I'm 42 and I've had CRPS for just over two years. It's spread and I've now got it in my whole left side.

I've always had shoulder length thick brown hair, and of course when your hair is long you notice the natural hair loss more when you wash it. I used to lose a regular amount when I washed my hair and brushed it out afterwards, but not much in between washes.

But over the last few months I've been losing a lot more of it. A LOT more. I've been emptying my hairbrush of handfuls of hair when I brush it, and when I washed it this morning there was masses in the bottom of the bath, it was quite shocking. My hair is feeling thinner too, I notice how much easier it is to brush now because there isn't so much of it.

I know it's natural to lose a bit more in the warm weather, but this isn't that, it's quite scary.

Any advice or thoughts? Is this CRPS-related or just a weirdness?

Bram.

Are you on any meds because some meds can cause this issue?

I'm taking Lyrica, but only 50mg twice a day, nothing else.

Do you know of anything like a mineral supplement that I can try?

Thanks,

Bram.

42 is about the time many males lose their hair. Look at your older male relatives on both sides of your family to get an idea what is in store for your cranium. Also there are meds that will effect your hair loss. Google Lyrica to see if hair loss is an issue.

I was given a statin to lower my colesterol. About 2 months into taking them I went to the barber for a haircut. She noticed large bald spots on the back of my head under the hairline. I freaked and looked closer at my mustache which was thinning, I started looking like Adolf Hitler, then noticed most of my leg hair fell out. I googled statins and sure enough losing hair is a side effect amongst many others. My doctor confirmed it while rolling his eyes and stating "Unfortunately you just happen to be one of those who are sensitive to statins. I stopped taking them and the hair grew back. Why? Colesterol is part of the makeup of hair. Remove colesterol from hair it then dies. I now take Nyacin and fish oil pills instead.

Hi Bram,

A weird side effect of Lyrica can be hairloss.

http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/lyrica/hair+loss

That a link that talks about studies specific to Lyrica and hair loss. I'm sorry you're having to deal with that on top of everything else. How frustrating!

Have you had your thyroid checked recently?

I just this week found out that my blood tests show signs of thyroid disease and my investigations showed that it causes hair loss to the point of balding. I have also noticed alot of people with CRPS have thyroud issues. Both also thought to be auto-immune issues. Its worth checking out. I havent had the hair loss but unfortunatly a little hair gain on my neck but apparently it treatable and you just need to add an extra tablet to the pile we already have to take.

It might be worth checking out. Its much easier to treat than CRPS! Good luck.

Sarah

my husband has chronic male pattern baldness (bless him) but my whole family have always had a good head of hair right to the end, so it's very unlikely to be a genetic thing...

It's just so much worse for us girls I think (sorry chaps) - at least a man can shave his head and it's perfectly acceptable these days. I like my hair, and I'm a bit freaked out seeing handfuls coming out every time I do anything to it! I don't want to go and have a sensible middle-aged lady type of haircut either

I can't stop the Lyrica if it is that, it's the one thing keeping me sane and easing the worst of the burning pain. I'm only taking 50mg morning and night, but if I stop taking it, I am miserable. I'll read up on it though, thanks songbird

Thanks you lovely crowd for always being there in a crisis, big or small...

Bram

Hi Bram!

Sorry you are dealing with this on top of all else. I have short hair and lose quite a bit every day. You would think it would be my husbands hair all over the bathroom floor and shower, but no, it is mine!

I know mine is not medication related. What I don't know is whether it is RSD related or a result of vitamin deficiencies (very low on D, B12 & potassium).

Nanc

Brambledog, I apologize, for some reason I thought you were a male.

I got that impression! No offence taken Jim, my name could be taken either way...

Bram.