Hair Shedding

Question
QUESTION: I am at a loss at what do about my hair loss.  I am 44 years old. I noticed increased shedding approx 6 years ago, almost a year after the birth of my second child, and after I went back on oral contraceptives.  I did have a shed ater my first child was born, but this lasted only about 3 months. This time, however, it has not stopped. I have been to several dermatologists, and an endocrinologist.  At first, they told me there was nothing wrong, as it was not noticable, maybe a TE from stress.  They did change my birth control from Allesse, then to Ortho Tri-cylen Lo, as they said that Allesse is not as

"hair friendly."  My bloodwork was "normal" except low testoterone, which they said was not a problem. I did have low iron.  After suppementaion, my iron levels improved, but this did not seem to help.  They akso told me to use Rogaine, as this help for all types of hair loss.  Last year, I saw an endocrinologist, who believes that most hair loss is due to excess androgens.  He presribed Ortho-Cylen, taken continously, Spiro, and Finasteride.  I started the Ortho in January, the Finasteride in April, and the Spiro in June, as I thought it might be best to stagger the treaments in order to determine what was helping and what was not.  My shedding greatly increased after the third month of the Ortho Cylen.  Three months ago, my endo switched the Finasteride to Avodart.  Prior to beginning all of this medication, the loss was not noticeable.  Now, after almost a year of dramatically increased shedding, I have lost more than half of my hair.  My endo  said the medication could not have caused this.  I find this hard to believe.  In the past month, the shedding might be slowing down to the levels before starting the meds, but still higher than normal. I have seen my dermatologists recently.  They don't know what to recommend, and do not know what to diagnose, except CTE, maybe AGA too?  They can see that I have had dramatic shedding.  I do have lots of new growth, but it has not kept up with the high shed. I also have some miniaturized hair.  They suggested stopping birth control entirely.  But my endo said this will make it worse.  What I think is odd, is the fact that the loss is diffuse, but probably the worst on the back and nape.  I just don't know what to do...needless to say, my stress level is very high, which I am sure is not helping.  I should add that I have no family members, male or female, with hair loss.  Do you have a recommendation?  Would taking the genetic hair loss test determine if this could be indeed genetic, despite my family history?  If this is not genetic, could this medication be making things worse?



I apologize for the length, this is quite complicated....



Thank you



ANSWER: Hello Mia:

Any medication can cause hair loss in those who are susceptible. Medications that change the hormonal environment (such as birth control) are especially likely to cause hair loss in some women. Hair loss is a known side effect of Allese and most other oral contraceptives. Hair loss that is triggered by birth control is often very difficult to resolve. Once the process has started, changing birth control does not usually help much.

The medications you were most recently prescribed are only (possibly) helpful for androgenetic alopecia. They can make other types of hair loss worse.

Birth control can trigger telogen effluvium, androgenetic alopecia or even alopecia areata in those who are predisposed.

If individual hairs in certain areas (bang/top/crown) are becoming thinner, androgenetic alopecia could be suspected. Androgenetic alopecia does not cause the type of excessive shedding you describe. This is more characteristic of chronic telogen effluvium.

I don't get involved with medications and synthetic topical treatments for hair loss. I focus mainly on natural remedies, such as essential oil scalp treatments. They have many of the same actions of synthetic treatments but do not come with adverse side effects. They are also very compatible with our own skin and hair. You can learn more at the links below. Please let me know if I can help you further.

Sincerely, Melanie Vonzabuesnig

Understanding Female Hair Loss

http://www.vzbotanicals.com/overcomefemalehairloss.html

My Hair Loss Story

http://www.vzbotanicals.com/mystory.html







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QUESTION: Thank you very much for the reply.  Unfortunately, the vast majority of women are not aware of the affects on hair that oral contraceptives can have. Would you recommend stopping the medications and trying the natural approach?  I am not thrilled with putting all of these chemicals in my body, but I also don't want to lose any more hair...



Thank you


Answer
Hello Mia: I'm sorry I did not see this question earlier. I personally believe in natural approaches for hair loss and for all health conditions as they deal with the underlying issues and the entire being, rather than just the symptoms. I do believe there is a time and place for medications when necessary. I've only used natural approaches for my own hair loss condition, which was very severe at one time. I think it is best to do a little research on both approaches before making a decision.

Sincerely, Melanie Vonzabuesnig