Surgery

[Guest]

Hi Ladies:

I'm new to this site but have been experiencing hair loss for a while. Im 30 and have always had thin hair on the top, i remember it as early as 15. My family / husband says it's not bad, but to me it's horrendous. I can live with how it looks now, but I'm scared it will get worse. I went to an endo, who said I have Androgenetic Alopecia. I am against Rogaine - I tried it once years ago and it looked "wet" on the scalp and felt that everyone would notice it, so I stopped. I also don't want to have to apply something for the rest of my life. All my bloods are normal, dr. said my testosterone was slightly elevated and we discussed going on yasmin and or oral spironolactone - not an option now, b/c I'm trying to conceive. Anyway, I console myself with the thought of a hair transplant. I've done lots of research and for women with pattern loss (like me) it's definetly an option. I've read so many sad posts from ladies on this site (I totally empathize with you) - why not consider the transplant? Is it cost? - to me I'd pay anything to feel confident again. Please share your thoughts. Sorry for the long post, we had a blizzard today and I have free time on my hands. Thanks and good luck to us all!!

 

[lentara]

Hi, Thinning Gal.
I, too, am thinking about the transplant option. (I think you saw my post in the men's section).
Right now, it's the cost. I want to hang on to my hair as long as possible before the transplant becomes a necessary. (And it gives me time to save my $$$).
No ONE thinks it's as bad as WE do. Of course, it's not happening to their head!!! :freaked2:
It's a self-esteem crusher to look in the mirror and see scalp instead of hair.
Anyway...to answer your question: i'm waiting b/c of the cost and hoping the regimen I'm on may produce some results.
Sorry 'bout the blizzard! Thank god for internet or there'd be lots of cases of cabin fever :lol:

 

[Guest]

I had good luck

Thinning gal. I just want to tell you that I have new hairs and have only used Rogaine for 6 weeks. I shedded a few weeks and now have new hair all over the top. I have lots of patience for results because it is supposed to take a while. I didn't want to wait too long to begin. The earlier the better the results. I don't mind putting it on twice a day. Just like brushing your teeth, taking care of your skin with moisturizers, bathing etc. There are many things we have to do every day and this is worth it!!!! Good luck to you.

 

[Guest]

Hi girls,
Lentara - I'm wondering - what kind of hair loss are you experiencing? Also, may I ask your age. I'm kind of new here - what is your current regimen? My Dr. told me to take oral spironolactone and b/c pill yasmin - but I'm TTC and I can't now. I'm also so afraid to put these chemicals in my body. I keep thinking that I'll just make things worse. I've been reading sooo many posts - some for spironolactone, some against it & the same with yasmin. It's so confusing. Maybe i'm better of seeing what happens. Right now I'm almost 30 and I can deal with the way it looks. No, it's not the mane I'd like to have, but I'm not bald. I'm a ways away from a hair transplant and I do lots of research, mostly on a mens site (http://www.hairtransplant.com), there's lots of info. and it's reliable. If you've not seen the site yet - check it out, it's informative.

 

[lentara]

Hi, Thinning Gal.
Well, my hair loss is a combo I think. Thin on top and on sides and it has thinned out all over from what it was however the back still has decent thickness to it... i.e. a possible donor area. That's why I really want to keep what I've got so that when/if it gets worse I still have the donor area available.
I am on 25 mg of spironolactone a day. Only for 1-2 months so far. The derm also suggested Yasmin but I am waiting till after the first of the year (holiday craziness, $$, etc). I also use Nizoral shampoo 3 x per week. Minoxidil 5% twice a day. And I take, for general health, a multivitamin that also has green tea extract, which may have some small benefit for the hair.
Thanks for the site info.
Keep us posted.

 

[thinning gal]

Hi Lentara:

Do you have any side effects on spironolactone? I've heard it can make your periods irregular. Also, Nizoral - do you think it does anything for you?

Just wondering... Thanks!

 

[lentara]

Hi.
NO side effects of the spironolactone. I'm on the lowest dose right now. The first week I had the wonderful side effect of frequent urination. NICE, huh? But that went away.
I'm lucky in that, so far (knock wood), any medications I've had to take have been tolerated very well.
The Nizoral, I find, is good for me b/c I tend to get a flaky scalp and the nizoral helps with that. As far as helping w/the hair loss I'm not sure.