My hair has been thinning noticeably for about 6 months. I have been to a general physician (who told me to give it time), a dermatologist (who told me that my hormones were possibly out of whack and to get hormonal tests), a gynecologist (who said to wait it out and did not do hormonal tests) and now I am going to see a specialist (crossing my fingers) tomorrow.

I am so self-conscious about it, I feel like I am withdrawing and I cannot be cheerful. I am constantly thinking about it. I dread taking a shower and washing my hair because I cannot handle looking at all of the hair coming out. I can basically see my scalp on the top of my head - the hair is very thin - like 'see-through.'

i used to have a lot of hair - it would take me about 50 minutes to blow dry. Now it only takes me 10-15 minutes. I feel sick about it.

I was on birth control pills (ortho tri-cyclen and then ortho tri-cyclen lo) for about 3.5 years. I went off of them 7 months ago. I thought that this could perhaps be the cause, but it has been going on for 6 months! I think that seems a bit long, and it does not seem to be slowing down.

I have no family history of hair loss in women. My sister has very thick hair. I have a history of eating disorders, but currently my diet is very good. I have not actively had an eating disorder for 3 years.

I saw one of my friends from college yesterday. She has lost a ton of hair, too. She has recently undergone a lot of emotional stress. Another girl that I graduated with is also experiencing tons of hair loss, and has started taking rogaine. She has an very stressful job. I have not actually seen her, so I don't know how bad it is.

Anyway - I am getting extremely depressed about this. I am acting cold to my boyfriend because I feel so unattractive, I do not know what else to do. I think it's a defense mechanism because if I push him away then he cannot push me away. I feel like i'm isolating myself because i'm ashamed and embarassed and I feel completely helpless and frustrated.

I have had my iron and thyroid tested - both are normal.

Does anyone have any helpful information/thoughts? Any experiences with going off of birth control pills? I have not regained my periods yet, so maybe this is a hormonal imbalance? My gynocologist said I should try to gain some weight, but I have issues with that and if that doesn't work I will feel fat and bald

i am confused about a lot of things - job, what am I doing in life?, etc...But this is making everything so much worse.

Sorry for the novel...