I am attempting to tie these symptoms together to first identify the cause of my hair loss. Once I identify the cause, I can better address the treatment.
I hope someone can provide information and guidance.
History:
I experienced age-related ovary failure (the M word) 12-years ago, at age 50 and following that slowly began losing body hair (now none on arms, underarms, and legs). I immediately began taking prescription compounded estrogen and progesterone and have continued this hormone replacement therapy for 12-years.
Slow hair loss at the scalp began at the same time. My hair was very thick so I did not see any particular pattern, that is, overall or only in front.
Treatments:
About 5-years ago, I began using Dercos by Vichy Labs, at that time a European prescription drug for "perifollicular fibrosis, a condition that causes collagen around the hair root to become rigid" causing hair to fall out prematurely. The active ingredient in Dercos is Aminexil. (Dercos is now available from a U.S. Distributor without a prescription.)
Dercos worked immediately and stopped hair loss. Over the last couple of years, Dercos has not worked as well.
I had my hair colored at salons and noticed about 3-years ago, the hair in front was not growing. Gray roots, indicating hair growing out, occurred everywhere but the front, around my face.
Possible Related Conditions:
1. After tracking my thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels over an 8-year period of time, I noticed that TSH was increasing and finally I lost my lateral eyebrows. Suspecting subclinical hypothyroidism, I began taking 30 mg Armour Thyroid 4-years ago. (A brief trial of Synthroid increased hair loss.)
2. About 2-years ago, I began having intractable scalp pain when stressed. (I live with a lot of stress.) I diagnosed this condition as Scalp Dysesthesia; thought to be neurological. Only Scalpicin with 1% hydrocoritisone and, to a lesser degree, Capsaicin cream relives the pain.
Currently - last 6 months:
Hair loss (male pattern) is very obvious and has accelerated. I have to wear a scarf or head band to cover it. Also, in front, some hair is 10 inches long, some hair is a short as 1 inch long.
There is no hereditary hair loss in my family – all relatives have thick, abundant hair well into their 80s.
I have seen internists, dermatologists, and endocrinologists for hair loss and conclude that they don't know and don't care. All advised that hair loss was common and I just had to live with it. (None offered a diagnosis.)
Thank you for your thoughts and suggestions.
I hope someone can provide information and guidance.
History:
I experienced age-related ovary failure (the M word) 12-years ago, at age 50 and following that slowly began losing body hair (now none on arms, underarms, and legs). I immediately began taking prescription compounded estrogen and progesterone and have continued this hormone replacement therapy for 12-years.
Slow hair loss at the scalp began at the same time. My hair was very thick so I did not see any particular pattern, that is, overall or only in front.
Treatments:
About 5-years ago, I began using Dercos by Vichy Labs, at that time a European prescription drug for "perifollicular fibrosis, a condition that causes collagen around the hair root to become rigid" causing hair to fall out prematurely. The active ingredient in Dercos is Aminexil. (Dercos is now available from a U.S. Distributor without a prescription.)
Dercos worked immediately and stopped hair loss. Over the last couple of years, Dercos has not worked as well.
I had my hair colored at salons and noticed about 3-years ago, the hair in front was not growing. Gray roots, indicating hair growing out, occurred everywhere but the front, around my face.
Possible Related Conditions:
1. After tracking my thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels over an 8-year period of time, I noticed that TSH was increasing and finally I lost my lateral eyebrows. Suspecting subclinical hypothyroidism, I began taking 30 mg Armour Thyroid 4-years ago. (A brief trial of Synthroid increased hair loss.)
2. About 2-years ago, I began having intractable scalp pain when stressed. (I live with a lot of stress.) I diagnosed this condition as Scalp Dysesthesia; thought to be neurological. Only Scalpicin with 1% hydrocoritisone and, to a lesser degree, Capsaicin cream relives the pain.
Currently - last 6 months:
Hair loss (male pattern) is very obvious and has accelerated. I have to wear a scarf or head band to cover it. Also, in front, some hair is 10 inches long, some hair is a short as 1 inch long.
There is no hereditary hair loss in my family – all relatives have thick, abundant hair well into their 80s.
I have seen internists, dermatologists, and endocrinologists for hair loss and conclude that they don't know and don't care. All advised that hair loss was common and I just had to live with it. (None offered a diagnosis.)
Thank you for your thoughts and suggestions.
