Hi! First of all I want to say that this is a GREAT forum/blog and I give you a lot of credit for starting it, sharing your stories, and wanting to help others. THANK YOU, and I really appreciate all you’ve done and gone through. Stay strong, continue helping others and you will get through this!
I want to ask you about your thoughts on Spirinolactone, but should provide you some context first. I am 28 years old and started losing my hair around August of 2006. I was under a lot of stress with my job and not taking very good care of myself nutritionally either. So, I started with a family physician and had blood work done. Everything came back fine. She recommended I take a daily multivitamin. She also recommended me to a dermatologist. I finally saw a derm in January of 2007 (it takes FOREVER to get in) and they did some additional blood work and told me to start taking biotin as well as the daily multivitamin. Again everything was “normal” and that was it. In March of 2007 my excessive shedding stopped and my hair felt better again. So I thought the vitamins and biotin were helping and
thought stress had a lot to do with it, too.
THEN, in August of 2007 I started losing a lot of my hair again and am continuing to shed excessively. This time around the hair loss is more noticeable and my scalp is much more noticeable than the first episode. I did just move to a new state, change jobs, sell our house, etc., etc. I thought maybe it was stress again but knew I needed to see a derm to be sure. I live in Winston-Salem, NC and they have an excellent dermatology practice at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Medical Center. They have doctors that specialize in female hair loss!! So, I finally went early this week (after getting an earlier appointment because of a cancellation). I saw 2 doctors that were fantastic. They spent a lot of time talking through everything and came to the conclusion that it’s likely androgenic alopecia. BUT, they had me take every blood test possible in case it’s related to low iron, thyroid, etc. I’m still awaiting those test results. They also think some stress could be involved, but when they performed the hair pull test on me it was positive in some areas and not in others, likely female pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia). I am supposed to start using Rogaine for men and they will prescribe Spirinolactone if all of my blood work comes back “normal.”
So, do you know much about this drug? Does anyone else on the site know? Once I have the test results for my blood work, and I do indeed need to take Spironolactone I am supposed to call my doctor and talk to him about all of the side effects, issues, etc. I know that with both Rogaine and Spironolactone that you can not use them if you’re trying to get pregnant. I am not at this time, but am married and want to at some point. Also, I’m on Mircette birth control, but have been on birth control since I was 20. Mircette is a low androgenic kind so I’m not worried that it’s the culprit to my hair loss.
Thank you again for listening to my story and so many other stories. I do believe that together we all can make a difference for this cause.
******
Hi -
Thank you for writing and for your support kind words about the site, it means a lot to me! Forgive me for being redundant, but before I answer any question for anyone I really like to make it clear I am NOT a doctor and I cannot give medical advice, but I do have an opinion and a lot of personal experience with hair loss. I don’t want to sound like a broken record but it is important I make that clear for anyone who may not know and reads my answers.
Okay…
The first thing that caught my eye about your email, was the second to last paragraph where you mentioned that you were on Mircette since you were 20. The fact that you have been on it for about 7 years prior to experiencing hair loss sort of makes me think that perhaps your feelings are right that it wouldn’t be the culprit of your hair loss, having said that I don’t think you should rule it out completely as a contributing factor. What did your doctors say about it? Some drugs can lower the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, do you take any other prescriptions? My idea behind that is, if you start taking a medication that can possibly lower the effectiveness of the oral contraceptive then would similar to having stopped the pill… this is just speculation, but everyone on this blog probably already has read that stopping the pill can cause shedding (telogen effluvium) or kick in androgenetic alopecia in those women who are genetically susceptible. But that is just a theory.
Everytime I see “Birth Control and Hair Loss” anywhere red flags start popping up all over the place. I haven’t really heard from anyone about long term birth control and then having hair loss. For myself, after having hair loss from stopping Loestrin a doctor put me on a more “hair friendly” pill, orthotricylen. I’ve been on that for about 8 years now, and my concern for myself is that since the last 2 years my hair loss has sky rocketed and the shedding has been non-stop, is that my body some how adapted, adjusted, or gotten used to the pill and is no longer working on my body in the same manner it had the years prior. I don’t know if this is true, I don’t know if you can “build up a tolerance” to birth control and as such have your hormones freak out. That is my own concern on my hair loss situation, and I’m going to talk to a doctor about that. I’ll let you all you girls know what I find out.
But moving on from that, stress can cause hair loss, but my understanding is that is has to be severe severe stress, the type involved with dealing with a death or trauma from an injury. But I think everyone processes things differently and for some women maybe they could evoke enough stress in their life from job and family that it may be possible. I tend to think not, but again everyone is different.
There is something called chronic telogen effluvium (shedding) that can be caused by a variety of factors. Among the common causes are high fevers, childbirth, severe infections, severe chronic illness, severe psychological stress, major surgery or illnesses, over or under active thyroid gland, crash diets with inadequate protein, and a variety of medications. Most hair loss from medications is this type and causes include retinoids, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, and NSAIDS (including ibuprofen). There isn’t any treatment from chronic telogen effluvium just bloodwork to rule out the obvious and not so obvious possible causes. But your doctor can distinguish between chronic telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia. They are able to tell by assessing the hair follicles whether or not you are experiencing miniturization.
I’m glad you saw some knowledgeable physicians that deal with female hair loss. I’m very happy to hear they didn’t fluff you off and say it was just “stress.” After hearing your medical history and story, they would know best.
Spironolactone is commonly prescribed as a treatment for women’s hair loss. From what I’ve read it is a mild anti-androgen. It’s real use is as a blood pressure pill and diuretic, but somewhere along the way someone took note of it’s anti-androgenic properties. So on the upside you’ll never be bloated again 
I’m just joking, but it does diuretic properties as a lot of blood pressure pills do. The side effects listed in the PDR:
—-More common side effects may include:
Abdominal cramps, breast development in males, change in potassium levels (leading to such symptoms as dry mouth, excessive thirst, weak or irregular heartbeat, and muscle pain or cramps), deepening of voice, diarrhea, drowsiness, excessive hairiness, fever, headache, hives, irregular menstruation, kidney problems, lack of coordination, lethargy, liver problems, mental confusion, postmenopausal bleeding, severe allergic reaction, sexual dysfunction, skin eruptions, stomach bleeding, stomach inflammation, ulcers, vomiting
———
Those don’t sound pleasant, but what side effect list does? I can tell you I’ve been been on Aldactone (the brand name of spironolactone) for 8 years now. 200 mg is my dosage. I started at 100mg and then it was raised around 2003 to 200mg. To my knowledge the only thing I noticed is that if I didn’t have enough salt in my diet I would get a little light headed, but a pickle would clear that right up. I was also warned not to eat foods containing high potassium, not sure I faithfully adhered to that one completely over the years. I recently noticed Spinach has an enormous amount of potassium, a few years back I ate spinach like it was going out of style. Really that is all I am consciously aware of as far as a side effect, there could be other stuff happening that I cannot see. That goes right back to when I talk about my regrets about my hair loss.
Why did I make the decisions I did to treat my hair loss with aldactone and orthotricyclen? I did it knowing that medications for long term may have adverse effects, but I wanted to have quality in my life, happiness. I couldn’t have that at 21 with chronic hair loss, and my worst fear… no hair. So I thought that to give my self the best chance at happiness I should try and treat it with whatever I could. Be proactive. That included trying finasteride (propecia) and Rogaine in the first year. I no longer take those.
Everyone has to think hard about what they want. Why regrets, why now? Because my hair loss has advanced so rapidly the last 2 years I feel I get no benefit from the medications and all the downside. So that makes me feel horrible and trapped. But perhaps I am being unfair to the treatments, I do have another factor that could have caused the recent increase in hair loss and that is the medication Synthroid. I have appointments with several doctors to try and figure out if my recent increase in dosage this last May and last Feb. were the real culprit in the increase in shedding. I also wish I had waited longer at the age of 21 before taking the aldactone and orthotricyclen to see if my body could have fixed itself on it’s own. I will never know now.
You mentioned Rogaine, I don’t know if you plan on taking it, but if it were me I would try one thing at a time. That way you know what is working, you can always add the other treatment later for added benefit.
You mentioned children, That is something to think about since you cannot be on these medications when you are pregnant, or trying to conceive. Think about a few years down the road, if you have success with the treatments and have to stop them during the time you are pregnant you may lose all the benefits you received from them, and your hair could shed. Although, I always held a personal idea close to my heart that would get me by, which is that perhaps the increase in estrogen while pregnant could carry me through and spare me excessive hair loss due to stopping the medications, then I could always get right back on after I had a baby. I have no basis for that idea, it’s just a theory I kept in mind so that I would be able to think I could have children, get off the meds and not lose my hair overnight.
I hope that shed some light and addressed your questions and concerns. You wrote, “I do believe that together we all can make a difference for this cause.” You are making a difference, by sharing your story you are helping another woman who may be experiencing the same thing as you. You let other women know they are not alone, and that is so important. It’s therapeutic to share, wouldn’t you agree? I can’t cure hair loss, I wish I could but with my words I hope I am able to help some women through a very difficult time. I go on and on sometimes in my writing because I try and point out everything I wish had been pointed out to me at the beginning.
Please keep us updated with the results of your bloodwork and what you decide to do.
~Y
Technorati Tags: aldactone, birth control pills, hair loss, hair loss story, hair shedding, Mircette, rogaine, spironolactone, telogen effluvium
October 6th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
hello,
i know you said you were on birth control for 7 years, but i have read a few stories on different forums about women suspecting their pill suddenly affecting their hair after being fine for a number of years. i too am on a pill that is actually supposed to be “anti-androgen” (yasmin first, then yaz), but my problems have just kept escalating. i totally agree with Y though, try only ONE variable at a time… then you can be sure it’s really working. my dermatologist gave me the bright advice of stopping the pill and starting Rogaine at the same time, and then i was like “welll…. then if my hair starts growing back i won’t know which one affected it! if my hormones fix my hair on their own, then i may not know it and be stuck taking Rogaine for all eternity!” he was like “oh yeah… youre right…”. duh! lol sometimes i think we are our own best doctors. anyway, you are NOT alone, so just make sure you stay optimistic and make yourself a hair-battle-plan. it really does make you feel a lot better when you feel like you’re being proactive about helping your own situation. good luck!!!
October 7th, 2007 at 7:56 am
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!!!
October 8th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Hi Gretchen - Rogaine didn’t work for me, it just left me a greasy mess and my hair always looked oily which isn’t a good look for the thinning scalp. I hear it works well for some women, I’m just not one of them. I so glad you are staying optimistic, that is really important, I struggle at times with being down but overall I try to believe and hope things will get better. Your husband sounds incredibly supportive, thats really fantastic. And since you are totally at peace with the fact that when you get off the spironolactone to have children that you may shed, then that’s another plus for you. You can feel good about the treatment and not be regretful. Which is why I point of always point out my thoughts and feelings after years of being on these treatments, so that other women can deal with the thoughts that may occur upfront before moving on.
You sound so positive, I love seeing that! Let us know about your hair battle plan!
I’m always here to answer any questions you have the best I can or just to lean on for support.
~Y
October 9th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
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.
October 10th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
Hi Gretchen - Normal blood results are very common among women losing their hair. My blood work was “normal” each time it was tested, but something is definitely off inside my body. Also what is normal? There ranges vary and what is normal for me may not be normal for you. Unfortunately we don’t usually get these tests done when we are feeling perfectly fine, if we did then we would have at least had something better to measure against… which would be are ourselves. But I doubt anyone is running around getting blood work done for their hormones and iron when they feel great.
I attempted to increase my own iron intake a couple years ago through foods and iron supplements. I think blackstrap molasses is suppose to be a rich source. I also was eating a lot spinach thinking that was a good source of iron then later I read that it also inhibits iron absorption. Spinach has something called oxalic acid in it, the oxalic acid binds with iron and inhibits absorption. There are also some foods that are considered “iron enhancers.” If I remember correctly I think those are, meat, fish, poultry, Broccoli, brussels sprouts, tomato, tomato juice, potato, green & red peppers, Orange, Orange Juice, cantaloupe, strawberries, grapefruit and other Vitamin-C rich fruits and white wine! so drink up… just kidding
I think you have the right idea to talk to another doctor and get a second opinion. So what was the doctor’s reasoning on holding off on the Spironolactone and starting with the rogaine foam first? I definitely think doing one thing at a time is a good idea I am just wondering why he opted first for the rogaine. My guess would be because it is FDA approved for hair growth, maybe he thinks that in his experience it has shown to be more beneficial than the spiro. Just curious what he told you.
Rogaine Foam wasn’t around when I used Rogaine years ago, but either way it just didn’t work for me and I always felt greasy. I can see how the foam might be easier to apply and easy for styling purposes.
Are you going to try the Rogaine foam?
~Y
October 10th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
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
October 10th, 2007 at 10:46 pm
Hi,
Interesting site. I have been suffering from hair loss since
my early 20’s ((I’m 43 now) Blood tests for anemia, excess hormone levels,
and every thryoid test possible were taken over the years. All normal.
After my hysterectomy, I about a third of my remaining hair, developed acne,
and gained 40 pounds. Yah. After seeing SEVEN different doctors (family
practice, gyn., dermatologist, I found a website for Dr. Geoffry Redmond.
He is a endocrinologist who specializes in hair loss for women.
I made my first trip to NYC to see Dr. Redmond. He put me on
Spironolatone and increased my estrogen replacement dose.
Wit in a month, my acne started to clear and I had little hairs
starting to grow on the top of my head. My hair wasn’t oily anymore.
That helps my hair look thicker. I used to wash my hair every day
because it was so oily. Now I can go two or three days without
washing it.
The only side effect I have of the Spiro is that if I don’t drink
enough water, I get some mild leg cramps. I also seem to
sweat a little more. (I live in the desert so it hard to blame
sweating entirely on the spiro!) Very mild and definetly worth
it. It was worth the $600 I spent on the trip to Dr. Redmond to
finally have someone listen to me and offer effective treatment.
Go fo the Spiro!!
Dr. Redmond’s site.
http://www.hormonehelpny.com
Good luck!
SHELLEO
October 11th, 2007 at 10:25 am
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
October 12th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
HI Gretchen - finally a woman after my own heart… I’m also big on the “everything happens for the reason” scenario! It’s part of how I’ve managed to keep sane and continue hoping when it comes to my hair. I’m glad you like the “fave a doctor” I’m hoping in time I’ll have a nice list of doctors that treat women’s hair loss who are knowledgeable, sensitive and caring, tall order I know, but good doctors are out there. It’s always good to have a recommendation from another person who has had a good experience with a physician.
TE with underlying androgenetic alopecia sounds like what I think I’m going through right now. I know I have female pattern baldness that I treat with Aldactone and Orthotricyclen and have been for last 8 years, but the recent increase in shedding, the telogen effluvium, I really think it is connected to my dosage increase of my thyroid medication that took place this year and last. Since the decline has been so rapid and very unlike the years prior.
I hope you find that your shedding subsides soon. And you should be positive, always. Thinking positive is never a negative. Sometimes I wonder if I’m just being delusional in trying to positive and convincing myself that things will get better… but I’m not, I’m very aware of my current situation but I hope for better days.
And you are so right, red wine always gets the spotlight since it is suppose to be good for the heart, but move over red wine, white wine is an iron enhancer!
Check out the list on this page: http://www.healthcastle.com/iron.shtml You’ll see white wine on the iron enhancer side and redwine on the iron inhibitor list. But I doubt red wine has much to worry about since it has that whole “good for the heart thing” in the bag.
About my wedding date… Do you know that for like a minute I sat here trying to figure out you knew I was engaged, I totally forgot that I frequently make mention of my fiance. duh. I was beginning to think you had psychic abilites! ha ha ha. But seriously, I don’t have a wedding date yet because my hair, what else right? I want to feel pretty on my wedding day but how can I with thin wisps of hair floating around my head. I also don’t want to see all my family that I haven’t seen in a long time because of my hair loss. They all remember me with gorgeous thick hair, its hard not to notice that it looks like it is more than 75% gone
And wedding pictures? forgot about it, I don’t even like looking in the mirror. So there is yet another thing my hair loss has taken from me. But I think I’ll probably end up doing the elope thing. Maybe a very very small ceremony in vegas with just my parents and his. I know my mom really wants to see me get married, and I’d hate to take that away from her by running off and telling her about it after the fact. We’ll see what happens.
Keep me updated about the Rogaine Foam.
Shello - Welcome to the site! Thank you so much for sharing your success you’ve had with your treatment. Success stories are always so wonderful to hear and very much needed. A lot of women are unsure of spironolactone and the efficacy of it in treating hair loss, often I find a lot of women begin to doubt the treatment even when using it, so your story will serve as some encouragement for them. Thanks again for sharing!
October 16th, 2007 at 9:24 am
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!
October 16th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Hi Gretchen - Eloping does sound like the way to go for more reasons than the ones I presented earlier, but like you said it’s easier, no stress.. or at least less stress.
I am so happy to hear the Rogaine Foam is working out! And I’m glad your scalp isn’t getting as irritated or greasy. That was a big problem for me when I used it, I was always a greasy mess. It’s good for other women to read this as well and know that the foam is better and less irritating. I really hope it works out well for you.
About your shampoo and conditioner… isn’t it interesting how sometimes a great shampoo can just make your hair FEEL fuller. I love that. Sometimes all the stars are aligned for me and I don’t know what it is… perhaps I got the right shampoo to conditioner ratio right that day and my hair just looks thicker! I rotate between a bunch of different thickening shampoos and conditioners.
Yes I have done Yoga… A lot. I haven’t done it lately, although it probably would be a good idea to get back into it. I used to go 5 days a week for 1 hour. It wasn’t at a gym though, it was at a private yoga studio. I always felt to refreshed after, my skin looked good too, very clear perhaps from sweating out all those toxins. I should get back into it, thanks for reminding me!
~Y
October 20th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
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!
October 21st, 2007 at 9:52 am
Hi AtlantaJJ,
Thanks for sharing your story with me. I wanted to say that I have been using Rogaine foam for a week now, and my head itched the first day and that was it. I’m only using it once a day because I knew I would be more sensitive to it, and the nurse at the dermatology office said that would be fine. The foam is very easy to use, too. I used the minoxidil liquid for a couple of days and it was awful. I’ll keep you posted on my progress with it. In a couple of months I’ll likely be going on Spironolactone, too.
Keep my updated on what treatments you end up using.
November 6th, 2007 at 10:17 pm
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.
November 6th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
Hi Summer, Welcome to the site. You are right that “medical professionals” do not understand how devastating hair loss is for women, and I’m so sorry to hear that your long term relationship is suffering because of this. I completely understand how hair loss can cause problems in a relationship, I have what seems like a gazillion rules that stem from my insecurity from my hair loss. I don’t want my fiance to come into the bathroom when I’m combing my hair or doing anything related to my hair. I don’t want him to even see me with my wet hair down prior to putting it in a ponytail, and I am so uncomfortable with how my hair feels wet that I don’t want to be touched when it’s wet… it’s awful, trust me. Doesn’t really allow for a whole lot of spontaneity and freedom, But it’s just a way of life now. Thats just the beginning I could go on and on.
I was unclear about your post… do you think that Spironolactone is responsible for the sudden onset of your hair loss? Usually it is prescribed for treatment of female pattern hair loss because it does have antiandrogen properties. That is why I currently take 200mg of Aldactone (brand name). I have to continue taking it because if I stop I could go through a tremendous hair shedding and whatever benefits I got from it over the last 8 years would be lost.
It seems that the undetermined autoimmune disorder could likely be responsible for the hair loss. Most researchers believe that alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease.
Have you seen a dermatologist, endocrinologist, or any other doctor about your hair loss?
~Y
November 17th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
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!
November 20th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
Hi Stacey, I reposted your comment on it’s own thread on the main page and also responded to it there:
http://www.womenshairlossproject.com/hair-loss/stacey-hair-loss-story/
Thank you for sharing your story
~Y
November 21st, 2007 at 1:52 am
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.
December 1st, 2007 at 1:31 pm
Thank you so much for posting my story!
I will keep in mind, That not everybody looks at my scalp as much as I do. It just feels like that’s all there looking at when they are talking to me.
I will be going to my appointment to see my Dermatologist in two weeks. This will be my first time ever going to a Dermatologist. Does anybody know what it is that they do or Should do to see why I am losing my hair? And should I see a Endocrinologist as well for my hair loss?
My hair symptoms that I have notice:
Sheds lightly through the day,
Sheds 10 to 30 hairs each washing and combing,
Even the short hairs that are trying to grow falls out at times,
My hair is weak and easily breakable,
Always have to use conditioner or leave in conditioners every day sometimes twice,
I always have tiny hairs on the top on my scalp I never know if their growing or it’s from breakage,
My scalp is always oily, it’s not from the conditioners either.
(I wash my hair then by next morning at 11 am, It’s really oily again.)
(It never used to be this oily, it started since I turned 24.)
One week a month, around my period week I notice that my:
Hair dries out, Scalps stays oily, Hair sheds more, Breaks more, and the hair by my roots look thinner and color looks lighter, and gets slightly itchie, and when I itch I get these white hard ball looking things on my scalp that looks like white zit heads. I don’t get a lot of them but it does happen for a week once a month, don’t understand it. Does anybody know what they are?
My fore head always has these white things, too. My fore head looks oily lightly red rash like (but not always red) and looks like I have light blackheads, But when I itch it there white heads, not black. (This isn’t anywhere’s else on my face except my whole fore head. This started this year. I don’t know what it is? That’s another reason why I have an appointment to the dermatologist.
I will write back again to let you all know what my results turn out to be. Hopefully, Positive News!
Oh, Also I wanted to add:
I been on birth control pills now for 10 1/2 years, Since I was 15. I tried this year for 4 to 5 months not taking them to see if my hair will grow or stop shedding, for the first 2 1/2 to 3 months my hair didn’t shed as much then I hit the 4 month it started shedding a lot again. So, I started taking my birth control again, Cause also my PCOS was causing my face to become uncontrollable oily again. I don’t want to be on birth control pills forever. But so far, it is the only thing that will help control my PCOS and Hair loss. I also heard Metformin can help control my PCOS but not sure about my hair loss. I have to check into that more. So, If I ever want to have a baby, I have to get off birth control and deal with PCOS symptoms and hair loss problems. Looks like I am stuck in the middle of two Big Rocks!
P. S.
How do you all deal with this hair loss every day emotionally and in a relationship way? Some days, I feel Ok and lot of others days, I am so depressed about it? I just wish just one day I can wake up again and not have to worry about my hair.
Losing my hair is starting to make me feel weird about being sexual with my BF, that I have been with for six years. I feel uncomfortable more then I ever had since I have been with him when we are kissing Or trying to make love I don’t feel attractive. I don’t feel very Feminine anymore. Which I am a woman And only like MEN! But I feel like my hair loss is stopping me to feel feminine about myself! I, Sometimes wonder if I am going to lose my love of 6 years And Sometimes, wonder why he is with me? I just don’t want to look like a bald man…. I want to feel like myself again! With Hair!
Is there anybody that has ever felt the way I am feeling right now, from hair loss experience?
December 3rd, 2007 at 12:50 am
Stacey,
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!
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
-andrea
December 6th, 2007 at 11:04 am
Hi, Andrea!
I feel that way all the time! I stay in 90% of the time. Not that I want too. Cause If I had Thick Hair I would LIVE outside. lol.
I hope I am as lucky as you! But I have a feeling I am not. I think mine is Androgenetic alopecia. I say that because my father, and other males in my family have no or thinning hair, and all the women have thin hair (that doesn’t show scalp) Except my great grandmother. She was the only women in my family going bald at a early age. Also cause I have PCOS, It makes your hormones levels go out of wack… My thinning is mostly on top on my head and front sides, my balding area is my bangs and front area by my bangs.( It’s about the size of a 50 cents Coin) It’s not really a hairless bald spot but in light it looks like it. In the mirror, It looks like bunch of thin hairs separated from each other and very soon if it keeps shedding its going to be a completely hairless spot. On my back top on my head is just starting to do something the same. Which I don’t want!
But now that I have read your story and looked up your scarring - alopecia. I do have a rash like area that I mention above from a early Blog, That I have notice having it when I was 16 and 17 and from 18 until 22 it just disappeared and at age 23 it came back. It gets itchy and irritated to touch at times on my forehead, and gets red as well. It sometimes, break out with a rash form and white beads looking things, And once a month it make a inch past my bangs turns red and itches too. But that inch part goes away 2 to 3 days later. But it never leaves my fore head though.
Thanks, I will tell my Dermo to do a scalp biopsy. I want to try anything to get back most of my hair. But I was wondering wear would they take a piece of skin from my scalp from? Would it be my front where I am thinning the most? And will it be unnoticeable to the eye when they get done? Like, How big of piece smaller or bigger then a inch?
Thanks
January 10th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
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
January 13th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
This will sound like a broken record, but I am so glad I found this site!! I am a hospice nurse and I feel so shallow and vain for worrying about my hair- but losing my hair truely has been traumatizing. My friends with beautiful, thick hair just don’t understand.
I have learned so much! My hair has been thinning for approx 10 years, but now (at 51 y/o) my shiney scalp is so much more noticible. I am pretty sure its AA as it is diffuse thinning over the crown. I am going to see my doc (a nurse practitioner) and ask for the lab work that is suggested on this site. In the mean time I will try the Rogaine foam (the liquid is too oily) and maybe the Nizoril shampoo. For those of you who have bought ‘topper’ wigs- is there a good on-line site?
Thank you to everyone who has told their story. I feel better knowing there are many in the same boat!
January 17th, 2008 at 12:45 am
Hi Kathryn, Welcome to The Site! I’m glad to hear you are going to go see a doc for extra blood work to help to try and determine the cause of your hair loss. It is up to us to be proactive in helping ourselves because often times the doctors seem to not know much about hair loss or simply don’t care. You definitely should not feel bad or vain for worrying about your hair, hair loss can be very traumatic and crippling to one’s self esteem, I have personal experience with that myself. I’m also curious to know if anyone has found good “toppers” online. You are definitely not alone in this. Keep us updated with your progress!
~Y
January 17th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
hi all-i would like any feedback on my situation-i started noticing the thinning hair/terrible acne in March 2007. i left it alone for a few months thinking it would grow back and really didn’t care about the acne at that point. in Oct/Nov 2007, my scalp started showing more and my skin still didn’t clear. I then decided to make an appointment for the Gyno and Derm. They ran blood work and stated everything was in normal range. The gyno wanted to put me on Yasmin and I wound up never following up with the derm. I wound up buying a book in Barnes and Noble written by Geoffrey Redmond in NYC and i was able to get an appointment with him right away(there was a cancellation). I am 26 years of age so I’m a little freaked out why this is happening. After seeing th Dr. (Great dr., he stated my testosterone was at 77 (very high)so he put me on Yasmin and spiro. I have noticed after about a month now that my skin is clearing up. I did however notice an increase in hair shedding. I started using Rogaine about 3 weeks ago since I am trying everything possible but is not the smartest since I won’t know which one will work. Could this be the cause of my increased shedding right now? If anyone has any feedback please let me know. I did have a haircut yesterday and was quite embarrased before. The lady i went to understood and gave me a cute bob style haircut. The scalp of course shows on top but it takes the attention away from it. I also occasionally use toppik fibers which dr. redmond suggested. They really do blend in with your natural hair. Speak to you guys soon! Thanks for listening.
January 17th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Dear Jan, Welcome to the site! I am glad to hear you consulted with a doctor knowledgeable in women’s hair loss. I’m not a doctor, but in my experience both Spironolactone and Rogaine could initally cause an increase in shedding. I wrote about that in a previous comment:
“truth is every effective hair loss treatment can cause you to shed and depending on who you ask every hair loss treatment will have its proponents and opponents as well. It really depends on the person, for myself, I did experience increased shedding upon beginning Aldactone (brand name of spironolactone) but it did subside after a few months. The general consensus in the hair loss world is that if a treatment causes you to shed then it means it is working, but at the same time the absence of shedding in not an indication that it isn’t working. It is my understanding that it all depends at what point you are catching the hair cycle when you begin the medication. If your hair is on the uptake and a lot of the hair follicles are going into an anagen phase then there is a good chance that the medication will just help improve that process, however, if you are in a catagen or active telogen phase it could expedite that as well and increase shedding.”
Did you ask Dr. Redmond what he thought about using the Rogaine as well?
Cutting the hair shorter really does seem to improve the overall look of thin hair. I’ve kept my hair cut to my shoulders for years. I long for the days when I use to have hair half way down my back. But it’s all about moving forward now.
~Y
January 18th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Thanks for responding. I have to say I ‘m so happy we can relate to each other. I did ask Dr. Redmond and he said I probably shouldn’t go on the rogaine until I knew for sure that the Spiro and Yasmin didn’t work. I went against his advice to kind of be precautious you know? I didn’t want it to get any worse if the meds don’t help. I know that I a going to be on rogain for a long, long time but i think if it helps, it will be worth it since I won’t be freaking out as much. I actually notcied thismorning I have some tiney grey hairs popping up…..could this be the rogaine turning it grey or can it just be new hairs? Have you ever heard of this before?
Talk to you soon!
xoxo
January 19th, 2008 at 8:49 am
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/
January 19th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Hey Jan, I totally understand why you went ahead and started the Rogaine. I tried several things at the same time (including rogaine) when I first started losing my hair and you are right if it works it is WELL worth it. It is really good that you are being proactive and doing something to help yourself.
I have heard about the unpigmented (grey) hair. It is possible that one of the treatments you are using is working for you and those are vellus (baby) hairs growing back in that could eventually become full mature terminal hair (the good stuff). You may have awakened some dorminant follicles back to life!! I think it is actually a good sign.
~Y
January 20th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
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!
January 20th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Hey Jan, I don’t have much luck at casinos. I won $300 in vegas once and since then I probably given them that back 10 times over, but it doesn’t keep me from trying again when I’m there
Regarding the noticing of hair shedding whilst putting in hair product… yes I too notice hair shedding when I do that with my defrizzers or volumizing spray, but it isn’t because the product causes more hair loss, it is just because I’m fussing with it which always jars some extra hair loose and they fall out. They would have fallen out anyways, that was there destiny, it just probably would have been latter in the day when I wasn’t looking.
Same thing would happen if I was spritzing my hair with water and rubbing it in or shaking it. So don’t worry about that, mousse away!!
~Y
January 26th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
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
February 2nd, 2008 at 7:29 am
hi girls, i haven’t wrote in a while. i wanted to give an update……..i am approacheing my 2 month mark with my spiro and yz and my 1 1/2 mark with Rogaine. I only seem to notice increased shedding if i don’t wash my hair for a few days…..Is that normal? I cant really tell yert if the treatments are working but we’ll see. I have to follow up with Dr. Redmond in NYC in April. HE definately seems to think that by then I will see an improvment with my hair and my acne. ugh….I only have that one gray hair so maybe it isn’t growing in….who knows. how is everything else coming along with everyone else? I thinnk i’m going to try the scalp massages that we spoke about on here. well get back to me when you can all!
oh and go giants in the superbowl!
hugs.
February 7th, 2008 at 6:54 am
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
February 11th, 2008 at 12:52 am
Just stumbled on this site & I really want to try spiro. I have had my hormones tested countless times for hair loss and excessive facial hair and all my tests come back normal. I have been using laser therapy for my excessive hair on my face but it just keeps coming back (so frusterating). My hair in crown area is quite thin & has been this way since I was 15, along with the excessive facial hair. My doc did recommend me to a derm but my appointment was forgotten about & was left waiting in the waiting room for 45min. I never went back or scheduled a derm appt. I manage to get away with my hair not looking so thin by using volumizing products but it’s getting thinner and thinner up top.
I have been researching spiro for a while now & would like to see if my doc will let me take it. Just wondering if it worked for facial hair problems as well as hair thinning? I seem to have all the signs of PCOS except for irregular periods (i am 29 btw). Also I suffer from anxiety & have high cholesterol so will taking spiro effect any of these conditions I have? Glad I found a site where people know what I am going through
jc
February 11th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
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
February 12th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
hi all! i just wanted to give an update, so far it’s been 2 months and guess what??? I think i am seeing an improvment. very slight but i am no longer wearing the toppik to cover up my thinning areas. my scalp has been extremely itchy, i was kind of nervous about that but my hair dresser said its a good sign that the follicles are still alive. i have been on 200 mg of spiro, rogaine and yasmin since mid december. i started to shed very intensely about 2 weeks ago and was super paranoid. i haven’t seen it get worse since being on this med. i’ll keep everyone posted on my endeavors with theis horrible nightmare. Just wanted to give some hope.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:23 am
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
March 12th, 2008 at 6:59 am
hi Bridget,
i am on Yasmin and Spiro which i think is a little diffrent from Yaz…..I am currently at 3 onths and about a week and i feel like i have some regrowth. the only reason i say that is because i have tiny, tiny hairs growing from the front of my scalp. but i will tell you it has NOT gotten worse since being on the spiro. i am trying to get a follow up appt for dr. redmond for mid-april. let me know what happened….
March 12th, 2008 at 7:38 am
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
March 12th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Hey Bridget,
I understand the fear and worry of losing hair at such a young age. I started losing my hair at 21, I’m now 29 (soon to be 30 ) It definitely is worth noting that many women are able to successfully treat their hair loss my slowing and sometimes reversing the miniturization process and actually growing hair back as well. I say my hair at about age 25 and 26 was better than 23. I still had the shedding and everything but I guess more hair was able to stay in that anagen phase longer. Whatever it was it was good. I may still have been riding high if it wasn’t for my synthroid dosage disaster that I’ve written about numerous times on the blog. I’m optimistic things will improve in time, hopefully.
Let us know how your appt with Dr. Redmond goes. He is a good doctor, very caring and he is one of the few who takes women’s hair loss seriously.
I currently am on 200mg of Aldactone myself.
Stay positive
~Y
P.S. Remember, while Regrowth is wonderful, you’ll find that if you can just stabilize your hair loss and keep what you have you’ll be a happy camper in the years that come. When I first started losing my hair 8 years ago I just prayed and prayed for ALL my hair to come back. As the years went by I’d pray just to have what I had 2 years prior and so on and so forth. Now, while my hair is so unbearably thin I’d be happy if I had confidence knowing it would just stay as it is and not get any thinner.
March 13th, 2008 at 5:54 am
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.
March 13th, 2008 at 6:31 am
Jan,
Thanks so much for your comforting words. It’s more difficult to relate to women who are older. I am sure that it’s NOT ANY easier to lose your hair at 40, but it is really hard to grasp that I’m thinning at age 25!
Happy belated birthday, by the way! Did you celebrate with your boyfriend?
I have a wonderful boyfriend, about 9 months, that I probably could confide in, but I’d rather not bring his attention to it (like you said, I know that not everyone has noticed). Instead, I’m lucky enough to live close to my mom and even my older sister, both of whom I can talk to about this. I am currently on 100mg of Spiro, and if I get an appt with Dr. Redmond, I would assume he would increase it to 200 mg. I’m afraid of bugging Michelle, but I guess it couldn’t hurt to keep trying to get a voice mail through to her, or email. I can only imagine how busy the office must be! I’ve heard it’s $600 for your first visit, and then about $250 for each follow up. Is that what you’ve found? Do you live in NY?
I suppose I’ll keep this website around and continue to post, if you’ll be around. If you see more improvements, will you post them, if you remember? It certainly gives me a lot of hope. Right now I’m trying to accept the loss, and I really think that I could have a normal life with what I have left. I just pray to God, whom I have a large belief in, that I will not lose anymore, and that I’ll have the courage to accept whatever happens.
Again, thanks for caring! You certainly have made this acceptance a lot easier!!!
Bridget
PS. For anyone else reading, I wouldn’t call myself super religious, but I believe in God and am a practicing Catholic. Here is my favorite prayer:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
March 13th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
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!
March 14th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Hi Bridget,
I take 200mg both at night. As far as the restroom at night question, I’ve always gotten up at night to use restroom as far back as I can remember (2-3 times even) I’m a huge water drinker so that sort of comes along with it. Not sure if the aldactone is causing it to occur more frequently, but it doesn’t really bother me.
~Y
March 14th, 2008 at 11:40 am
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
March 14th, 2008 at 11:47 am
hey bridget!!! you are so welcome. a few months ago i was in your same exact shoes….so believe me i know.
My Birthday was great, I ate alot and drank alot. Went to Arirang. Ever heard of? It’s a hibachi steakhouse with awesome mixed drinks!
I totally say if you have an awesome boyfriend, he’d probably tell you if he noticed ya know? But at least you have your fam for support. it helps alot.
An don’t be scared about calling Michelle. Believe me, i just booked my follow up and called her like 5 times and emailed twice. She knows how it is. She’s very comforting too. Keep calling them. I know the office is closed on Monday. My follow up appt. is April 12th.
With my Spiro, i take the full 200 in the am around 10 every day along with the BCP.
Have you been to the derm yet? Sometimes it honestly is a waste of time, i hate to say that. You need to find a really good one if you go.
The initial visit for Redmond cost 700, you leave a 500.00 deposit on your credit card or account and then you pay anohter 200 when you get your visit. He then gives you a form to submit if you have an insurance carrier, They didn’t reimburse me much but about 170. better than nothing. I spent it on alcohol i think! lol (i’m not a big drinker even though with this letter i may sound like one! )
You should definately keep posting on here. It really helped me out alot so far and you meet great people. I will def be around and will continue to put updates on here!
Hope you have a fun weekend. Doing anything special or just loungin?
March 14th, 2008 at 11:47 am
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!!!
March 14th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Jan,
Wow, you are certainly right that you meet some great people! You and Y have been great at responding and again have made it easier!
I just heard back from Michelle. I have an appt for March 24… not bad of a wait at all! It does seem like a lot of money to see him… should be interesting if I get any back from my insurance.
I’m a teacher and today is the first day of my spring break. I’m actually on my way out the door for a fish fry at my boyfriend’s. I’ve been pretty anxious about the whole hair situation recently (having trouble sleeping). I think I’m making it worse than it really is. I have my ups and downs. I think that right now with my bf not knowing about things in detail, I’m able to “escape” when I’m with him. There’s no doubt I’ll tell him eventually, but for now I feel like I would like to stabilize the issue on my own, with my family. Although I don’t see any end in sight to our relationship, we’ve never talked about the “future” together.
Thanks for everyone’s support!
Have a wonderful weekend, Jan!
March 18th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
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.
March 19th, 2008 at 6:01 am
Hey Bridget! Great for you that you got the appt. You will love him! He’s a doll! But yes you are right, leaving the hair down is better than the ponytail. I actually cut my hair in a bob style since my hair started thinning. No one really notices anything. Plus it’s less strain on the hair rather than pulling it tight.
March 19th, 2008 at 7:51 am
I’m actually different, I tie it back all day because I get bugged by the way it feels (or lack of feeling I should say) when it is down. When I’m pull it back I can feel something attached to my head which is comforting for me. I do notice that when I cut my hair I notice less shedding, but I know one has nothing to do with the other. I think it just feels better and I pay less attention
~Y
March 21st, 2008 at 8:46 am
Jan,
Quick question… I’m dwelling on this again. You said earlier in a post that Dr. Redmond thought you should see some improvements in three months (at your April visit). What kind of improvements? Did he said just less shedding, or did he appear to be optimistic about some regrowth?
Thanks so much!
Bridget
March 22nd, 2008 at 3:57 pm
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
March 23rd, 2008 at 9:57 am
Frannie,
My only advice would be to make sure you see a hair loss specialist. A lot of derms do not have enough experience with hair loss. You may also want to read Dr. Redmond’s book, “The Hormonally Vulnerable Woman” Good luck!
March 23rd, 2008 at 10:24 am
I just wanted tio wish all of you a Happy Easter!!!! Peace….. Robin
March 24th, 2008 at 5:42 am
hey bridget! dr. redmond said that within 4 months, i should see less shedding. regrowth can take about a year or longer. remember it didn’t fall out overnight…..i can’t believe know so much about this stuff. how are things on your end?
March 25th, 2008 at 6:01 am
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
March 25th, 2008 at 11:23 am
awww, i’m so happy you liked him, he definately isn’t sweet and emotional but he definately is straight forward and honest. did you take your blood results with you? so happy to hear you’re doing ok. I’ll keep you posted on my trip soon.
March 25th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
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!
March 26th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Hi Bridget,
What a great comment you made about the internet in general. I really should write about it for other women. It really is a harsh place and nearly crushed me eight years ago when I visited the forums back then. Always hearing bad thing after bad thing and then hearing about people stating the worse thing they ever did was such and such, and it was all the things I was trying! I was just devastated. Dr. Redmond is right, and I’ve written this several times before, once a person gets help and is doing well they rarely report back to the site that everything was a success. They are off living a grand life, as they well should. It is most definitely important to filter what you read on the internet. Even things you read here. You always have to go with your gut and do what feels right for you. Everyone else can only share their own experiences and hopefully it helps to clarify things and help you in finding that “gut feeling.” That is the bottom line. I do my best to share my views and opinions and provide as much information that I have accumulated over the years. But in the end, what didn’t work for me may work for someone else and vice versa.
Please keep us updated with your treatment.
All The Best,
~Y
March 27th, 2008 at 7:34 am
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!
March 27th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
hey again,
ya, mine was 47, but like he says in his book, even if your levels are “normal,” you may be “vulnerable” to them. he says that anything approaching 50 and over is usually a problem. i’m having another “bad” day, just stressing about it. blah blah blah. i just keep reminding myself that it takes time. you said you notice less shedding, now that you’re about 2.5 mo, right? i’m waiting for even THAT!!
bridget
March 27th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
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
March 28th, 2008 at 3:12 am
I too have been experiencing a lot of hair loss for the last six months. When you mention excessive hair shedding roughly how much do you mean. I lose between 70-100 strands everyday which i think is a lot but most websites say 100 -125 is fine. I have been to the doctors and had blood tests but they all come back fine and they tell me i have lovely hair and should not worry but i know that it is much thinner than it used to be.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:48 am
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!
March 28th, 2008 at 4:58 am
i’m actually taking the yasmin like normal. take one off week a month…..
March 28th, 2008 at 7:14 am
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??
March 28th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
I am 48 and I was on Ortho-Novum for about 18 years. After reading here I started thinking about it and I believe my hair thinning started no long after I stopped taking birth control. (never connected it before)
I have suffered from thinning hair for approx 10 years. This past July I had a tumor removed from my uterus and an ovarian cyst. My Gyno put me on Loestrin 24FE. Recently I read that this was the worse birth control you can take for hair loss. Has anyone taken this? Around the same time I started seeing an endocrinologist who ran tests for PCOCS but they all came back normal. He told me to use Minoxidil which I have been since July. For a while I thought it was at a standstill (no better, no worse) but recently it seems to be getting worse. I have an appointment to see both doctors mid April and I plan to discuss some of the treatments I have read about here.
Also, does anyone have an opinion on how to find a good hairdresser or an opinion on a good hairstyle? I have always had long hair. I now have it just to my shoulders. The last hairdresser I went to was pretty rude about telling me that I’m being ridiculous for not cutting my hair really short. I don’t know if I’m so against it because she is so rude about it or because I’ve never had really short hair. I’d love to hear your opinion. Thanks
March 30th, 2008 at 9:41 am
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.
March 30th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Hi ladies…regarding Dr. Redmond’s method of 9 weeks on active Yasmin pills, and then 4 days off, does he recommend this for woman whose hormones are in the normal range? I don’t have the time or money to see him, and the derms and endos I’ve seen here don’t help much, so I am thinking of following his treatment plan for Yasmin. I have all the symptoms of my hair follicles being sensitive to testosterone…excess body hair, hair thinning, etc. but my hormone levels are all within normal range.
March 30th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
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!
March 31st, 2008 at 8:01 am
Hey Chris,
About a hair style, I too have always had long thick hair, so cutting it was not exactly my idea of a solution. I still have mine to my shoulders, becuase I like to maintain some length, however I do think it’s best to keep it short. Jan said she has a cute bob style that works well.
Finding a good stylist is hard I guess. I still use the same girl I always have.
Good luck!
April 1st, 2008 at 4:47 pm
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
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:32 am
hey there bridget! You sound just like me. You WILL definately notice that the 1st few months of Spiro the shedding seems to get worse……i had the same exact thing happen. i’m almost at the 4 month mark and i think i am seeing improvement if that’s any help. I see less shedding which is better than more shedding. I see Dr. redmond for my follow up next Saturday so i’ll keep you posted. I was actually gonna ask him i should switch to your methos of yasmin. I have noticed my monthly friend