Tortelini's Story

[Guest]

I don't know why I haven't noticed. I'm not sure how long this has been going on.

But Monday, I put my hands through my hair and stopped dead in my tracks. I felt cold. WHERE THE HELL WAS MY HAIR?

I remember My hairstylist & I discussing a bunch of short hairs in front in October. I explained that last spring had been the most stressful period in my entire life ( I had separated from my husband, then 2 weeks later lost my much loved job).

She nodded, and we moved on. This cut had more 'layers' and I thought that was why there was less hair in my curling iron (which i only do a few times a week).

Suddenly I realized that when I tucked my hair behind my ears there wasn't anything to tuck. I realized that when I ran my hands through my hair, there were a few places where there was nothing between my fingers. I have always had the super thick hair - I've never even seen my scalp. It's easy to see now. My friend thinks I'm crazy, but that's because my style sweeps across hiding it... I parted my hair in a funny way. Her face changed. Yeah.

It isn't noticible yet (because of my style) But on the top and sides, I swear to god there is only half of what there used to be.

Tuesday I talked with a walgreens employee and bought the 2% generic minoxidil. That night I started searching the internet. I found a mention about blood pressure medicine -beta blockers- and how they can be a cause.

Whoa.

During my last doctor visit my dr. doubled my dose of beta blockers. (october?) I have hypertension and it was really getting high. She sent a strong message that my health depended on it, etc etc. Even if i forgot my second dose and was laying in bed, I got up and took it. I need to be alive and healthy for my kids.

But i don't want to be bald for them!

The second I read about the beta blockers, I quit the second dose. This coming Monday I plan on calling the doctor. But I don't really know that the medicine thing is it. I'm not sure when the hairloss started. My father lost his hair at a young age, had transplants which didn't take. so the genetic thing is there. All of my old intense pms symptoms have been gone for a few months (less estrogen?). I've had almost all the off the chart stress events for the last year and a half- marriage on the rocks, kid struggling in school, losing a job, finding and starting a job, selling a house, moving, living in a new town with out a lot of friends yet. and the new job is pretty good, but very demanding. So a stress element is there.

I've been using minoxidil since tuesday. I've had some heart pains thursday and today. Nothing too bad, like a stitch when you run, only my heart.

I don't understand all of the acronyms used here- can someone explain some of them?

where do i start, in terms of nutrition, doctors, which doctors? vitamins, supplements? hair products? I don't know where to start.

Some people express regret they didn't start treatment sooner. How would you have done things differently?

thanks all. this is a welcome find.

 

[Guest]

Tortelini,

Unfortunately, since you did not register, you may never see this response, but hopefully you are checking back faithfully. In the future, know that if you register you can have the message board automatically contact you when someone replies so you're sure to see it!

Welcome to the site. We are so glad you find it helpful. We will do anything we can to help you through this and work with you to rule out causes and find helpful solutions to your specific condition.

Thanks for visiting and don't hesitate to ask as many questions or help the other girls as much as you're able to in the other forums on these boards!

Laura

 

[Guest]

Hi Tortelini,

Also I wanted to add that the best thing to do is to contact a qualified specialist/physician and let them know about your worries and concerns.

A dermatologist is the first specialist that many see in terms of hair loss, as hair (along with skin and nails) is part of their specialty. He or she will probably take a look at your hair, go through your history and possibly orer a blood test to check your hormones, thyroid, iron/ferritin levels and a couple of other things.

Here is some useful information prior to meeting with your doctor http://www.heralopecia.com/guide/part3.php

If you have a hormonal problem, seeing a good endocrinologist would also be helpful.

In terms of nutrition, the best thing is to eat a balanced diet. Also, many women are very low in iron or are iron deficient/anemic and are not even aware of it. Having low iron can cause your hair to shed. Therefore it is a good idea to get your iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation checked.

As for supplements, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, (evening primrose oil, flax seeds), MSM, silica, biotin and the B-complex vitamins are helpful in promoting healthy hair. After about 6 weeks of taking these, you should notice a change in your hair. Also, do not skimp on protein!

You could possibly get some irritation with Minoxidil/Rogaine, therefore products such as Tricomin or Folligen are recommended to help soothe your scalp.

In terms of shampoos and conditioners, an anti-dandruff shampoo called Nizoral (available in supermarkets and drug stores) used a couple of times a week can help keep your scalp healthy and clean. Volume enhancing products such as Thicker, Fuller Hair and the Amplify line by Matrix have had good reviews in terms of giving the appearance of more hair. Keep in mind though that the way these products work is by coating the hair, therefore it is good to switch around every couple of days to avoid buildup.

I do regret I did not start treatment sooner. In terms of my personal story, I regret not starting and sticking with Rogaine all the way. I stopped a couple of times (heh). I also regret starting birth control, as I believe it made my hair fall out faster, and I'm having all these annoying reactings as my body adjusts back to my natural hormones after quitting BC.

Hope this helps, and I hope you come back to post!

Laura

 

[tortelilni]

I thought I did register? Maybe it was after my post.

:roll:

I see my doctor (primary care) tomorrow. She's decent, but after years of HMO care, I always feel like I'm going in to make a court case. I don't want to be obnoxious but I want to show her what I found.

I have always had a terrible scalp. Doctors usually aren't interested, but every winter it has almost totally crusted over. (sorry to be gross). In the past I had so much hair no one could see it.

After reading around the site, it looks like the bad scalp is not just a side effect, but could worsen the condition.

thanks for the links. I will keep checking in.