29F | FPHL + PCOS | Increased hair fall after weight loss — not sure where to start
Hi everyone, I’m 29F and have been dealing with female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and PCOS for several years.
My periods are regular but very short — usually around 2 days, although the flow itself is normal. I’ve been using minoxidil and taking iron supplements for about a year, and initially I did notice some improvement in my scalp/hair density.
However, my hair fall has increased significantly after I lost around 10 kg through a high-protein, low-carb diet. During this period, I was also taking whey protein. My dermatologist believes the whey may have triggered telogen effluvium, and I was also taking Caberglow (cabergoline), which had been prescribed by my gynecologist.
I stopped whey after my doctor advised me to, but my hair shedding has continued and I feel like I’m back to where I started.
My recent prolactin level was 24.71, and my other hormone tests were reportedly normal. I’m still using minoxidil and taking iron, but I’m struggling to meet my protein requirements without whey.
At this point, I honestly don’t know where to start. I’m feeling really insecure about my hair and it has started affecting my confidence a lot. I’m also scared about my PCOS and elevated prolactin and whether they could affect my fertility or future pregnancy.
Has anyone experienced something similar — especially hair shedding after significant weight loss, PCOS + FPHL, or elevated prolactin?
What helped you identify the actual trigger and get the shedding under control? And should I be concerned about a prolactin level of 24.71 in terms of fertility?
I’d really appreciate any advice or experiences.