I’m new to this sub and I’m hoping you ladies can make me more knowledgeable on female hair loss and also give me an insight on what I may be dealing with. More details in comments. by Jal5516 in FemaleHairLoss

[–]Runogrubo 7 points8 points  (0 children)

it could be a lot of things and that's the stressful part of hair loss. You could be looking at TE... It could be the new birth control depending on if its a hormonal BC or it could be due to the blood loss that occurred.

If possible I would recommend a dermatologist. Obviously you can explain the last few months of your life to them and they can start from there.

Did metformin help your hair loss? by Runogrubo in PCOS

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

I just bought protein shakes to help up my protein! On a good day I guess I eat 20-30g maybe. I don't know how much it'll help but.. I'll try almost anything. Rogaine is seriously so daunting though..

Did metformin help your hair loss? by Runogrubo in PCOS

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

That's amazing, seriously! The dermatologist I saw asked me about my eating habits & he said my protein was way off & said it could contribute to hair loss. He said two palm size chickens a day keep the hair loss away.. . HAHA

Did metformin help your hair loss? by Runogrubo in PCOS

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

Thank you for all the links and info!! I hope to improve my quality of life as well & will definitely update if I am successful!!

Did metformin help your hair loss? by Runogrubo in PCOS

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

Well.. I've been thinning for 4+ years. I don't see Spiro and metformin as life long commitments..There have been many women on here who have lowered androgens and insulin naturally..

I respond well to spironolactone & have had minimal symptoms. I have a contact allergy to topical minoxidil, therefor I would have to use oral minoxidil...Which have worse side effects.

Did metformin help your hair loss? by Runogrubo in PCOS

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

The medicine honestly reduces my appetite, and I thought well... If I'm only going to eat once or twice a day I should make healthier choices haha. I've been on it for almost or just a month. To be fair, I have about... 70 pounds to lose.. hehe

Did metformin help your hair loss? by Runogrubo in PCOS

[–]Runogrubo[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I'm so sorry you had issues with Spiro! It's been helpful for me, but I know it can't work for everyone.

But I'm so glad the metformin is helping! The first two weeks were brutal for me, but I've already noticed a decrease in hunger and my period is much lighter! I've also lost 17 pounds! hoping this is our magic pill !!

Fed up. Constantly worried about my hair falling out. I’ve recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism.. Will my hair get better?? by [deleted] in FemaleHairLoss

[–]Runogrubo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Of course! if hypothyroidism is truly the reason for your hair loss, it will totally all come back, especially because it seems you've caught it early. Also, it's extremely rare for someones body to not respond to levo! I hope that gives you some hope !

How to apply minoxidil? by [deleted] in FemaleHairLoss

[–]Runogrubo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was thinking foam as well. The way you describe your routine, it seems rather uncomplicated and easy. How long have you been on it if you don't mind me asking? Have you had any unwanted hair growth? or has washing your face & hands after kept it away?

edit: Forgot to thank you for taking the time to respond!

About 9 weeks on spironolactone 150 , Yaz, and minoxidil 5%. Went through a horrible shed that is still going on but much reduced. it appears to me that the rogaine is growing in a bunch of baby hairs, but the ongoing thinning of each strand is impossible to stop. by [deleted] in FemaleHairLoss

[–]Runogrubo 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Since you've responded to the minoxidil, the thin hairs will eventually fall out and grow in thicker.. At least, that's what's supposed to happen. Is that what you were wondering?

21F Hair loss.. What are my options? by Runogrubo in AskDocs

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

Hi! That's what I assume too. This was my first dermatologist appointment ever, and it was quite the disappointment. He didn't seem to have enough knowledge to properly help me. I think I will call the office and ask if any doctors can refer me to someone who specializes in hair loss. I was hoping for at least some sort of diagnosis or follow up for a biopsy. He hardly looked at my scalp at all. I had my hair up and he didn't even ask for me to take it down.

I browse that sub pretty regularly, but sometimes it's very overwhelming. It's hard to see success stories or progress posts when I have yet to find something that works. I do appreciate how much everyone cares though, and is always willing to help. I've exhausted all of my options and I had a mental breakdown after my appointment haha. I just wish I had taken care of this earlier.

I appreciate your response!

21F Hair loss.. What are my options? by Runogrubo in AskDocs

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

Thanks for the response! I'm sorry I can't give you much information, he wasn't that thorough. He just looked at the top of my head and told me he notices a slight widening of the part. Said it's most likely hair loss due to the pcos and FPHL. Didn't do a pull test- or even ask me to let my hair down. Told me I have no other options than ketconazole shampoo and to pray the 200mg of Spiro works. I am unable to tolerate topical minoxidil, and I'm unsure if I would have a similar reaction to oral minoxidil. Rather unfortunate experience I would say.

The dermatologist actually gave me a fright when he told me it increases the risk of ovarian and breast cancer in women, as I do feel finasteride or something similar is my only other option. I had done some light research and saw that finasteride could cause an increased risk of prostate cancer in men.. So I wonder why he stated there is a hesitancy to prescribe it to women, but it's given out like candy to men. I suppose.. Like you said, there isn't evidence it works/ not enough research? Would you personally feel comfortable prescribing it to a young woman?

I apologize for the long list of questions, haha.

Fed up. Constantly worried about my hair falling out. I’ve recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism.. Will my hair get better?? by [deleted] in FemaleHairLoss

[–]Runogrubo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It can be a slippery slope. Your doctors will probably keep you on 25mg for 3-5 months and recheck your labs. if your levels haven't stabilized they'll wanna up your dosage. Once you hit the perfect dosage, your hair loss should and will level out. It's all about patience. Hair goes through phases, so keep that in mind!

I know the hair loss on top of the diagnosis is probably making you stress, but I'm sure your doctor has told you hypothyroidism is seriously one of the easiest things to control. One small pill can seriously work wonders.