Women’s Hair Loss Project

Thanks to both of you for your replies. I am not ruling out birth control all together and find it interesting that women are suspecting their pill as the culprit after many years of being on it. I may consider going off of it. To answer one of Y’s questions, I didn’t take any other drugs while on it recently. I do think it’s good to try one thing at a time and have applied Rogaine 2 times now and really don’t like it. It makes my head itchy, so I am going to hold off on that for now. I have sensitive skin, so I wouldn’t be surprised if I got some kind of rash or something while using it!

I really appreciate the support and Y, I appreciate your lengthy reply. It’s definitely therapeutic to share my story and I am actually staying pretty optimistic. And if I do have to take Spiro and it does offer help, I would stop taking it at some point in order to have kids. I’ve talked to my husband about that already and he understands that at some point it’s possible that I may need to wear a wig. He is completely supportive of that, and I’m okay with that too.

I’m a very action oriented person so I am definitely putting together a hair-battle-plan! This is something I have to deal with and this is something I know I can handle especially with everyone’s support and the support of my family. Thanks again to you both!!!

Hi! I just got my blood work results back and everything is “normal.” The only thing that’s interesting is that while my serum iron and transferrin levels are in the middle within the normal range, and my saturation level is on the higher end of the normal range, my ferritin is 20 (the normal range is 20-200 for women). I talked to the resident doctor about this and he didn’t seemed concerned about it, since the other iron levels were at good levels. I’m trying to get more iron in my system naturally through food, and wonder if I should consider taking an iron supplement. I already take a multivitamin. I know that too much iron is dangerous, but I’ve read a lot of forums where women with ferritin levels of 30 are taking supplements. I am going to talk to another doctor about this to get a second opinion. Also, the derm is holding off on writing a prescription for Sprironolactone at this point and told me to try Rogaine foam for now. I told him I didn’t like the regular Rogaine and stopped using it. I guess the foam is supposed to be less irritating on your scalp and won’t run down the sides of your face. I go back to the derm in 3 months and at that point, Spironolactone may be recommended.

That is exactly what is so frustrating about blood work, what really is “normal?” They have these big ranges of normal levels, too and it’s hard to make sense of what part of that level is best for you. And not having anything to compare it to is that much more frustrating.

I’m still contemplating whether or not I want to try Rogaine foam. My head still itches from the regular Rogaine I used a few days ago. I think I am going to buy a one-month supply and if my head itches and it leaves my hair greasy after the first couple of days, I am going to stop using it and view it as a sign that it isn’t the right treatment for me. I’m big on signs and that things happen for a reason. I’m also thinking about getting an appointment with a regular doctor - I’m new to this city still so I don’t know who I should see. I am going to ask around. I LOVE the “Fav Your Doctor” and wish I could refer to it or contribute to it, but can’t at this point. The other thing I was reading about was Nioxin shampoo.

To answer your question about why they didn’t recommend Spironolactone right now, I’m not entirely sure. The doctor I talked to is a resident, and the main doctor is on vacation right now (both of them are working with me). He mentioned that he wanted to see how the Rogaine foam was working and then we’d consider adding on Spironolactone. It probably is because of the FDA approval, and to try one thing at a time. He said if I’m getting a positive result from the Rogaine foam then adding Spironolactone is that much more effective when used together. Not sure if I believe that or not. Also, he mentioned to me that they believe I have TE with underlying androgenic alopecia, so maybe that’s another reason. The TE effects will subside and maybe my hair loss won’t be as bad as it is right now? Or, maybe that was just me trying to think positively about it!!

I’ll let you know if and when I try Rogaine foam. I do like red and white wine a lot! Red wine always gets the spotlight for being good for you, and didn’t know that white wine is considered an iron enhancer! I’ll drink a glass to that for sure.

Thanks for having this conversation with me. It’s very helpful and comforting just to be having a conversation about it! BTW, have you set a wedding date?
Gretchen

Hi Shelleo. Thank you so much for the information and sharing your success! I’m happy to see that this worked for you and it definitely gives me some hope! Were you diagnosed with androgenic alopecia? Also, how long have you been taking Spironolactone? Did you ever use Rogaine? Sorry for all of the questions, and appreciate your help!
Thanks again!
Gretchen

Hey Y,
I think eloping sounds great! We had a pretty small wedding of mostly family and close friends. We lived far away from our family when we were planning our wedding so we wanted something pretty easy and inexpensive. I’m definitely “Type A” personality but when it came to our wedding, I did not want to be a Bridezilla! My younger sister just got married this spring and did the HUGE wedding in our hometown, and was very stressed out by the time she got to the actual day. It was a great wedding, but after seeing what she went through and how much money they spent, a destination wedding with your family seems like a great idea to me. Also, as far as wedding pictures, we have some great ones and very rarely look at them. It’s about the memories and not the pictures!

I wanted to let you know that I am trying the Rogaine foam. Today was my first time using it and I have to say it was SO easy. My scalp is not nearly as irritated by it and it didn’t make my hair greasy or anything. It feels like you’re putting on mousse but only on your scalp. So, I’m going to give it a shot and I’ll keep you posted. Also, yesterday I used Nioxin shampoo and conditioner for the first time and even though I shed more hair in the shower than usual, my hair looked and felt better than it has in months. I have naturally curly hair (thank goodness!!) and it had so more body than usual after I finished diffusing it.

I hope that you get information about your thyroid medication soon and that it will help with the TE. It’s bad enough to have AGA, and then having TE on top of it is just not good! But I guess in my case, if I hadn’t had TE I wouldn’t have found out that I have androgenic alopecia so I guess that’s good?!

Have you ever taken a yoga class? I’m under a lot of stress right now (some of it due to the hair loss of course) and am taking a yoga class once a week (wish my gym offered it more often), and it makes me feel so much better about everything. It’s good therapy for the mind and for the body!

Hi Ladies,

I am so glad I found this site today! This is awesome!!

My story is very close to your’s Gretchen, except my derm thought my problem was traction alopecia because I wore braids for a long time. I haven’t worn them or any extensions in over a year and my hair thinning has gotten worse. My derm wanted me to do cortisone shots for months on end, and I just couldn’t do it. So I just hid my hair under lace front wigs. Now I am ready to start the fight again for my hair.

I am certain that I have hormone related hair loss. My mom had it too. I’m going to my OB GYN and ask her to put me on the Spironalactone. They put me on it ealier in the year at only 50 mg but I must admit I was not taking it like I should. I went through a bought of depression and that just made me give up on everything.

For some reason I have been afraid to try Minoxinil I guess because I have heard of the itching and the redness, etc. I am still wearing my wigs but I am taking them off every night and massaging my scalp and using different essential oils like rosemary etc. and keeping it conditioned. I am also taking Biotin, hair vitamins, etc.

I forgot to mention I am 45 years old…all my blood work came back “normal” also. My Ferritin was in the way low of normal range and my Estridal was at the low range. I had hair loss after the brith of my son 10 years ago so I know hormones affect my hair…

Please forgive all the typos and spellos … I was just so excited to see these posts and know that there are other ladies I can talk to about this problem!

Hi,
When I first saw the topic of this post I nearly choked.
I had been taking Spironolactone for years before the sudden onset of hair loss last year. I switched to Lasix 6 months ago with no discernible improvement. I never knew there was any correlation between this drug and female pattern baldness. Maybe that’s why my condition is not improving.
Wouldn’t you think my doctors could have at least mentioned
the possibility? I am also ill with an, as of yet undetermined, auto immune disorder. I understand that naturally takes precedence but they seem totally unfazed by my dramatic, and so far unexplained, hair loss. Meanwhile, it’s completely tearing me apart inside. My 8 year relationship is nearly over due to the loss of self esteem and subsequent intimacy issues. I don’t think medical professionals understand how traumatic this is for women.

Hi,

I found this web site today. I came in tears when I read this. I have finally found people who are going through the same similar problems as I am in my life right now. I am a beginner on this Hair Loss Adventure. Let me tell you my Story and maybe since you all been through more doctor experience then I have. You might be able to give me some Advise and Tips. At least, I hope you will be willing to help. Ok, Here it goes.
I was diagnosed with PCOS in Nov.of 2005, As well with border line Diabetes. ( Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) I was 23 years old. I am now 25. Doctors don’t know much about PCOS. They are still doing research on it. I did some looking up on it. ( Let me tell you what it is for those who don’t know: It’s where you have tumors that grow in your ovaries and can block and prevent your eggs from going through your tubes to make you become pregnant. As well as your body produces too much androgen and Hormones and your body could produce too little Thyroid Hormone as well. Which can cause you to have many Symptoms such as ad normal periods, No periods, No pregnancy, Diabetes, Heart disease, Heart attacks, High blood pressure, Excess hair, Acne, Skin tags, Early Menopause, Cramps from your ovaries, unexplainable weight gain, trouble losing weight, and so on and so on. There’s so far No Cure, Some Doctors say losing 20 to 30 pounds to get rid of the belly fat that maybe causing PCOS Or taking birth controls to help control the symptoms. (Which means slow down the process.) People can’t catch this by people who have PCOS. Everybody with PCOS are different. So, You may not get all the above symptoms. Doctors told me that the only way is to control the symptoms is through birth control pills and if I wanted to try to become pregnant is to take Metformin, If I have trouble getting pregnant. At that time, My hair was starting to receive in the front and lightly shedding.

Now, I have very little bangs And my hair is thinning from my bangs all the way back on top. It’s more noticeable up front where my bangs and part starts. I part my hair to the left to try to hide it but it doesn’t really work. You can see it in the light. And my part looks wider then it should be. My hair sheds lightly during the day now, and sheds a lot in the shower and when I am combing it. ( like 10 to 30 hairs each showering and combing).

My first attempt: I tried going to a Hair Dresser to ask them what they would recommend? And what would be causing the shedding. Instead of just helping. They embarrassed me in front of everyone in the salon and told me if I don’t start fixing my hair better and using a Hair Loss Product that I was going to go bald by the time I hit 30, And that I would be more bald then she will be 20 years from now. I bought the Nioxin shampoo and conditioner that she recommend. It made my hair shed more the first week I used it. In time, I saw my hair strands seem strong and thicker. But it didn’t hide my thinning spots. So, I stopped using it. My hair weaken and fell out some. So, I decided to go see the Gyno and ask them. She told me it could be from my PCOS. I asked her if there was any vitamins or anything she can treat me for it. She laughed and said No. Just over the counter Vitamins and Rogain. She said that the Birth Control should be helping it to Not fall out as much. But it still falls out. That’s what the problem is, I want it to stop shedding like crazy when I wash my hair, And comb it. So, I bought complex B Vitamins. I used it for 9 months. Didn’t see any changes. The pharmacy told me that’s Good Vitamins for hair.

Then my second attempt: I went to see my Doctor. He said that the hair loss has nothing to do with lack of Vitamins And Nioxin just thickens the hair strands to help hide some of the problem not fix it. That I need to see a Dermatologist. And then we will go from their about what they would have to say. My Doctor told me that there is still hope for me and one or two ways out of 6 ways that will work for me.

My third attempt: I have an appointment with the Dermatologist in DEC. of 2007. I am scared, on what the results are going to be. I want them to say it’s just some imbalance of lack of nutrient Or something easy and can be Curable. But, I am afraid that they aren’t going to say that. Cause my Father lost all the top of his hair by the time he hit 28. My Mother has thin hair, But you can’t see her scalp. My Grandmother that died before I was born on my Mother’s side was balding on the top of her head. My Sister is 10 years older then me and She has thin hair but again, You can’t see her scalp. So, I guess. I will have to wait and see what the Dermatologist will have to say. Wish me Good Luck!
I just want this problem to go away! I can’t be myself around people. It feels like I try to block everyone out by hiding in the other room, staying by the older people instead of people my age, not going outside as much, don’t go out to dinner or go in places with a lot of people as much. When I go out the pretty people and people my age stare. Some make a light giggle like it’s funny and their better, some make bald jokes that seem like their not referring to you but you feel like they are, It’s hard to get a Job, It makes the people who are close to you to not what to look you in your eyes cause they don’t want to hurt you by looking. I haven’t been to a Hair dresser for two years cause of my experience that I have had and Cause of my thinning hair. I don’t like swimming, walking in the rain or to be caught in the rain, I am pushing away from my boyfriend of 6 years. ( I am not trying to). I don’t feel uncomfortable about my self when I am around him cause of my hair. I don’t like being close with him by kissing and being sexual with him. He thinks its him. But I tell him it’s Not. I don’t like looking in the mirror a lot cause it just makes me depressed. I shower sometimes with the light off, I don’t like my boyfriend around when I take a shower, when my hair is wet, Or combing it. It’s like when I am combing my hair, And my boyfriend comes in the bathroom my body jumps like I am a child stealing a cookie from the cookie jar. Cause, I feel ashamed the way it looks. It makes me so stressed over this. I don’t even want to get married because of this. I want to but it just wouldn’t be a pretty wedding with a Beautiful Bride! I want my hair to grow back thick, So I can feel like a WOMAN again!

I will take any Suggestions,Tips,Or Advise I can get. So, Give me your thoughts. Nice ones that is.
Please don’t mind any mistyped words.

Thanks. For letting me to express my Problems and Feelings like this!

Dear Stacey,

I totally understand how you feel. I am a 33yr old woman and my hair loss started when I was in my early twenties. I am still very concious about it and yes, always have an umbrella in my bag in case it rains and can’t remember the last time I went swimming with a crowd of people but do feel more comfortable about myself than I did say, 5 years ago ( even though I have very little hair on my head now). Please don’t push away the people who love you and remember that not everyone looks straight at your scalp when they look at you ( as you do to yourself) and that people who do and make snide comments are not worth even a thought or precious minute of your life. Also remember that you are not alone and that there are so many women out there who are going through the same thing. I too am really glad to have found this community and it’s given me courage to explore wigs etc to find a solution to my problem. Take care. PS I too was terrifieed about how my hair would look on my wedding day but it’s amazing what a skilled hairdresser can do with a comb and a can of industrial hair spray! I think I looked pretty good on the day and I don’t think anyone noticed my hair or lack of thereof.

Stacey,
I know exactly how you feel about not feeling feminine… i have been finding it hard to build up confidence and go out with friends, and have the same doubts when i’m with my boyfriend. i’m sure your boyfriend just wants you to be ok and feel ok and is not judging you! as for the derm, it was the turning point in my hair saga. make sure you ask for a scalp biopsy!!! it hurts a little bit, but not as much as the emotional trauma of losing your hair i don’t know if you have read my story (http://www.womenshairlossproject.com/hair-loss/scarring-alopecia-andrea-story/) on here or not, but it might help you a little as far as the derm visit. good luck!
-andrea

Hey everyone,
It’s been a while since I posted any comments, but I wanted to post an update on my hair loss situation. I had a 3 month follow up with my dermatologist today. I see a female dermatologist and a male med student. They are both great and they specialize in female hair loss. I’ve been using Rogaine 5% foam since my initial visit and so the attendee asked me how it was going. I shrugged and made an “ehh” face apparently, and he laughed saying I made the “minoxidil face.” So, I guess there is a “minoxidil face” or in other words, it’s annoying to use and doesn’t help much anyway, and then you’re stuck using it, and it’s a big huge pain!

I feel my hair situation has not gotten any better, so they performed another hair pull test on me. No surprise, it’s still the same diagnosis: telogen effluvium with underlying androgenic alopecia. We went over my blood work, and as I had suspected 3 months ago when the lab results were in, I have a very low ferritin level of 20, and therefore need to take more iron. I was told today that a level of at least 40 is needed for healthy hair growth. I did start taking an over the counter iron supplement about 3 times a week when I got my lab results back and saw the low ferritin. The supplement I was taking is a ferrous sulfate, and today I received a prescription for iron-polysacchride. I guess your body absorbs it better than the over-the-counter supplement I was taking. So, the dermatologists and me hope the iron will help with the telogen effluvium. I guess time will tell.

I also received a prescription for Spironolactone. They are starting me on a 25mg dose. The Spiro will hopefully help my androgenetic alopecia. I’m supposed to continue using the Rogaine foam as well.

I go back in 2 months and they will do blood tests to check my iron levels and my kidneys to make sure that the Spiro isn’t effecting them in a harmful way. Depending on how everything is going, my Spiro levels may be increased.

It’s amazing how many things I’m taking just for my hair! In addition to the Spiro, iron and Rogaine, I also take biotin and a multi-vitamin. I use Nioxin shampoo, and a mix of Nioxin and moisture-rich conditioner. I also use enhanced thickening and curl enhancer gels. Not to mention, I think about whether or not the foods I eat are going to benefit my hair! I know a lot of you do the same, but it really is ridiculous when you think about it!

I’ll continue to keep everyone posted on my situation in hopes that it helps some of you. Again, I am very thankful for this site and for all of the brave women that are dealing with this unfortunate situation.

Love, Gretchen

Hi Jan,

I was reading your messages on here. I have found this site a few months ago. I am 25 And I am experiencing Acne And Hair loss as well. I was diagnosed with PCOS…

So, Yes.. It is a Big Relieve knowing that you aren’t the only one out their with Hair loss problems. But at times when you go out, It seems like you are the only one out there. But you Aren’t!
But what I wanted to mention to you that caught my eye is you said you were experiencing Acne And Hair loss… I was thinking maybe you should get an ultra sound done on your ovarian’s from your Gyno to see if you may have PCOS. ( I am Not a Doctor But I thought your Two Signs sounded slightly similar).

Here is my story of what I posted when I first found this site. Check it out and see if you are experiencing any more problems like these. http://www.womenshairlossproject.com/hair-loss/stacey-hair-loss-story/

thanks guys for responding. It has really helped me out alot. To be honest with you i went to a casino yesterday and I was hoping I would win like a million dollars so I can try to assist with a cure for this horrible nightmare. but of course, i didn’t win crap. (no surprise)
stacey-a few years back i had my ovaries checked and there were some tiny cysts. i just had an ultrasound about 2 months ago and the result was normal. I also had my glucose checked too and nothing. the dr’s don’t seem to think it is this. I have looked into this though. Thanks for the advice though. how did your blood results come back?
so far only one little grey hair. I haven’t been on treatment for too long yet. taking the yasmin and spiro and a little over a month and the rogain about a month. so well see what happens. i was putting some mousse in my hair today and i noticed more hair shedding. Has this ever happened to anyone? using hair products and shedding even more? Talk to you guys soon. xoxox hugs!

Hi,

I can relate to all of these entries. I have been diagnosed with Androgentic Alopeica! All my blood work is fine. Go figure. Yet I have shedding cycles every 3-6 months. Each one gets worse. I take Spiralactone and it helps just a little. I am on birth control pills for ovarian cysts. For 20 years!!! Yet my endocronologist says that is not affecting me. I have tried so many products and they have failed. I do worry a bit and always seem stressed out! I go to the gym 5 days a week to release that stress. I had several loses in my family and that has really effected me. I am now looking into Extreme Hair therapy. You use these topical treatment with shampoo, conditioner and vitamins. Plus you get intense scalp thereapy for 6 mo. A bit expensive but what do I have to lose???? High sucess rate. so check out hair club for women. I am very self concious and feel embarassed when i go in front of large crowds. I avoid mirrors at all costs. It is very hard for me to deal with. I am hoping this site brings me some relief talking with others.

thanks,
J

Hi Jackie,
Jackie-

I feel like I am in the same boat as you. I was just told in Dec from my biopsy that I too have Androgentic Alopeica. I seem to have hair sheds every 3-6 months.

I am taking Spiro and 5% Rogaine (not feeling much results but it only has been two months). I also work out with Yoga and ride my bike (2.5 hour work out today). I am also in my early 30’s.

I tried the Hair Club EXT Treatment that you spoke of. I had a horrible experience and felt that I wasted $1,800.00. So did my twin. They didn’t have time to style my hair and I would leave unfinished with wet hair. The tech or hair professional were not all trained on the laser. The shampoo and condtioner made my hair more frizzy. New people would come an go and it was not comfortable waiting with all the men and waiting for their hair transplant. Sometimes they would take me downstairs to wash my hair and would have to walk in a room full of people waiting to be serviced with wet hair. I was told if I was unhappy that I would get a refund. I did not get the refund but rude interactions. Much more here but wanted to share my story with Hair Club. It was aweful. I hope your experience is much better. If you do it please let us know. Also- try checking out ripeoffreport.com I found a few unhappy folks from them too.

Shanlaree

Hi JC,

I am 33 and have know how you may feel here.This site and the network has prove to help me and hope it will help you as well. hang in there - we understand.

I would recommend checking to see if you have PCOS by your doctor and remake an appointment to see a Derm. It can take 3-6 months to see a good one. I waited for 3 months to get to see a derm and had to wait in the waiting room for 2 1/2 hours. Thank goodness I brought a great book. I was given Spiro at my next two week appointment (Which I had to re0wait 3 hours just to be told I had Female Pattern bla bla bla).
So, Rogaine 5%, Spiro (which makes me personally feel weird) and Yasmin (still mot taking Yasmin). I have had more shed with these products but that was going to happen anyways so worth checking it out. Best wishes.

Just a few suggestions.

For Cholesterol check out this website- has a great list of food that can help lower it.

For Anxiety - what has helped me is Yoga every AM even if it is for 15 min. Meditation. Check out http://www.KellyHowell.com and see some of her mediation CD’s.

*best food list

http://www.whfoods.com/

Foods & Spices*

Shanlaree
In Oregon

I am 25 and going through the same thing as above. I am trying to book an appt with Dr. Redmond. I recently started taking Spiro 100 mg a day, and have been on Yaz for about 2 years. I feel like my hair is thinning significantly in the last year. Has anyone seen regrowth in their hair with Spiro and Yaz?

Thanks!
Bridget

Jan305,
Thanks for responding so quickly. I do think Yaz is a little different from Yasmin. I’ll ask Dr. Redmond about it if and when I see him. How long did it take you to get an appt with him the first time? I left a message with his office but have not heard back yet. I’m hoping he’ll increase my Spiro to 200 mg, which seems like more people are on. When you said Dr. Redmond thinks he’ll see improvements in April, did he say anything about “regrowth”? That is what I really want, but do not know if it’s possible.

Also, are you the same as Jan from above? If so, then I see you’re only 26. Being 25 with this problem is what is scaring me. If you are 26, are you dating/married? I’m terrified of it getting worse, but am relieved to read that you are seeing improvements.

Bridget

Hey Bridget! I totally didn’t mention i am 200mg’s of spiro. i believe you need that amount too see any change. My first appt with dr. redmond luckily took only a week to get since there was a cancellation. it normally takes about a month or so. But the office manager michelle who should be calling you is great and she’ll try to squeeze you in if anything.
Keep calling or even email them since i think she’s the only one that sets these things up and she’ll send you the pamphlet of all the paperwork via your email.
You do have to remember the first step to regrowth is stabilizing the hair loss. Before Spiro, i noticed i was losing like 100+ per day (that i noticed), since then I have noticed losing about 20/30 hairs every 3 days or so. as far as regrowth, it can definately take 8 months to a year to see any change. I guess some people can be lucky and notice it sooner.
so yes, now i am 27, my bday was last week. and i mean honestly i was a complete mess when all this happened. but honestly i know you probably feel (and correct me if i’m wrong that people are constantly staring at your head(they’re really not) , you feel uncomfortable in certain situations and you feel like you’ll be bald by the time you wake up in the am. Never with Androgenic Alopecia does someone wake up and have no hair. That is a diffrent form of Alopecia.

As far a relationships and dating, i’ve been in a long term relationship on and off for a while and he understands this. I must of asked him everyday if i looked bald and he told me no. I kept thinking he didn’t want to hurt my feelings but when i started to lose more in some areas he came out and totally said it looks like it got worse. So now as i go thru treatment he helps me to see if it’s getting better or worse. I think if you have some really close friends or b/f that you should confide in one of them and tell them to be completely honest with you. And they should be honest being you’re close to them.

One more thing… for those of you on 200 mg of spiro, do you take 100 mg in the morning and 100 at night, or do you take it all in the morning? i think i’m going to start taking 200 instead of 100 mg just in the morning.

if you are taking it twice a day, do you have to get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom?

THANKS AGAIN!

Thanks, Y!! Good to know that it doesn’t bother you at night. I’ll probably start taking it in the morning, all 200 mg. If anyone divides their 200 mg into 100 mg in the morning, and 100 mg at night, let me know!

Bridget

oh yes and by the way i am in new york and i do get up alot in the middle of the nite to pee pee!!!

Just an update. I’m going to Dr. Redmond’s next week! YAY! I’ll post what comes of it.

Also, I think wearing your hair down helps when it is thinning. Is that what you all have found? When I see how tiny my ponytail is, I freak out, but when it’s down, it’s not as noticeable. Just another idea to try for everyone out there.

Hello Ladies,
Nice Site and glad you r here. I am 48 and have been dealing with this issue for quite a few years (15 yrs?). My hair loss in the past 7 years has increased. At first mainly on the scalp. In 2001 my derm. did a biopsy on my scalp. I had live hair folicles and was diagnosed with dispersed aleopicia areota. Since I could not have the injections, I was prescribed systemic prednisone. Starting dose was 60mg. for two weeks, stepping down to 40mg. for 2 weeks and then 10mg. for 2 weeks, (I WENT NUTS!!!!:(…not in a good way), Cleaning ceiling fans at 2AM etc…When the treatment was over she put me on a prescription cream of Cyclocort (amcinodide),Twice a day. Did see some really fine hair at first but it did not take. Stop all treatment for a couple of years. Had ALOT of life’s trauma’s hit me within 3 years. Went on a antidepressant (not the first time on Zoloft) for 6 months then came off. Saw my derm last week, she said I had aleopcia areotoa but she saw female pattern baldness as well. I had all the blood tests. Nothing out of range (according to my primary and my derm.) She prescribed Spironalactone and Rogaine. She sid I would have to stay on Rogaine for life and this drug or otherwise I would be in a wig! Would not guarantee that the drug would decrease the shedding. Would not guarantee anything! I must tell you that my aunt on my mothers side has this mass loss of hair on the crown also. I have been taking no birth control, but have been on statin drugs for over 13 years. Any Thoughts? Really Appreciate This Site……….Thank You…….Frannie

I just wanted tio wish all of you a Happy Easter!!!! Peace….. Robin

hey everyone!

so i saw dr. redmond. it was a great visit. he’s not warm and fuzzy, but really knows his stuff, and is a great listener.

i think i have one huge piece of advice for everyone… DO NOT LET THE INTERNET CONSUME YOUR LIFE!! this is probably the only real site that has been conforting. like dr redmond pointed out when he was on the today show, the internet is full of people who have not had great results. i have experienced this with other issues. when you have a problem, you turn to the internet with thoughts of dread and despair. once you have improvements and are happy with your life, you busy yourself with other things, like living life! i’m not bashing the internet, but remember that everything you read is not true! i would highly recommend reading Dr. Redmond’s book, The Hormonally Vulnerable Woman. i would also suggest limiting your internet time on this issue. celebrate life, you don’t know what tomorrow will bring, so make use of today. find a doctor with experience and stick with him/her.

i’m going to continue the spiro and start yasmin (nine weeks on, four days off) it is possible to start propecia as well.

i wish you all the best of luck. i will definitely check back on this site.

JAN! let us know how your visit is in april. it sounds like you’ve noticed a lot less shedding, which is AWESOME!!! like you said, it took a while to thin, and will take a while to grow back!

love,
bridget

hey jan,
ya, he had all of my blood work. he said i had “mild alopecia” right now. what label did he give you? i’ll be anxious to hear about your visit in april! talk soon!

hey bridg, did he say what your testosterone level was? mine was 77 which he said was elevated. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for us and i will definately keep everyone posted in April. Love yas!

Does anyone know if Yasmin or Yaz is better for hairloss? What does Dr. Redmond think? My GYNO said there is no difference between the two. I am wondering if she really knows what she is talking about. I am on YAZ and wondering if I should switch to Yasmin. Thanks

yay! i love answering these questions. dr redmond’s office visit is SOOO expensive, and so i like being able to pass along this kind of info…

yasmin has a higher amt of estrogen, which is good for hair. however, there are 7 “dead pills” instead of 4, with Yaz, and that is too many days without estrogen. sooooo… he has you take nine weeks of yasmin without any “dead” pills, and then stay off for four days, and then start with nine weeks again.

hope that helps!

hey jan,

i guess dr redmond thinks that it’s the T that is your main concern. with me, he thinks it’s a combo of lack of estrogen and too much T, b/c i never had regular periods.
is your hair still shedding less and less these days??

Hi Bridget. Thanks for your reply. Based on what you said, do think I should have my gyno swtich me to Yasmin? She is ok with me taking either one.

Sam, I don’t think there is much difference, except for some additional estrogen. i know that another girl on this site takes the yasmin regularly. i can’t suggest anything, except for tell you what i’m doing.

i know i didn’t really answer your question, but that’s the best i can do!

good luck!

Hey Jan!

just wanted to say hi. i’ve been having a hard time dealing with this all again. i feel like the back of head is getting worse, although i may just be imagining it.

i’m almost done with one month of the spiro. the shedding has not decreased yet, but i’m hoping and waiting. i honestly need to stop searching it online. i’m making myself obsessed with it!

anyways, just wanted to see how you were doing. good luck and keep me updated.

bridget

Hey Jan,

You rock! You are being so patient with me, without even meeting me! I really appreciate your help and support with this. I told my mom that I “met” you online, and what a blessing you have been. Thanks again. I can’t wait for your appt with the doc to see what he has to say. I would imagine that he won’t be able to “see” much, but instead hear what you have to say.

Also, you may want to check out this story. Don’t search around the site too much because it’s not all good things, but I actually printed out this story and read it when I’m feeling low. I guess just copy and paste the link. It doesn’t look like it comes out as a hyperlink.

http://www.herhairlosshelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7591&highlight=#7591

Hugs,
Bridget

PS! Oooops…wanted to ask if anyone noticed any weight gain while on yasmin?? I’m sad to be switching off Yaz… as it actually helped to shed some pounds…

Hey Amy,
Did Dr. Redmond say you have anything else, like PCOS or anything like that? Also, how old are you?
I think a lot of things can be different for different people.
I was on Yasmin for about 6 months before Yaz came out, and had absolutely no side effect. I went to Yaz, and am not switching back to Yasmin for the extra estrogen.

correction, I mean that i AM switching back to yasmin… oops!

Hey Amy,

Ya, I understand about wondering what it would have been like. I wonder what it would have been like if I had started taking it earlier. Mine is still not bad enough for someone to stare at me walking down the street, but it has gotten severely worse in the last year or so. He had recommended propecia as well, but since I’m just starting, i’m going to just take the spiro (200 mg) and yasmin for now. i haven’t switched to yasmin yet, i will on sunday. i’m going to take it 9 wk on, 4 days off. i take my spiro 100 mg in the AM and 100 mg in the PM, with food, even though it doesn’t hurt my stomach. Other than being thirsty and having to pee a lot, I don’t notice any problems with the spiro. i’ve only been on it for one month. i’m keeping my fingers crossed. be careful how much you read online, and remember that people who have seen results don’t post anymore… that is why it’s hard to find a lot of success stories, even though i know they’re out there!!

amy, also, were you good about taking the spiro? i’ve heard it’s really important to take it everyday. and what about the yasmin?

Hi All,

I just started taking spironolactone, today in fact was my first dose. I was a little freaked out reading the warnings and side effects. It can cause sudden heart attack and death. That’s pretty serious. Anyone else have reservations about growing hair with these kinds of potential problems? It was perscrbed by Dr. Redmond. Anyone have any info on this guy? Honestly, I felt like I was being scammed. He seemed so sure my hair would come back. Gave me the meds without even seeing any bloodwork.

Thanks

JAN!

Hey, I set up an email account. I know you’ll probably post about your followup visit with Dr. R, but email me at the following. I set up an account with yahoo.com, so it’s not my personal email, but once I hear from you, I’ll send you my personal account. If you want to do the same, that’s cool too…

bridget.audrey@yahoo.com

Bridget

Karen,

Did Dr. Redmond recommend a hair pull test or biopsy? Did he put you on Spiro after just a visit? He perhaps assumes that this will help. Can you tell me what other meds he told you to go on? My derm told me to go on Spiro and 5% Rogaine after my biopsy came back as AA.

Oh the full does of Spiro does make me feel dizzy so I take 1/2 of the recommended does not sure if that is going to work but better than feeling an out of body exp.

Best,

Shanlaree

Hello everyone!

I am curious…. those of you taking ‘Yasmin’…. have you noticed any weight gain?? I’m wondering because Dr. Redmond is having me switch from Yaz to Yasmin… and I’ve heard that the extra estrogen in the Yasmin may cause weight gain??? And I really don’t want to deal with that AND hair loss! :0) Thanks!!!

Amy

Question:

Is there a difference between Yasmin and Yaz? I thought they were the same thing. Also, for women on Spiro, how often do people get their potassium levels checked? Monthly, bi-annually, yearly? Finally, has anyone on the forum had any serious side effects from Spiro?

Y,

I could not find your post about Spiro, would you please post the link here? I agree with your observation about going with your gut feeling on things. I just don’t trust my gut on this one. It does help to hear other people are taking the same meds and are OK with it. You say you have been on Spiro for 8 years. May I ask how old you are?

Bridget, I can relate. It does become an obstacle in your life. I’m in good shape, exercise, am very healthy and have a great job. I often wonder if the hair loss is the reason why I am single.

K

Hi Karen,

I am just a member and was curious. I see Dr. Redmond’s name posted here and there and wanted to learn more about your exp with him. I saw my derm in Oregon and she prescribed me Yasmin and Spiro as well. I want to purchase Dr. Redmond’s book - it does look interesting. My Derm ( this was last Dec) did do two biopsy’s (one on my temple and one on top of my hair) and determined that I have Female pattern hair loss /AA. It can take it’s toll on some days.

Amy, you sound like me!!! You have to find a doctor that you trust and stick with him/her. If you search enough, you can find anything that you “want” to find. There are some birth control pills that are known to cause hair loss, but Yaz and Yasmin are two that DO NOT!! In all of the trials, when ANY PARTICIPANT complains of a “sympton,” they are obligated to report that it may be a side effect. Good luck with everything and know that you’re not alone! There are plenty of stories of success, just not all of them are posted!!!

XOXO

Hey… I stumbled upon this website and thought I would join in. I am 30 years old. I have been dealing with hair loss for over a year. I had a baby in Jan 06. I first noticed the hair loss about 6 months later. I thought it was baby related, but by 1 year, I decided it probably wasn’t. I mentioned it to my GYN… I had switched pills after the baby was born, then my husband had a vasectomy and I stopped pills all together. Then I went back on them because I was having cramps and my face was breaking out like a 14 year old. I first thought it was a hormone issue with being on and off pills, but I had a complete work up and it was all negative. Anyway, went to see a dermatologist who said “yep, you are losing hair, buy some rogaine.” My GYN didn’t agree, so I saw another derm. and he said my scalp looked red, gave me atarax for a couple of months and thought it all looked better. I saw no change. I finally got in with a hair loss specialist at WFUBMC in early April. They thought it was female pattern hair loss, put me on Spironolactone and Rogaine. That has been 9 days ago and I have broke out on my hands and feet for the past 4 days with redness and itching. I called the office and told them what happened, and she asked me if I was putting the rogaine on my feet… That really made me mad! I bit my tongue on that comment. Today was the worst with the itching, and I took a benedryl and it helped. I spoke with a Pharmacist and he urged me to stop the Spironolactone and call the doctor first thing on Monday. Does anyone know if there is anything else I can take besides Spironolactone? I can’t stand the thoughts of doing nothing and losing all my hair at 30. I am so stressed out with this… I look at myself and wonder how much worse it will get. It isn’t noticeable to people, but it is to me. I have always had think, long hair… as a kid I complained about it. Now I feel like I am being paid back for the comments I made as a kid! Any help, advice, or comments would be appreciated. I feel like I am the only one struggling!! Thanks!

Have you contacted Dr redmond regarding the hair loss?

Hi CJ,
This is in response to your post on feeling immune to spiro. I too feel that way. I am 22 years old and my best ‘hair’ year so to speak was last year… even though I was taking the same medication then as I do now. Now I am in the worst situation I have been in and I feel as though this ‘regimen’ that was working before is no longer doing its job. I have been taking sprinolacton at 200mg each day. I think I may have taken aldacatone (generic spiro) in the past- and perhaps that made a difference and worked better for me? You might want to look into that. As I am sure you feel, hair loss is all too lonely and depressing when the medication can’t even stabilize the hair loss, let alone help with re-growth. I wish you luck, I would call Dr. Redmond and see if he has any suggestions.
I haven’t experienced skin reactions, but I certainly have noticed a lot less hair on my head since last year.
Hope this is helpful info, it certainly helps to know there are people out there going through the same thing….

Hi everyone,
It has been about 2 months since i last posted. I am at my 6 mth mark with spiro and birth control pills, I see a decrease in hair loss and an increase in regrowth, i have tiny hairs growing in all over. I am not sure if this is because of the rogaine that i was using tho. i will now slowly try to ween myself off of the rogaine. I go back to Redmond in October now. Plaase let me know if you have any questions.

It’s always good to hear from others that know exactly how you are feeling. Here’s my story…… When I was younger I had a full head of hair and then I started calorie ristricting and started to loose a whole bunch of hair. I’m 26 years old now. I went to my dermatolgist and she said that with calorie ristrictions, it increases the amount of testosterone which when it comes to hair is no good. She put me on 100 mg of spiro. I have been on that for a couple of months. I also use rogaine. I’m not seeing that much improvement. I did go off birth control and noticed a bit more shedding. I’m going to go back on because it’s not working for me. I feel so ugly with my hair down and my hair is so thin it won’t even go up. The whole hair loss issue is extremely devestating and is consuming every waking hour of my life. I’ve been looking online like it’s my job and all I ever do when watching TV or just being out in public is stare at other people’s hair. It makes me soooooooo sick! Has anybody had good luck with spiro and birth control? Should I take Yaz or Yasmine when I go back on the pill? Is there any hope for regrowth. Im so confused and am definitely becoming very depressed! HELP

Hi, everyone. I just discovered this site. I’ve been freaking out for the last month or so about my excess shedding. Ever since I can remember I’ve gone through shed cycles every 6 months or so, but they never seemed very dramatic and always ended quickly. Now I’m 26 and I’ve been in a crazy shed for the last 3 months or so–which is a really long time for me–and I lose A LOT of hair every day. A good sized clump in the shower in the morning, and then all day, anytime I run my hand through my hair I pull out at least three. It seems like the limit to how many I pull out is just how many times I feel like doing it. It doesn’t stop!

I can see from reading all these posts that there are a lot of causes to hair loss, so I’m not sure where to begin, though I can think of two possibilities. I under-ate on and off this summer for the first time in my life. I had started gaining weight, which I’d never dealt with before, and I got really stressed about my metabolism slowing down, so I guess you could say I was experimenting with under-eating. The other thing is, I’ve been on orthotricyclen for about 10 years, but about a year ago my doctor told me that since I experience no side effects from it, that I could start skipping every other sugar pill cycle (meaning I go back to the estrogen and skip a period). After reading some of these posts I was wondering if I could be OD-ing on estrogen.

The thing that’s stressing me out is just how long this shed is lasting. It’s starting to feel like it’s not going to stop. I’m wondering if either of these things could be the cause? I’m going to start taking multivitamins, and I think I’ll go back to my normal birth control cycle, but since I’m new to this, I wanted to get your opinions–do you think I should also go ahead and see my doctor?

-L

Hi Everyone,

I just came across this site today and it is exactly what I have been needing to read. I have been feeling especially frustrated with my hair loss recently, though it has been going on for about 3 years now, after a recent appointment with my Endocrinologist/gynecologist.
I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome when I was 15 (I am 23 now) and I was put on Spironolactone, birth control (Demulin) and Metformin. For a few years they took me off the Metformin because my blood sugar was consistently too low, but I am back on it again. When I first noticed my hair loss, I talked to the doctor who explained to me that hair goes through growth cycles and I was probably experiencing the “shedding” time of the cycle. My response, of course, was that I didn’t think the cycles were so severe. The second time I mention the hair loss with a different doctor, she informed me that a side effect of spironolactone is hair loss, which no one had ever told me. I mentioned this to the third, most recent doctor who told me that this was just a side effect that I would have to deal with because the spironolactone/metformin/demulin package was the best to avoid type 2 diabetes when I get older. Then, I am surfing the net (in lieu of doing homework ) and find that all these people are on 200mg of spironolactone to promote hair growth. I am currently taking 100mg per day.

I have a traditionally male-pattern-baldness - looking pattern: thin on top, with moderate thickness around my ears and back of my head. My very dry curly hair has also become fairly oily on top, where the thinning is happening and I have thick flaky skin on my scalp at the worst areas of thinning. At the advice of the third doctor, I tried 2% minoxidil but this just made my hair look greasy, made my head itchy and more flaky, and didn’t really have a big improvement. Plus, I don’t want to have to rely on that the rest of my life.

From reading all of you posts, I don’t need to mention how I have tried to cut and style my hair to avoid this embarrassing situation. I always used to have such thick hair that I couldn’t even keep it in a ponytail. I guess I never really appreciated it until this happened to me.

I know some people have similar stories to mine. At this point, I just don’t know what to do.

Hi Kerry,
I would like to encourage you to join The Women’s Hair Loss Project Network. At the top of the page on the right hand side you will see a box that says “Join the Community.”
There are so many wonderful and caring women in the network that are going through the same thing as you. It is a place of great comfort for those who no longer want to suffer this thing called “Hair Loss” alone.

Stop by and join us…you are not alone my dear!

Have a great day, I hope to see you on the site.

Angela

Hey megan the spiro is not causing the excessive hair loss, the rogaine does at first, so if you are concerned about your prom, I would postpone using the rogaine until after prom but continuing taking the spiro. hope this helps

I started seeing a Endocrinologist about a year ago for hair loss. My hair has thinned all over, breaks easily, and it very brittle! No bald spots yet, but quite frightening! I’m a bit angry because my friends and family really don’t see it…but I use every product under the sun to hide it! I take Spironolactone 100mg because my testerone levels are elevated. I really like Nizoral and use it along with Nioxin. Also, it helps to be a master of some styling products…but I truly notice bouts of heavy sheading, oily scalp…all of the same symptoms that are posted on this site. As a Dental Hygienist, I pick the brain of all of my patients that are health care professionals, as well as those in the beauty industry!! I have heard some of my patients had significant hair loss using Yaz. Most of these women were in their 30’s and 40’s. Jeez, we can grow lush grass on all of the ball fields in this country but we can’t give a gal a full head of HAIR!

Hello all. I found this site last week and was quite honestly shocked to discover that what I was experiencing appears to be so common. I am 51 years old. I have always had fine, thin hair, but nowhere near as thin as it is now. It was just 2 weeks ago that I discovered when I parted and lifted my hair up, I could see large areas of bare scalp. I have spent the last 2 weeks on-line researching hair loss in women and crying my eyes out. I was wondering from any of the older women on this site who are menopausal or post-menopausal, if anyone found that taking hormones helped with their hair loss. I had a hysterectomy when I was 24 years old. I am in menopause at this time. I saw a dermatologist 3 days ago and she is pretty confident I have AGA, and started me on Rogaine 5% for the next 4 months. She said that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help, and said as long as I am aware of the risks of HRT, it is my decision. Does anyone out there have any experience they can share about hormone replacement therapy possibly helping (or not) with their hair loss? I plan on taking bio-identical hormones rather than synthetic hormones. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

I hate reading your stories and knowing so many women are suffering from alopecia like myself- something that I would not want anyone to have to go through but I also find comfort that I am not alone as I have felt alone for the last 4-5 years. I started losing hair at 24. I went to every doctor imaginable and all my tests results came back “normal”- always on the lower end of normal but normal none-the-less. I am a little more fortunate because my mother works at the dermatologist office that I go to and can get me in ASAP- on the doctor’s lunch break. He has been so patient with me over the years – for which I will always be grateful to him for. Also, my uncle is an endocrinologist- so with him knowing my family history and for me just telling him what I was going through he told me that I have AA. And yes, like most of you, my shedding started when I got off BC pills. I had been on them for just about 10 years. I believe they totally screwed up my system and body quit producing hormones like it did pre-bc and couldn’t adjust when I got off BC. My testosterone levels never proved to be high however my estrogen levels at times were normal and at other times were next to nil/nonexistent. I feel that I have had a better journey than most and for that I am grateful. I had a full head of gorgeous locks and throughout all the shedding for the past several years I still have a headful of hair and to the average eye they cannot suspect what I am going through. I have lost a lot of my hair and each time I go into remission I regrow a lot of it back. My hair is in all different lengths but no complaints from me on that. I don’t have all the hair I once did but I still have a lot of it. I have been severly depressed over this. You never know how much you are going to lose or when it is going to stop shedding. I would lose up to 500+ hairs a day. It’s amazing to think of how much I have lost and still I have so much still on my head (YEAH!). I’ve go in and out of remission (or at least this is what I call out). I was put on zovia 1/50 (bc pills – has a high dose of estrogen) along with spiro and proscar. I would shed intensely for about 6 wks to 3 mos and then it would usually stop for about 6 mos before starting again. I could not figure out what the trigger was. I decreased the bc pill so I thought that might be it and I also stopped taking proscar when my hair stopped falling out so I thought maybe this was the reason for the shedding to start again. I saw a fertility specialist, I went to Duke, … you name it- The fertility Dr saw me for about a year and was determined to help me. I am a tall skinny, athletic built individual and the Dr said going through what I was going through was common in my type of built. I am also Type A personality & wondered if personality and other characteristics like this could lead to hair loss and not just be biological. He took me off BC pills and put me on estrogen and progesterone cream and still I would be good for a while, about 6 mos with only losing a couple of strands of hair in the shower until remission time was over and it would come out in handfuls for the next 3 mos. I tried to get off of almost everything last year to see if my body would just go in and out of these episodes and remission without any meds and that proved to not be the case. I gave it about 9 mos and could not take it anymore and got back on the estrogen patch, progesterone cream, spiro and proscar. [I have also taken minoxidil (in pill form) but quit that.] And once again it took about 3-4 mos and my hair stopped shedding. That brings me to this most current episode- my hair has been falling out since around March/April (2009) and I have been doing spiro, proscar and progesterone cream but wanted to try and not do any type of estrogen… still shedding, ladies, so I called the doctor today after reading all of your posts and they are calling me in Zovia 1/50 which seems to work along with spiro to put me in remission. I have tried many different other things as well – I could write a book on it. I have done so much research I feel I have earned an MD. I am still fortunate because I still have a full head a hair of which I am thankful for. I have complete faith in God that each and every one of us is going to get through this with a full head of hair ? When things get tough- just trust God that he will lead you through this. Believe me, I have not always been this strong. This has consumed my life for the last 4 ½ yrs. I have what I call “hair envy” when I hang out with my friends or see a stranger with beautiful locks. I just know that worry and stress, impossible as it is to not do it, is only going to worsen the problem and not make it any better. I am praying for all of you!

Hello,

I had no idea there were so many women out there just like me. I was diagnosed with PCOS about 3 years ago, and since then my hair has been gradually thinning. I think about it constantly, trying to fix my already fine hair in to a not so odvious comb over, and failing. I have been staring at my perscription of Spiro for a couple months now, afraid of the side effects, but growing more and more depressed not taking action. I have tried Rogaine, or some generic version for women, but swear my hair is thinner after using it. I am also terrible about using it every day twice a day. I don’t like the way it makes my hair feel. I am currently going through a divorce, and really want to come out of it ready to face the world. Now, i’m constantly worried about lighting in restuarants, people looking at my head when they should be looking in my eyes, and completely paranoid. No way to start a new life. I think next week i’m going to try the spiro, it’s only a 25 mg dose. I just hate adding another medication to my list (i take two others, metformin for pcos, and synthroid)

I was wondering if anyone has had any luck with Saw Palmetto? I have done some reading about that vitiman suppliment, and it sounds promising. I feel though like i am out of options, and while i know the cause of my hair loss (PCOS) it still doesn’t help me feel good about myself. I think this site is fantastic, and i have enjoyed reading everyones stories. Here is to hoping our hair grows back! Hope everyone has a fantastic day!

Valerie

Hi every. I started Spiro, prescribed about a year ago by my dermatologist and it’s been very effective in greatly reducing my hair loss. I am curious, though, if anyone has experienced weight gain on spiro?

Thanks,
Nancy

Started taking Spiro 1 month ago for hair loss. 50mg. once in the morning and doctor will re-check in 3 Feb. 2010.

Have a question though…..does the Spiro cause hair growth in other areas? I seem to be “plucking” a lot more? Haven’t noticed the new growth on my head but have noticed it more on my face.

Thanks!!
Michelle

Hi Kathleen,

I can’t speak much to the effectiveness yet, but I can tell you that I, too, have been on a similar regimine for about two weeks. I have been back on BC for three months and using Nioxin and Nizoral (alternating), but doc just put me on Spiro and started me on 5% Rogaine as well.

I can tell you I’m finding the Rogaine really bothersome. I’m using the foam, but still…it leaves my hair sooo sticky I have to wear a hat the rest of the day because my hair looks so awful, and so far I’ve only been able to use it once a day. Because I have long hair, I wash every other day, so I’ve been using the Rogaine at night, then washing in the morning on wash days, wearing a hat or something on non-wash days.

One thing to be aware of is that both Spiro and Rogaine (like any hairloss remedy) usually causes you to lose MORE hair for a short while because they force the old, telogen hairs out. (So, you’re losing more hair in one fell swoop, but it’s hair that was already dead/you were already going to lose anyway.)

Personally, I’ve not really noticed an increase in my loss these last two weeks (knock on wood), maybe even a slight decrease in shed. I don’t know if this means it takes a while for the stuff to kick in and I should be bracing myself for a dread shed (anyone know?), or if maybe it’s possible that the combo of BC, Nioxin and Nizoral has already kicked out a lot of the excess telogen hairs (*hopehopehopehope*) and I now just have to wait for the Spiro and Minoxidil to start decreasing my shed? My daily count is still high (somewhere around 100-110), but….

Oh yeah,,I bought caruso steam rollers,,,no more heat stying ,,weak hair can’t take regular hair abuse, and no more hair dye…that makes your fragile hair , worse too..no matter what your beloved hair sylist tells you..no more dye..it is bad for your scalp and hair…I have some grey hairs, and I am tempted to dye all the time….don’t…maybe I will get root touch up in my natural color and use only on grey hairs…will that work?don’t know..

ciao;;;again;;;lol

I have debated about taking spiro for sometime … but, after visiting an old hair dresser who was in shock with the condition of my hair, and the random thinning throughout… It’s time to give it a try.

My doc would only prescribe 5mg because he was not familiar with the drug, and nervous I’m sure. But, as I read thru this blog, people mention 200 and 300 mg.

Any suggestions on the mg and can anyone recommend a doc that specializes in female hair loss in Arizona??

Thanks All - this website is both comforting and informative!!

Hi,
I have a very similar story. I started meds at 21 although was not compliant b/c at the time I still had a lot of gorgeous hair and i wasn’t sure it was necessary to take the meds. Seven years later, my hair is extremely thin, scalp always showing, anxiety high over potential of it getting much worse and no way to help. I am going to go to a salon in New York this week to see if there is a temporary fix to help boost my hair and confidence in the meantime. This is a serious thing and it’s awful when people just look at you as if you are just being frivolous. Do I wish I hadn’t ever taken pills? yes. Do I wish that I was just compliant with one thing at a time? Definately. Whatever you do, just make sure you can stick with it. IT’s really hard not knowing concrete answers or reasons for certain things though. I’m interested in any help anyone gets in the new york area that is worth mentioning.
Thanks!