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Female Pattern Baldness
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<blockquote data-quote="SearchingForRainbows" data-source="post: 411719" data-attributes="member: 3388"><p>DaisyFace, Thanks so much for understanding... I've always loved hats and scarfs but usually don't buy them for myself. I think now is a perfect time for me to splurge a bit and add some accessories to my wardrobe.</p><p></p><p>Wiped Out, Thanks for the support.</p><p></p><p>upallnight, I'm so sorry you're going through this too!!! I'm glad you have a hairdresser who you like. I'm lucky in this way too - I've been going to my hair stylist for at least a dozen years now and she is really good at helping to hide it too. She is going to a seminar on FPB soon. I haven't bought any new make-up in awhile - Thanks for giving me a reason to shop!</p><p></p><p>HaoZi, I'm really sorry you're in the same boat as me and upallnight!!! I tried Rogaine but I'm allergic to it. I've been to 3 dermatologists. The first one was a total waste of time. He diagnosed me before he did any lab work. I let him know I had to wait months to get an appointment and I wasn't leaving without having lab work done. He basically told me that women with FPB usually don't lose all of their hair, like that was going to make me feel better. He was the one who said to use Rogaine. He told me that was my only option and I didn't need to see him again. </p><p></p><p>My rheumatologist sent me to the second dermatologist. She did a scalp biopsy and much more extensive lab work than the first one. When the lab work came back, she told me one of my hormone levels was extremely high and sent me to a dermatologist who specializes in diseases of the scalp and hair loss. I saw her after I started this thread. </p><p></p><p>The third dermatologist is absolutely wonderful - I LOVE HER!!! She is one of the most patient, understanding and caring doctors I've ever been to. She spent almost an hour with me explaining everything. I had tears in my eyes because I was just so relieved that she understands the emotional impact of FPB and letting me know that my feelings are "normal" for women who have it. </p><p></p><p>In a nutshell, while my biopsy results favored Chronic Telegen Effluvium (hair loss due to never ending stress) over FBP, she told me that from examining me she believes it's now FPB and not CTE. (It's interesting to note that CTE can speed up the process of FPB in a woman who is susceptible to it because of heredity.) She gave me a script for Finasteride because she said she has seen good results in some of her patients with FPB. I guess the only reason I'm lucky I went through early menopause is because if I could still have kids, I doubt I would have been given the script. It can cause severe birth defects in boys.</p><p></p><p>While my insurance covers the dermatologists visits, it won't cover the Finasteride since it's not being used for it's intended purpose and because my hair loss is just considered cosmetic. However, the Finasteride is really inexpensive - $27 at Target for a 90 day supply but in my case, it's a six month supply because I only take half a pill/day. </p><p></p><p>I guess the most important thing I've learned so far is that if you have hair loss, get help as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more chance that the hair follicles will be permanently destroyed. Also, I was told to wash my hair daily. Contrary to what I believed, it won't make me lose more hair then I would if I skipped a day between washings. (I HATE washing my hair and seeing how much falls out.) </p><p></p><p>I was told it takes about 3 months to see any results. If it works, it'll stop further hair loss as long as I continue taking it. If a miracle happens (not counting on it), it might cause some new hair growth... I'll post an update after 3 months.</p><p></p><p>Since I first posted, I've been doing a bit better as far as trying to learn to accept this. I realize that it's not really in my control. The only thing I can control is how I react to it. I still have moments when I cry over it but at least now, it's not on a daily basis. </p><p></p><p>Everyone, thanks so much for all of your support. It means so much to me to be able to come here and feel comfortable enough to "talk" about this. SFR</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="SearchingForRainbows, post: 411719, member: 3388"] DaisyFace, Thanks so much for understanding... I've always loved hats and scarfs but usually don't buy them for myself. I think now is a perfect time for me to splurge a bit and add some accessories to my wardrobe. Wiped Out, Thanks for the support. upallnight, I'm so sorry you're going through this too!!! I'm glad you have a hairdresser who you like. I'm lucky in this way too - I've been going to my hair stylist for at least a dozen years now and she is really good at helping to hide it too. She is going to a seminar on FPB soon. I haven't bought any new make-up in awhile - Thanks for giving me a reason to shop! HaoZi, I'm really sorry you're in the same boat as me and upallnight!!! I tried Rogaine but I'm allergic to it. I've been to 3 dermatologists. The first one was a total waste of time. He diagnosed me before he did any lab work. I let him know I had to wait months to get an appointment and I wasn't leaving without having lab work done. He basically told me that women with FPB usually don't lose all of their hair, like that was going to make me feel better. He was the one who said to use Rogaine. He told me that was my only option and I didn't need to see him again. My rheumatologist sent me to the second dermatologist. She did a scalp biopsy and much more extensive lab work than the first one. When the lab work came back, she told me one of my hormone levels was extremely high and sent me to a dermatologist who specializes in diseases of the scalp and hair loss. I saw her after I started this thread. The third dermatologist is absolutely wonderful - I LOVE HER!!! She is one of the most patient, understanding and caring doctors I've ever been to. She spent almost an hour with me explaining everything. I had tears in my eyes because I was just so relieved that she understands the emotional impact of FPB and letting me know that my feelings are "normal" for women who have it. In a nutshell, while my biopsy results favored Chronic Telegen Effluvium (hair loss due to never ending stress) over FBP, she told me that from examining me she believes it's now FPB and not CTE. (It's interesting to note that CTE can speed up the process of FPB in a woman who is susceptible to it because of heredity.) She gave me a script for Finasteride because she said she has seen good results in some of her patients with FPB. I guess the only reason I'm lucky I went through early menopause is because if I could still have kids, I doubt I would have been given the script. It can cause severe birth defects in boys. While my insurance covers the dermatologists visits, it won't cover the Finasteride since it's not being used for it's intended purpose and because my hair loss is just considered cosmetic. However, the Finasteride is really inexpensive - $27 at Target for a 90 day supply but in my case, it's a six month supply because I only take half a pill/day. I guess the most important thing I've learned so far is that if you have hair loss, get help as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more chance that the hair follicles will be permanently destroyed. Also, I was told to wash my hair daily. Contrary to what I believed, it won't make me lose more hair then I would if I skipped a day between washings. (I HATE washing my hair and seeing how much falls out.) I was told it takes about 3 months to see any results. If it works, it'll stop further hair loss as long as I continue taking it. If a miracle happens (not counting on it), it might cause some new hair growth... I'll post an update after 3 months. Since I first posted, I've been doing a bit better as far as trying to learn to accept this. I realize that it's not really in my control. The only thing I can control is how I react to it. I still have moments when I cry over it but at least now, it's not on a daily basis. Everyone, thanks so much for all of your support. It means so much to me to be able to come here and feel comfortable enough to "talk" about this. SFR [/QUOTE]
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