My hair loss story

[Guest]

I’m 32 years old and thinning all over but mostly concentrated on the top of my head. When I was 17, I went on bcp, Loestrin to regulate my periods. (I had missed a period one-month) After about a year of being on Loestrin, I began to notice that I was very emotional. My mom thought it was the bcp, so I was taken off of them. I did not notice my hair thinning until I was about 19 years of age. I was losing lots of hair. Not in clumps, but it was noticeable to my mom and I. I had hair that has been medium in its thickness and naturally curly. I struggled with what I thought was “PMS†and then my gynecologist put me on an anti-depressant, Lexapro which seemed to help keep me level. I have always voiced my concerns to my HMO doctors and finally got a referral to a dermatologist and he did some blood work. I’m not sure that he even checked my hormones or any of the tests listed on this website. He told me my blood work came back normal and that it was hereditary and had recommended Rogaine. I used that for a while, but then it was my understanding that Rogaine doesn’t re-grow hair, but just maintains what you have. I got scared because I heard it goes in your blood stream and you have to use it for life. (Is this true?) I got back on the bcp in my early 20’s, Ortho-Tricyclen and now I’m on Yasmin. And as I’m browsing the forums, I’m wondering if that may be the cause of my hair loss?

On 2/15/05, I went to have a consultation with the Hair club. Right away, they were trying to get me to get into their program, which costs $2500 for only 6 months! I have put that on hold, because that is not a permanent solution. I have an appointment with my doctor this Friday. I’m going to ask for all the blood work that I’ve seen listed on this website. Also, I have a relative who has suggested a homeopathic specialist and I’m going to investigate that avenue.

Currently, I have “hair extensions.†I have been told to remove them as they are causing stress on my scalp & hair. I’m planning on removing them in March. So, I’m looking for something to cover my scalp. I’m Latina, so I have naturally black hair and a white scalp is very noticeable. Any suggestions?

 

[Guest]

Disguising hair loss

I'm currently using "clip-on" hair extensions, which are available at most wig retailers. It sounds horrible, but it isn't that bad. You purchase a package of real hair attached to tiny metal comb clips that you place in your hair with a layer of hair over it to hide the edge. The advantages are that it's fairly cheap ($100 for the entire package), you can dye the hair the same color as your hair, and they don't put as much stress on your hair. I wear them whenever I go out and take them out at home. The disadvantage is that you sometimes feel paranoid about somebody identifying them, especially if hair is thinning very badly. My hair loss is generally thin all over with no real spots where you can see the scalp, so I don't know if it'll work in your case unless the exposed scalp is in an area that can easily be covered. (In other words, I don't think the crown would be that easy to cover, but lower down is.) You might try combining this with a different hairstyle that covers the problem areas better. Parting hair on the side might draw less attention to a thinning crown.

Good Luck. If my hair keeps thinning at this pace, I may need to find another method, too. I'm afraid all that will be left for me at that point is either to just get a freakin crew cut or start wearing wigs.