Hi,
Four months ago my mom began losing a lot of hair and it didn't stop and doesn't look like it's growing back in. Also, I've noticed that in her face it seems to have aged 5 years in the last 4 months. That could be just normal aging, but it seems like it should not have happened that fast, she just all of a sudden doesn't look too good. She is going on 55yrs.

Today Mom got her blood work back and went to see a doctor. Her blood work said her Red blood cell count was high (5.71) and RDW was high (15.5). But the MCV (68.1), MCH and MCHC counts were all low (means low hemoglobin in the blood).

I'm really worried about her, I read that high red blood cell count can sometimes be cancer. I had a grandma who died of liver cancer, a year before she died she also complained of hair falling out.

Does anyone know anything about this? Also how should one go about checking to see if they have some kind of cancer?

I appreciate any advice from experts or anyone who has had some personal experience with this matter. I'm really worried about it.

I noticed that this question had a lot of views and since I've written this, I've found out a lot.

My Mom's hair quite falling out. She started taking folic acid with vitamin B12. A lack of B12 or folic acid can cause anemia just like a lack of iron can.

A red blood cell count can be high if the cells have low hemoglobin.

Mom's hair is growing back. It may never be as thick as it was when she was younger, but it still looks good.

So this whole problem was a matter of finding a vitamin deficiency.

I'm glad it was an easy fix and she's healthy.

I found recently that my RBC count is high and also hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are high. I have been suffering from hairloss from sept 2010 and found that I have sebhorric dermatitis. I am waiting for my docs appointment to discuss. Meanwhile would like to know if your mom had anything like seb dermatitis. I am only 24 old and so scared.