Hi everyone, I’m a 23-year-old woman and I’ve been dealing with significant hair loss for over three years now. I’ve seen a lot of specialists, including a gynecologist, rheumatologist, hematologist, allergist, and endocrinologist, but I still feel like I’m not getting clear answers. I’m really struggling with it and it’s been affecting me both physically and emotionally.
Along with the hair loss, I’ve been having some other symptoms that seem connected, like persistent rosacea. It’s just redness on my face (no bumps), but it feels like I’m constantly blushing. I also have a belly that seems disproportionate to the rest of my body, even though I’m overweight and generally carry it well. I’ve been struggling with digestive issues for a while now, and after seeing my allergist, I was told that I’m allergic to gluten, soy, and peanuts. Whenever I eat gluten, I get headaches and my stomach feels off, so I suspect I have some form of gluten intolerance.
The hematologist did mention that I have an abnormally high WBC count, but I didn’t get much more information. My dermatologist suggested that my hair loss is probably stress-related, and possibly linked to dandruff, but I’m not convinced. My primary care doctor found that my Vitamin D levels are very low, so I’m working on that, but I can’t shake the feeling that the gluten intolerance might be the bigger issue. I know that if my gut is inflamed, it could be messing with my ability to absorb vitamins and nutrients, which in turn could lead to things like hair loss and high WBC counts.
I still eat gluten pretty regularly because I love the food, but at this point, I’m beyond frustrated with the amount of hair I’m losing. It’s especially tough because I’m young, in a relationship, and it’s affecting my confidence. I’m trying to figure out what my next steps should be and was hoping to get some advice from others who’ve been through something similar.
I’m planning on ordering a full blood panel soon, with a focus on thyroid function (TSH, T3, T4), Vitamin D, B12, iron, and inflammatory markers like CRP. I’d also like to check my hormone levels (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone) to make sure everything is balanced. Any recommendations for where to order a blood panel and what exactly all it should include/test for? I’ve been thinking about working with a dietitian who could help me create a gluten-free diet plan, since I believe that’s a big piece of the puzzle for me. I’m also considering getting a personal trainer to help with overall fitness and body health, which could make a difference in how I feel overall.
For my hair, I’ve started using rosemary oil to help promote growth, and I plan to keep that up. I also got silk pillowcases and a silk bonnet to reduce hair breakage at night. I’m looking into red light therapy too, because I’ve heard it can help with hair regrowth and reducing inflammation.
If anyone has any advice or has dealt with something similar—especially around gluten intolerance, hair loss, or gut inflammation—I’d really appreciate your thoughts. I’m also looking for any recommendations for dietitians, hair care products, or treatments that have worked for you. If there are any professionals accepting new clients (I’m based in the U.S.), I’d love to hear about that too.
Thanks so much for reading and for any help you can offer. I really appreciate it!
Along with the hair loss, I’ve been having some other symptoms that seem connected, like persistent rosacea. It’s just redness on my face (no bumps), but it feels like I’m constantly blushing. I also have a belly that seems disproportionate to the rest of my body, even though I’m overweight and generally carry it well. I’ve been struggling with digestive issues for a while now, and after seeing my allergist, I was told that I’m allergic to gluten, soy, and peanuts. Whenever I eat gluten, I get headaches and my stomach feels off, so I suspect I have some form of gluten intolerance.
The hematologist did mention that I have an abnormally high WBC count, but I didn’t get much more information. My dermatologist suggested that my hair loss is probably stress-related, and possibly linked to dandruff, but I’m not convinced. My primary care doctor found that my Vitamin D levels are very low, so I’m working on that, but I can’t shake the feeling that the gluten intolerance might be the bigger issue. I know that if my gut is inflamed, it could be messing with my ability to absorb vitamins and nutrients, which in turn could lead to things like hair loss and high WBC counts.
I still eat gluten pretty regularly because I love the food, but at this point, I’m beyond frustrated with the amount of hair I’m losing. It’s especially tough because I’m young, in a relationship, and it’s affecting my confidence. I’m trying to figure out what my next steps should be and was hoping to get some advice from others who’ve been through something similar.
I’m planning on ordering a full blood panel soon, with a focus on thyroid function (TSH, T3, T4), Vitamin D, B12, iron, and inflammatory markers like CRP. I’d also like to check my hormone levels (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone) to make sure everything is balanced. Any recommendations for where to order a blood panel and what exactly all it should include/test for? I’ve been thinking about working with a dietitian who could help me create a gluten-free diet plan, since I believe that’s a big piece of the puzzle for me. I’m also considering getting a personal trainer to help with overall fitness and body health, which could make a difference in how I feel overall.
For my hair, I’ve started using rosemary oil to help promote growth, and I plan to keep that up. I also got silk pillowcases and a silk bonnet to reduce hair breakage at night. I’m looking into red light therapy too, because I’ve heard it can help with hair regrowth and reducing inflammation.
If anyone has any advice or has dealt with something similar—especially around gluten intolerance, hair loss, or gut inflammation—I’d really appreciate your thoughts. I’m also looking for any recommendations for dietitians, hair care products, or treatments that have worked for you. If there are any professionals accepting new clients (I’m based in the U.S.), I’d love to hear about that too.
Thanks so much for reading and for any help you can offer. I really appreciate it!
