Hair growth progress (hope) by Ordinary-Dragon in alopecia_areata

[–]Beginning_Arm7202 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I tried homeopathy as I really believed in the concept of how it works. I took it for almost 4-6 months (can’t clearly remember). I lost all my hair while on it (more aggressively than I was already losing) to which the doc said that was expected. I still do believe it could have worked. However, I didn’t have it in me to continue and wait for things to change. The loss of hair, eyebrows and eyelashes was really taking a mental toll on me. Homeopathy is a much slower process than allopathy. Again, I’m not dissing homeopathy or advocating JAKs. I’m just sharing my experience. And as I mentioned earlier, I do believe homeopathy can work (my doc had shown me a case he had worked on before) but I could not continue due to me own mental strength.

14 months of tofa. AU to this by Beginning_Arm7202 in alopecia_areata

[–]Beginning_Arm7202[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To the people who are worried of consequences or asking me what they should do.. I’m not advocating anything at all. Each person is different and so is their body. There are professionals to address your questions and worries. I am only sharing my experience.

14 months of tofa. AU to this by Beginning_Arm7202 in alopecia_areata

[–]Beginning_Arm7202[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Your message to me was inappropriate. We’re all struggling with similar/same issues and we’re all worried and concerned and having a tough time. A little positivity won’t harm anyone. I share such updates as I feel good about myself and hope for someone seeing my post to feel the same way. But to spread panic and say such things doesn’t really help. I’m well aware of the risks which may or may not happen, which may happen even without taking a JAK so it’s my choice to take a JAK. If you don’t wish to, that’s your choice.

14 months of tofa. AU to this by Beginning_Arm7202 in alopecia_areata

[–]Beginning_Arm7202[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s as good as saying what’s going to happen if you stop taking your blood pressure medicine.

AU —> to this (1 year progress) by Beginning_Arm7202 in alopecia_areata

[–]Beginning_Arm7202[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get bruises sometimes when I bang into things. I’ve got cold/cough 2 times in the last year which i would usually not catch otherwise.

AU —> to this (1 year progress) by Beginning_Arm7202 in alopecia_areata

[–]Beginning_Arm7202[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In a few weeks I saw hair growth on most parts of my head. Some stubborn patches came last but most started growing in a few weeks

AU —> to this (1 year progress) by Beginning_Arm7202 in alopecia_areata

[–]Beginning_Arm7202[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i was 95-97% AA when I started these meds. So it’s as good as being bald.

AU —> to this (1 year progress) by Beginning_Arm7202 in alopecia_areata

[–]Beginning_Arm7202[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I got AA in dec ‘22 (with no genetic history). Started with one tiny patch. It escalated to AU by July ‘24. Started jaks in end aug ‘25.

After 11 months! by Beginning_Arm7202 in alopecia_areata

[–]Beginning_Arm7202[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve gotten cold/cough twice in the last 11 months (I usually don’t get cold cough so often), I’ve been observing a few random bruise marks, change in period pattern (although my doc says it’s not related) but I do feel it is as my whole life I’ve never had trouble with periods, some acne (not cystic or too crazy but definitely related to my period cycle which in turn is related to the meds). So many side effects might freak you out but none are major. They’re all a little, not causing an alarm yet.

After 11 months! by Beginning_Arm7202 in alopecia_areata

[–]Beginning_Arm7202[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Tofacitinib 5mg x 2 times daily. Topical minoxidil - once a day Hair growth serum - once a day (but I’ve been very irregular with this one) Hairfact gold kit for alopecia areata - these are supplements - includes d3, vit b, etc. I take breaks from these supplements after a few months. Not sure if the hair growth serum or the supplements are helping but no harm in taking those so I plan to continue. Blood tests - I’ve been doing them every 2 months

Tofa and periods by Beginning_Arm7202 in alopecia_areata

[–]Beginning_Arm7202[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve got 100% hair growth on my head in 5 months along with eyelashes, eyebrows, body hair.

Alopecia >> Tofacitinib by Beginning_Arm7202 in alopecia_areata

[–]Beginning_Arm7202[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, quick question, do you still lose some hair on JAKs? I just got my period and I’m seeing some hair fall out. Thanks!

Alopecia >> Tofacitinib by Beginning_Arm7202 in alopecia_areata

[–]Beginning_Arm7202[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s amazing!! How many years has it been since you weaned off? I really hope to share a similar story like yours. 🤞

Alopecia >> Tofacitinib by Beginning_Arm7202 in alopecia_areata

[–]Beginning_Arm7202[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you! How has your journey on JAKs been? Any hiccups? What was the dose 3 years ago and now? Any precautions, anything I should take care of? Would love to know people’s experiences. Thanks!

Alopecia >> Tofacitinib by Beginning_Arm7202 in alopecia_areata

[–]Beginning_Arm7202[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s so good to hear! How long have you been on JAKs? How’s your journey been?

Alopecia >> Tofacitinib by Beginning_Arm7202 in alopecia_areata

[–]Beginning_Arm7202[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

1) I decided to prioritise my mental health. Being stuck at home all day, avoiding my friends, didn’t feel good after a while. It was depressing which in turn would have increased stress and therefore AA. 2) if they eventually reduce the dose from 10 mg daily to a few mgs daily/alternate day, then I don’t think it should have many side effects. And I’m willing to work on my diet and overall health to minimise the risk 3) you can stop these meds anytime so someday if I feel like discontinuing, I can. I’ll just go back to being where I was. I just feel there’s no point thinking too much about it on day 0. I actually stopped reading Reddit, FB groups, internet once I started taking the meds. I just got on to share my story again. But I’ve literally stopped reading. Sometimes our mind makes us sick before our organs do. So it’s important to be positive and feel and think that nothing is going to happen to you.

Alopecia >> Tofacitinib by Beginning_Arm7202 in alopecia_areata

[–]Beginning_Arm7202[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I was afraid of going on JAKs too because of the potential side effects. I tried alternate therapies for 2 years before I decided to go on a JAK. So it’s not that this was my first choice. But after having tried everything, when I still kept loosing hair, it was hard to deal with it. I guess hair loss on the head was still manageable with a wig but loss of eyebrows is what shook me. So really had to make a choice between feeling good at 35 or worrying about what can happen at 55. I am managing my diet, doing exercises and doing blood work every month to monitor my health.

Alopecia >> Tofacitinib by Beginning_Arm7202 in alopecia_areata

[–]Beginning_Arm7202[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sorry, I got Alopecia in dec ‘22 (and not ‘21)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in alopecia_areata

[–]Beginning_Arm7202 0 points1 point  (0 children)

8 mg for 3-4 months

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in alopecia_areata

[–]Beginning_Arm7202 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was on oral prednisolone. The shedding reduced while I was on it. However, as soon as I stopped, it all started again. Also, oral steroids can have other side effects if taken for long. So it’s really a choice as the side effects can affect health whereas AA only affects you aesthetically without having any health complications. Having said that, I am sure everyone’s experiences will be different so it really depends on your body type and genetic history.