Hormonal hair loss: the diagnosis that changed everything

By understanding my progressive loss of hair, I learned to take care of myself

For Charline, hair problems have long been summarized as " no time to lose on my hair falling out ". Yes, they fall out, a little, a lot, intensely, but do we really need to worry about that? A pinch of seasonal change, a dash of stress, after all, there are many culprits! But the interruption caused by the restrictions of 2020 will lead this digital marketing manager to finally look at her roots... even if it means turning her whole life upside down!

What was the trigger to finally get to the root of the problem?

Covid happened, and like everyone else, I found myself at home 24 hours a day. With life in the slow lane, we see things differently, we take the time to reflect on everything we’ve swept under the carpet. And then I couldn't face it anymore: I had to pick up all the hair that had fallen around my desk area, and there was a lot of it. I made an appointment with several specialists and was quickly diagnosed with a hormonal imbalance. I was worried, I had a lot of questions, but in the end I was relieved to have put my finger on something I had been missing for 15 years! And most importantly, I finally had a plan of action.

Following this diagnosis, what did you change in your daily life?

I didn't mince my words (laughs). I went back to the drawing board. Absolutely everything. My eating habits, my cosmetics, my household products, my relationship with sports, even my furniture and my Tupperware! I really wanted to sort out my life as much as possible and control what I could control. My motto: less is more. If something is controversial, I'll pass. I prefer naturalness, I am very careful with everything I consume. I use safe products like Triphasic for my hair care. This diagnosis was a real revelation and an awareness to change the relationship I have with my body. 

How did this translate to your hair?

It was the cause of this total shift in thinking. I realized how much the hair and scalp are an indicator of good health. I should have listened to them much earlier. Today I am very vigilant, even with others! I look at the hair of the people I meet and I don't hesitate to call out to my loved ones. For mine, I've implemented some basic things: I've simplified my routine as much as possible, I've got rid of all the products that don't meet my criteria, I've reduced the use of the hair dryer to protect my hair, I space out shampoo washes to let it rest... and in terms of haircuts, I alternate between different mid-lengths so that I don't have to tie it up.

How do you live with your progressive hair loss today?

Better! I stopped looking away. I am reassured that I was able to understand this phenomenon and that I took this opportunity to learn so much about myself. This is a profound, long-term change for me. And an immense satisfaction to take myself in hand, to do things for me, to pamper myself without trying to control everything. My hair taught me to let go (laughs).