Vicki (and everyone) I noted about 4 months ago that my bangs looked a little thinner - hair stylist (and internet searches) said age related. (Although my mom had full thick hair up until the day she passed away.) I did notice over the past year perhaps more hair on my hands and in the drain - but I blamed it on the different weather & water here in VA than I was used to in WA. I noticed that my scalp was more visible at my part - but blamed that on the fact that I have gone back to dark hair color (so gray roots and white scalp more visible..common sense.) But last week I realized when I went to pull my hair back (rarely do it) that my hair is really thin now. Pulling it up and looking you can clearly see that it is not full and growing plush. I am awaiting all of the blood work and follow up with the doctor (probably a week) to understand if thyroid or premenopause is a factor. Although neither of those are "good" options, I have to say I would rather have those than to have to consider stopping the anti-virals. Kinda seems like kicking a gal when she is down to get to a point to choose losing hair or stopping vertigo attacks. UGH.
dayum so sorry nicmger, its some choice huh? as vain as I am and ofc being female I still opt for no vertigo, the way I see it what's the point of looking good with hair if we live in fear and have vertigo attacks. I really hope its not the av for you or me. I didn't get my blood work yet I wanted to wait until I can do it all at once for the 3 months endo apt didn't wanna go back for the other tests within such a short time. But I do have hypothyroidism but my endo said its not from that after looking at my last blood test results (I am on synthroid and my values indicated my thryoid was not causing it) But I am seeing my dermatologist Wed and see what he says about it all. I didn't realize a dermatologist is the one who treats hair and nails besides skin. Unfortunately I did a google search about antivirals and hair loss and OMG tons and tons of people saying they started losing their hair from it. Also after I see the allergist who is giving me the TCM I am going to ask her about JOH's suggestions and rogaine (I have 2 bottles of it sitting here or hair LOL) and if I can start any of them. She doesn't want me starting anything new, she wants my system calm as I began her treatment. Let us know what the results are please keep us posted.
LOL I only realized that a dermatologist is best for hair - AFTER I had an appt with one a couple of weeks ago because of some issues I am having around my upper eyelids getting dry, itchy and even raw at times. Funny that he looked at my scalp though to rule out skin issues...he never commented on my hair loss. Clearly he won't be my follow up dr. LOL But I figured if I start with blood work and see if there is anything "known" causing the issue. Reading the bottle for rogaine scared me - it says that you lose more hair before it gets better. WHAT?? Medications are so perplexing - antidepressant with warning that it can cause depression; vertigo drugs with warning that they cause dizziness; hair growth formulas that warn you of hair loss. Crazy I tell ya. If it comes down to it, i absolutely will choose to stay (hopefully) vertigo free, no ear pressure and minimal ringing. I would have to learn to embrace wigs. Couldn't do a bandana because I believe it requires too much skill (that I don't have) to wrap around my big head. LOL I will keep everyone posted on what the blood work says. The part I am trying to embrace is that even with the thyroid there are different view points of what levels in the blood are correct; and how the "acceptable" ranges are too broad to be effective. Yet another thing....Oh well. Guess I am used to the battle dealing with Meniere's so if "I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere".
I have been on AV's for about 4 months now with no sign of thinning hair. Here's another example of how this darned disease affects each of us differently. Vanity is a good motivator, huh?
Not to wish baldness on you...LOL But from what I read since most women don't lose it in patches by the time that they notice it is "thinner" they have already lost 50% of their hair. UGH I am not sure if is the medication or something else but will keep everyone posted. Clearly I have the ability to rationalize anything away until it can no longer be avoided (i.e...thin hair).
so sorry gals; hopefully it will all be ok; have kept what's left of my hair cut very close as i chose not to comb it across my head; ha i attribute it to attempting to raise two girls so i guess things even out in the long run. have a great,safe,weekend. i've gone bilateral today as both ears are going off like sirens. rare for me but maybe something good will come of it? who knows? God speed john
So my doctor is not convinced or believing that the anti-virals are impacting the hair loss. She said that my low vitamin D level could definitely impact it. My hormones, while still within "normal" range she said are showing fluctuation would could also play a role until things stabilize. She believes that most likely it was started from a high stress event that took place during the last 9-12 months. Looking back the only thing I can think of was in August my 13 year old cat suddenly lost all sight and had to be rushed to the ER; and his blood pressure was 2x normal. For at least 2 weeks there was minimal sleep (and nothing in long stretches) as we worked to adjust his meds. In summer 2013 I moved cross country from WA to VA following the loss of my mother - that was certainly stressful - so perhaps that started the ball rolling. (Or hair falling!) Hopefully this will stabilize and at the least not thin further! (Wouldn't mind if my body decided to naturally thin down and my hair thicken up...instead of vice versa) ;D
LOL nicgmer same here! or hair So very sorry about your losses how heartbreaking for you. My results came back all normal, I haven't seen the derma dr yet but I get the results online. hormones inflammatory factors etc etc all good
being female being bald isn't exactly a thrilling idea, but yeah I's rather be vertigo free but its one helluva choice
Doctor I saw yesterday that went through all of my results said that while dermatologists are "supposed" to be the ones to treat hair the reality is that even after they get the results most of them do not know what to do with it. Hair stylist said she would get for me at her cost the Nioxin system which is supposed to help reactivate hair growth so now that I have ruled out other major causes will start down that path.
sounds great! nicgmer I never heard of Nioxin, is it something you need to do for life? I will google and read up on it. Keep us posted please
I will let you know when I get into the hair stylist. Should be in the next 2 weeks. It is my understanding that whether or not the Nioxin would have to be continued long term would be based on what is causing the hair loss. If it was something that was temporary and your body just needed that jump start to rejuvenate the follicles, than it could be short term. If it is an ongoing issue than it would need to be continued ongoing as well. I will keep you posted.