (particularly the 'freezing to death if it's below 70 degrees and my poor memory), but I fear doing myself more harm than good, so I'm doing some more digging for info. Though, as I mentioned in my OP, there were many reviewers who said the thyroid support supplement helped them, despite their doctor telling them they were in the normal range as well.


Test the Thyroid
Posted by Helena (Toronto) on 04/06/2016

Hi Liz,

Can you post your results with normal range here?

Pretty often doctors only looking at the normal range... It is not right thing to do.

Many patients complain to their doctors of common hypothyroid symptoms yet because their TSH falls in the ‘normal' range, their thyroid is declared normal. Many traditional doctors rely strictly on the TSH range of 0.5 to 5.0 despite the patient's obvious symptoms.


Test the Thyroid
Posted by Myway (Usa) on 04/06/2016

Liz, my suggestion is to go online to a site called request a test - and get your own thyroid panel done. Prices vary - there are several sites that provide labs. Before starting supplementation, consider doing this so you have a baseline.

Good luck!

Myway :D


Test the Thyroid
Posted by Rsw (Oh) on 04/05/2016
★★★★★

Hi Liz,

After reading "Stop the Thyroid Madness" by Janie Bowthorpe (sp?), I realized my doctor was not ordering the proper tests, either. I found this site:

http://www.lifeextension.com/Vitamins-Supplements/Blood-Tests/Blood-Tests

and order my own tests. There is a Lab Corp in town that draws the blood, and the results are sent to me. I mail a copy to my doctor, and she is OK with this. You can join for $50, but you get a $50 credit towards any supplement or blood test, but I don't think they take insurance. If you want to see all the thyroid numbers, you could order it only once to show your doctor and see how it compares to the numbers in Janie's book. The TSH number alone is not a good indication of how your thyroid is functioning. If you show antibodies as in Hashimoto's, or Free T4 or Free T3 numbers that are outside the suggested values, it may be a way to justify having your doctor order the tests herself next time. It's nice to know you can take charge of your own health with this alternative. Best wishes.


Test the Thyroid
Posted by Liz (Boston, Ma) on 04/05/2016

When my thyroid tests came back "within normal ranges" and I asked my doctor to do the additional testing you mentioned, she replied; "I can't justify doing those tests for someone whose test came back normal."

Some might say; "Get a new doctor! " but about 3 years ago, a co-worker had the same experience with her doctor. They won't do the additional testing unless your thyroid test came back outside of the normal range.

I'm glad this came up though, because it reminded me of something I meant to post weeks ago, but forgot. I wanted to ask those here on EC if I took a thyroid support supplement without having been 'officially' diagnosed with hypothyroidism, if it could harm me?

I have several hypo symptoms, most notably (or most bothersome, I should say) I'm always freezing! : If the temperature goes below 70, I have layers and layers of clothing and sweaters on.

My hair is thinner than it used to be too, but I always chalked that one up to getting older (I'm 58). My memory is dreadful--another symptom, I've read.

I've read some magnificent reviews of thyroid support type supplements and have been tempted to try them, but I wanted to run it by my EC family to see if this might do more harm than good. (Many of the reviewers also tested 'normal' but had great results with the supplement, but I'm extra-cautious and wanted to run it by you good folks first.)

Thanks so much, in advance!



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