telogen effluvium/ferritin

Question
QUESTION: i've had several bouts of TE over the years, starting after 9/11 and i believe i'm experiencing another one but wasn't sure. i was very stressed and noticed shedding more than normal and then in the midst of this shedding had to have surgery w/gen anesthesia 7 weeks ago and am still shedding (seems like a combo of emotional stress and anesthesia).  my question is how do i know when it's ending? it seemed to be getting   better for a few days then worse again then better. if the TE is starting to end, does the hair loss vary like this from day to day?  also, if i was already in TE (which my derm said i was) and then had to have surgery, will it make the TE worse or just last longer?



ANSWER: Hello Sue: Your recent surgery can also be contributing to telogen effluvium. Surgery can create a shock or disturbance to the system. As your body may now be using energy to heal from the effects of surgery, repairing your hair growth cycle may become a secondary priority. There is no way to predict how long or how severe telogen effluvium will become. Taking the time to heal properly by taking good care of yourself will give the hair growth cycle the best opportunity to repair itself more efficiently. Essential oil scalp treatments can dramatically improve your hair loss condition by stimulating new hair growth. Essential oils increase energy, nourishment and oxygen supply  hair follicles. They also keep the scalp clean, healthy and pliable and help to eliminate any scalp disorders which may inhibit healthy growth. You can learn more about using essential oils got hair and scalp conditions at the links below.

Sincerely, Melanie Vonzabuesnig



Essential Oils for Hair Loss

http://www.vzbotanicals.com/aromatherapy%20for%20hair%20loss.html

Create Your Own Natural Hair Loss Remedies

http://www.vzbotanicals.com/Books%20info.html







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QUESTION: thank you for answering my question -i have one follow up question- when a bout of TE is beginning to subside, is it typical to have some days of less shedding, then some days more, then a few days of less shedding etc.?  i find now if i don't wash my hair for 2 days i lose about 30-40 hairs each day and then on the day i was about 150-200 for the day, but then will have a random day or two of higher shed



thanks



ANSWER: Hi Sue: During telogen effluvium you can have more hairs shed on some days and less on others. It is common to shed more hairs on the days you wash your hair. You won't know if the telogen effluvium is beginning to subside until the amount of hair you are shedding is consistently lower.

Sincerely, Melanie Vonzabuesnig

Understanding Female Hair Loss

http://www.vzbotanicals.com/overcomefemalehairloss.html





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QUESTION: one final question - my dr put me on iron pills to raise my ferritin level -it was about 20 - the pills worked very quickly (about 5 wks) and my level is now 70 and the dr said i can stop taking them. if i just stop the pills, will my ferritin level drop or should i still keep taking them a bit longer?



thanks


Answer
Hello Sue: If you are maintaining a ferritin level of 70 that is ideal. You may want to have this tested periodically. I prefer using spirulina and/or chlorella for iron. They are natural source (not synthetic) making them easy to digest and absorb without adverse side effects that sometimes come with synthetic iron tablets. Spirulina and chlorella also contain many other valuable nutrients for healthy hair growth and overall health.

Sincerely, Melanie Vonzabuesnig



Essential Oils for Hair Loss

http://www.vzbotanicals.com/aromatherapy%20for%20hair%20loss.html



My Hair Loss Story

http://www.vzbotanicals.com/mystory.html