Featured Discussions - Alopecia World2024-03-28T17:54:50Zhttps://alopeciaworld.com/forum/topic/list?feed=yes&xn_auth=no&featured=1Dutasteride/FIN injection also side effects?tag:alopeciaworld.com,2024-01-03:2022678:Topic:19811272024-01-03T01:27:02.589Zmaistrohttps://alopeciaworld.com/profile/maistro
<p>Hello everyone,</p>
<p>I am 33 years old and have had hair loss since I was 21. When I was in my mid-twenties, I took finasteride orally for almost a year and had erectile dysfunction as a result, so I stopped it because lipido is more important to me than hair on my head. I then decided to have hair transplant 2 years ago. Everything went well, but unfortunately the hair loss of the “old hair” is progressing very quickly.<br></br> That’s why I want to do something about it and I’m thinking…</p>
<p>Hello everyone,</p>
<p>I am 33 years old and have had hair loss since I was 21. When I was in my mid-twenties, I took finasteride orally for almost a year and had erectile dysfunction as a result, so I stopped it because lipido is more important to me than hair on my head. I then decided to have hair transplant 2 years ago. Everything went well, but unfortunately the hair loss of the “old hair” is progressing very quickly.<br/> That’s why I want to do something about it and I’m thinking about taking minoxidil orally plus mesotherapy dutasteride (1x/month for half a hair then every 3 months -). I am in Mexico and all this is allowed there.<br/> Now my concerns:</p>
<p>1)if dutasteride is injected into the scalp and for it to really work, doesn’t it have to be absorbed into the bloodstream anyway? And that would make me susceptible to side effects. The doctor in Mexico says it “only works locally at the hair roots” and therefore it should have hardly any side effects. I’m skeptical about this, the needle is inserted into the skin layer → does it only stay in the skin layer and not enter the bloodstream?</p>
<p>who knows about them?<br/> There are also natural DHT blockers such as saw palmetto. But again, my understanding is that as long as an agent (whether natural or pharmaceutical) really works, then it is absorbed into the bloodstream and ergo there is also the possibility of side effects as DHT blocking does not go down well with all people/bodies. And then it doesn’t matter whether it is saw palmetto or finasteride.<br/> In my opinion, the fact that saw palmetto normally has no side effects is only due to the fact that it is not as potent as e.g. finasteride or Duatasteride…</p>
<ol start="2">
<li>Oral minoxidil → there are now also reports that erection problems can occur with minoxidil.<br/> I think it has a stronger effect when taken orally than topically and that is why I am also unsure here</li>
</ol>
<p>(topical is unfortunately not an option for me → as it causes dandruff and is not suitable for everyday use)</p>
<p>other treatments they offer:</p>
<p>-AAPE - Advanced Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Protein Extract: It contains hundreds of growth factors and proteins. Maximizes the revitalizing effects of your skin and hair follicles.</p>
<p>-Exosomes - which are extracellular vesicles involved in cell communication, homeostasis, differentiation, and organogenesis, have been shown to play a central role in hair morphogenesis and regeneration with potential for use as alopecia treatment.</p>
<p>many thanks</p>
<p></p>
<p>-------</p>
<p></p>
<p>AW: Some other post on Duatasteride: <a href="https://alopeciaworld.com/main/search/search?q=Dutasteride">https://alopeciaworld.com/main/search/search?q=Dutasteride</a></p> Vent time - just let it out.tag:alopeciaworld.com,2023-11-06:2022678:Topic:19792792023-11-06T05:11:10.818ZDenisehttps://alopeciaworld.com/profile/chickwdog
<p>I'll start off first...</p>
<p></p>
<p>This is coming from someone who has AU only for 9 months - everything happened so fast and i'm still in work in progress with <strong>EVERYTHING RELATED TO AU</strong>.</p>
<p></p>
<p>But i hear others in the same shoes - putting on brows, eye lashes, and wigs then saying you're beautiful and don't need to add anything. It gives me mixed emotions; like its so hard find ladies that doesn't have any false accessories on.</p>
<p>Maybe it is…</p>
<p>I'll start off first...</p>
<p></p>
<p>This is coming from someone who has AU only for 9 months - everything happened so fast and i'm still in work in progress with <strong>EVERYTHING RELATED TO AU</strong>.</p>
<p></p>
<p>But i hear others in the same shoes - putting on brows, eye lashes, and wigs then saying you're beautiful and don't need to add anything. It gives me mixed emotions; like its so hard find ladies that doesn't have any false accessories on.</p>
<p>Maybe it is <span style="text-decoration: underline;">frustrating for me</span> because i was never that person to wear false anything and have no clue how to even wear makeup. So this new lifestyle was threw at me without a warning - i feel like i'm Ms. Potato head; i don't feel like a woman at times.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I just wish i saw more women without false lashes and/or eyebrows more often.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks for listening and allowing me to get this off my chest.</p> Relapse on Xeljanz experiences!tag:alopeciaworld.com,2023-05-31:2022678:Topic:19736322023-05-31T14:07:09.778Zsnoopyloverhttps://alopeciaworld.com/profile/snoopylover
<p>Hello AW :-)</p>
<p></p>
<p>I’ve been on Xeljanz for 13 months now (5mg x 2 daily) and have had huge success with it, went from totalis to full regrowth! But sadly 3 weeks ago I discovered a large patch the size of a 50c coin (I’m Australian lol) that tripled in size in the space of a week. Now at the 3 week mark, I’ve noticed rapid shedding reminiscent of when I first started losing my hair 2 years ago (I had a full head of hair and lost it all within 2 months) and I know it’s fairly early…</p>
<p>Hello AW :-)</p>
<p></p>
<p>I’ve been on Xeljanz for 13 months now (5mg x 2 daily) and have had huge success with it, went from totalis to full regrowth! But sadly 3 weeks ago I discovered a large patch the size of a 50c coin (I’m Australian lol) that tripled in size in the space of a week. Now at the 3 week mark, I’ve noticed rapid shedding reminiscent of when I first started losing my hair 2 years ago (I had a full head of hair and lost it all within 2 months) and I know it’s fairly early but the bald patch also shows no signs of regrowth.</p>
<p>The potential triggers could be a common cold I had around 4 weeks ago and/or the fact that I stopped taking xeljanz for 2 weeks at the end of April (i ran out)</p>
<p>The thing is, I’ve previously had a cold and i’ve gone as long as 5 weeks without taking xeljanz (again, because I ran out - im not great at planning) and didn’t suffer any hairloss! </p>
<p>Wondering if anyone else has experienced a significant relapse whilst actively taking xeljanz? Did your hair grow back? Did xeljanz stop working entirely for you after a while? Have you also had a relapse after an illness?</p>
<p><span>Needless to say, I’m spiralling a little bit so interested to hear/read about people’s experiences!</span></p>
<p>T</p> Successful treatment in combined therapy with ruxolitinib phosphate and dexsamethasone.tag:alopeciaworld.com,2022-08-24:2022678:Topic:19610632022-08-24T15:22:42.465Zalpha_helixhttps://alopeciaworld.com/profile/alphahelix
<p><strong>Introduction:</strong> <br></br>I am male. At 27 years of age, the first symptoms of AA appeared within 3 months after a severe infection, probably swine influenza. This infection completely destroyed myself; fever over 40 degrees Celsius, I could not sit, I could do not lie in bed, I had delirium. I recovered after 2 weeks and everything seemed to be fine. After 3 months the first sign of AA appeared. The disease evolved towards AU within 1.5 years. I lost all my hair and became a…</p>
<p><strong>Introduction:</strong> <br/>I am male. At 27 years of age, the first symptoms of AA appeared within 3 months after a severe infection, probably swine influenza. This infection completely destroyed myself; fever over 40 degrees Celsius, I could not sit, I could do not lie in bed, I had delirium. I recovered after 2 weeks and everything seemed to be fine. After 3 months the first sign of AA appeared. The disease evolved towards AU within 1.5 years. I lost all my hair and became a mannequin. No autoimmune diseases in whole family. <br/><strong>Treatment:</strong><br/>* Forgive the casual language and lack of citation. I could write it as a study paper, but this is not the point. <br/>First signs of alopecia areata on the head I treated with acetonide triamcinolone injection 10mg/ml intralesional. I had a positive response. Nonetheless, disease still developed. I decided not to do anything. <br/>Since I lost all of my hair, I decided to start treatment on my own due to complete disappointment after contact with the physicians (medice cura te ipsum). I did QuantiFERON that resulted positive. <br/>Then I did an X-ray. Results: no tuberculosis, clear,sexy lungs. I prescribed myself medicine and started curation to eradicate potential mycobacteria with rifampicin and isoniazid in a 3-month regime in accordance with appropriate guidelines (God bless USA). I vaccinated myself against pneumococcus, shingles (BAYER, one dose vaccination that was withdrawn from USA) and SARS-CoV-2. <br/>After antibiotic treatment and vaccinations I started with ruxolitnib phosphate at a dose 20mg each 12 h. First signs of regrowth I observed after 4.5 months. To accelerate the treatment process, I decided to take 8 mg of dexamethasone biweekly (oral systemic administration) since 4 month of treatment with ruxolitnib. Thereafter, I also decided to increase the dose up to 25mg of ruxolitnib each 12 h (maximal daily dose of ruxolitnib according to the EMA characteristic). Please note that dexamethasone is an unpredictable CYP inducer while the metabolism of ruxolitnib undergoes transformation through CYP. Since I had 75% regrowth on hair, I did intralesional injection with triamcinolone in 1; it worked immediately. <br/>The steroid was planned to be taken 8 mg biweekly within 4 months and then monthly gradually diluted [8,4 ],[ 4,4] , [2,2] , [1,1], [0.5,0.5] and maintain low dose of dexamethasone 0.5 biweekly or discontinue. There are some premises to maintain the lowest dose of steroid (modulation of the nuclear receptors) . <br/>Other adjuvants I used: minoxidil in propylene glycol 5 mg each 12 h (orally). While taking steroids, I did vit D 2000 UI (OCT) and calcium gluconate 800 mg(OCT). <br/><strong>Side effects and infections:</strong><br/>Side effects were associated with the ingestion of 8 mg of dexamethasone; insomnia, depression mood, anxiety for 2 days after the second dose, and water retention. However, no Cushing syndrome appeared. I also noticed increased blood pressure and blurred vision. While I started taking 4mg, water gone, I sleep well, mood gradually is restoring, no problem with eyes. I also took benzodiazepines sometimes (diazepam) to relief side effects of dexamethasone. <br/>I was sick due to infections. 2 usual-winter viral infections and once covid. In every case I get infected from non-immunocompromised individuals that had severe symptoms of infections. All infections I passed mildly. Please note, that for instance ruxolitnib was considered as nice agent against SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as that dexamethasone dimmish inflammation.</p>
<p><strong>Other aspects:</strong><br/>I did diagnostic on cholesterol and triglycerides; elevated but not exceed. I did once diagnostic on cortisol day before taking steroid (morning ofc) after 4 months of taking steroid: level in referential compartment. Sometimes I work to sunset and morning, and I feel cortisol excretion, therefore it appears it is fine with adrenal cortex. I did and still do diet; no weight increased. I try to do sport. I noticed constipation (JAKi side effect). I avoid sun – it is necessary while you do immunosuppressants.</p>
<p><strong>In summary:</strong></p>
<p>I read some threads over here as well as ten/hundreds of papers with cases and reviews and experiments. It appears, that AA, AT, AU psychophysiology process is not the same for everyone. I am awareness as immunology is complicated. Therefore, treatment must be suitable. I hope I did sniper shoot with JAK1 inhibitor in my situation. To be honest JAKi are shitty drugs but nowadays unfortunately golden standard. There is necessity to discover another approach. There is still necessity to create procedures for screening susceptible units and unravel a lot of things that are unclear.</p>
<p><br/>As medical representant I have to aware you if you do immunosuppressants: be afraid of sun and infections; bacterial as well as virus. It is difficult to figure out when taking medicines such as ruxolinib or dexamethasone help and when it can be life-threatening. In some situations, such as COVID It appears to help, however in case of bacterial infections such as lung tuberculosis taking immunosuppressants can be very dangerous.</p>
<p><br/>I have a lot ideas how to fight with this terrible disease but it take a time until I will able to introduce and throw them due to many aspects of my life. Yes, I am man of science. I wish myself I will have chance to chase the rabbit. Why? Not me. I saw agony in eyes in patients with AU and this triggered my efforts.<br/>Just to be clear. I do not practice, and I do not offer health care as professional. I do science which actually is not inline with immunology. However, if someone need help in Europe, I consider helping.</p>
<p><br/>May God help me and you.</p> AA returns!tag:alopeciaworld.com,2022-03-09:2022678:Topic:19560012022-03-09T12:56:57.298ZCharlottehttps://alopeciaworld.com/profile/Charlotte926
<p>Hi everyone, sorry in advance for the ramble. </p>
<p>Today, after 4 years of having total regrowth on my scalp, I noticed a smallish(1cm) circular patch of bald on my head. My alopecia always was at the top of my head, fairly close to my forehead, and that's where it has returned. I'm feeling weird about it, and just wanted to post about it. Like many of us, no treatments were ever effective for me, and in the end I just had to make my peace with it, it was a few months after giving up on…</p>
<p>Hi everyone, sorry in advance for the ramble. </p>
<p>Today, after 4 years of having total regrowth on my scalp, I noticed a smallish(1cm) circular patch of bald on my head. My alopecia always was at the top of my head, fairly close to my forehead, and that's where it has returned. I'm feeling weird about it, and just wanted to post about it. Like many of us, no treatments were ever effective for me, and in the end I just had to make my peace with it, it was a few months after giving up on treatment that my hair returned. I think that's why this recent development hasn't upset me. That being said, I do feel oddly intimidated; when this all started, I noticed a small patch like today, and within a month it was 6cm across and I only had a few strands of hair by my hairline (I was told my a Derm. that if it falls out from the hairline, the chances of regrowth are slimmer). So, I feel daunted by the fact I don't know what's about to happen, and about the emotions it might cause. I'm interested in hearing from others who've been in similar situations? </p> options for shaved headtag:alopeciaworld.com,2021-12-26:2022678:Topic:19533102021-12-26T18:30:19.933ZJenniferhttps://alopeciaworld.com/profile/Jennifer7
<p>My 14 year old daughter wants to shave her head because she finds it more depressing and causing her anxiety every time she washes her hair or combs it and see how much she loses. I am inquiring of head covering options anyone has - hats, scarves? Any suggestions</p>
<p></p>
<p>My 14 year old daughter wants to shave her head because she finds it more depressing and causing her anxiety every time she washes her hair or combs it and see how much she loses. I am inquiring of head covering options anyone has - hats, scarves? Any suggestions</p>
<p></p> Boss asked me if my hair was realtag:alopeciaworld.com,2021-06-18:2022678:Topic:19455092021-06-18T04:19:58.087Zeve of horushttps://alopeciaworld.com/profile/eveofhorus
<p>Hello all,</p>
<p>I was diagnosed with alopecia almost 8 months ago when I first started losing my hair. I am an "essential worker" and have worked onsite alongside my lateral colleagues and subordinates through most of the pandemic. I've been candid with those who I know well. I interact with my boss and upper management via zoom only. The director of my department was hired during the pandemic, and we haven't been getting along. At the core I think it's hard to establish trust…</p>
<p>Hello all,</p>
<p>I was diagnosed with alopecia almost 8 months ago when I first started losing my hair. I am an "essential worker" and have worked onsite alongside my lateral colleagues and subordinates through most of the pandemic. I've been candid with those who I know well. I interact with my boss and upper management via zoom only. The director of my department was hired during the pandemic, and we haven't been getting along. At the core I think it's hard to establish trust online. </p>
<p>Now that you have the background, on to today, Thursday. Monday I wore a wig to work for the first time. I just don't have enough hair left to make hats look decent any more. I have never been more nervous about how I look ever. But for the most part, it's gone well, especially because I feel comfortable around the people I work with. </p>
<p>Today I joined in on a meeting the director was hosting. The director started out the meeting (included several people, but no one I've talked about the wig to) by saying my name and, "look at your hair? Is it REAL?" </p>
<p>I just nodded no because I was on mute and kind of shocked. Director responded, "Ah, I thought so." and then moved on to actual business. </p>
<p>Because of this experience, I feel like I wasted a lot of money on this wig, and I don't want to wear it. More importantly, I want to call out this behavior and let the director know how inappropriate it was. But they make twice the salary as me and we don't have a good working relationship. Anyone have a similar experience or advice on how I can do this tactfully and in a way that makes helpful impact?</p>
<p></p> I Beat AU Twicetag:alopeciaworld.com,2018-12-27:2022678:Topic:14379382018-12-27T16:46:25.456ZJoey_Chttps://alopeciaworld.com/profile/JoeyC
<p></p>
<p>Background </p>
<p>I am Male, 36 Years Old, Played sports at a high level, Had alopecia as a child but always just patches on my head that would come and go, I could cover them by letting my hair grow a little longer. </p>
<p></p>
<p>2010 I really pushed by body hard by entering a sports competition, I had a 13 week prep, Maybe 2 week after completion of the competition I noticed patches of body hair fallen out, Then a small piece of my eyebrow, my beard had completely stopped…</p>
<p></p>
<p>Background </p>
<p>I am Male, 36 Years Old, Played sports at a high level, Had alopecia as a child but always just patches on my head that would come and go, I could cover them by letting my hair grow a little longer. </p>
<p></p>
<p>2010 I really pushed by body hard by entering a sports competition, I had a 13 week prep, Maybe 2 week after completion of the competition I noticed patches of body hair fallen out, Then a small piece of my eyebrow, my beard had completely stopped growing. Within maybe 8 week I was completely AU. </p>
<p></p>
<p>I unfortunately fell for every Con, Bought all the Gels, was sold the magic Pills, The Creams, Listening to horrible people who claimed to have the answers to fixing it if you purchased their snake oil etc. Like many on here I scoured the Internet looking for answers and would often spend 6hrs straight on this site looking for answers. </p>
<p></p>
<p>Luckily enough after a year or so I was able to find acceptance and start to move on with my life, Which was incredibly hard since it completely altered how I looked etc.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Always being into health and fitness I tried the Auto Immune diet, For me it was just too difficult, My Wife and I don't drink so we like to eat out and I found it very hard to enjoy nights out.</p>
<p>In 2013 I started to read up on Intermitting Fasting. The gist of the diet was simple, pick 8 or 6 hour window, Eat within these 8/6 hours, When the 8 hours have pass you go into a fasted state (No food, or drinks with cals) It was sold to me as a great way of staying trim and strict on a diet. After spending maybe 6 months or so on the diet I got back some body hair, Hair on my head etc, By 8 months in I was fully back. My brows, Facial Hair, BodyHair (Only thing I didn't Miss Much ha)</p>
<p>For some reason I did not connect the hair and fasting and after awhile I started to skip on the diet here and there. Until one year in Id changed my diet and I was no longer fasting anymore. </p>
<p>Gradually I started to see the same spots again. I had patches in my beard, Body Hair, Hair on my arms stopped. I wasn't as crushed by this as I was the first time around, I spend a lot of time learning how to accept it but at the same time It did hurt, People asking if I was ok or peoples faces when they could see I was losing it again. </p>
<p>From 2015 to 2018 or so I was pretty much AU.</p>
<p>My brother and I were always into fitness and Id become sluggish etc when he suggested I give the Intermitted Fasting another go. So in early 2018 I started again as a way to stay in shape. My window was 12 to 8pm, If I didn't eat in my window then I didn't eat. (unless you have health issues this is completely fine, Some people panic if they haven't eaten in a few hours, You can fast for few days with zero issues)</p>
<p>I first noticed hair kicking back in hard on my legs and Arms, I had other health issues such as inflammation in my legs and especially my back and hips, I noticed this had also fallen greatly. within 8 months I was back to somewhat normal. My hair is not as thick as the first time around, My beard is not as strong etc but I have full body hair, eyebrows (Very few lashes) I have facial stubble. </p>
<p>it was then I made the connection to Fasting and my AU</p>
<p>Over time I started to find more about intermittent fasting, High level athletes like GSP were using fasting not just to look good but for also the insane health benefits that came with it. </p>
<p>Basically humans as not suppose to be able to go to a fridge and gorge. Today people eat way way too much and the issues is the majority of what we eat is absolute junk anyway. By eating within a 6 or 8 hour window you give your body 18 to 16hrs of rest and repair, make new cells and recover from the toxins. </p>
<p>I am of course on here with nothing to sell, Like so many I spend years of my life on here looking for answers and never really found them, The top person in the field of fasting and its benefits is Dr Rhonda Patrick. She has many podcasts and written articles that go deep into why Fasting can really help people who have health issues. My brother has used Intermediated Fasting now for 8 years. I know I will stay with this diet long term as its helped me with inflammation greatly and I just feel better in general. </p>
<p>Just thought Id post my experience here. There is plenty of information on fasting but I would suggest Dr Rhonda Patrick</p>
<p>Thanks for the read :) </p>
<p></p> Loving other people when you don’t love yourselftag:alopeciaworld.com,2018-12-23:2022678:Topic:14360892018-12-23T23:48:15.814ZErica Avedesianhttps://alopeciaworld.com/profile/EricaAvedesian45
<p>My name is Erica and I have had alopecia ever since I was a baby. I haven’t had hair anywhere basically my whole life and I am ok with it. I thought I was doing really good but now I am in a serious relationship for over a year now and I am struggling to love myself. He makes me feel like I am beautiful the way I am but I can tell me being insecure gets in the way of A LOT of things. Things that were not a problem when I was by myself. I could pick and choose when I wanted to see people or…</p>
<p>My name is Erica and I have had alopecia ever since I was a baby. I haven’t had hair anywhere basically my whole life and I am ok with it. I thought I was doing really good but now I am in a serious relationship for over a year now and I am struggling to love myself. He makes me feel like I am beautiful the way I am but I can tell me being insecure gets in the way of A LOT of things. Things that were not a problem when I was by myself. I could pick and choose when I wanted to see people or going out. Now I feel like a burden and that I’m just an insecure jealous girlfriend because I never feel good enough. To do anything. I’ve always had depression and anxiety and I can deal with that. But loving myself is the biggest thing I have ever had to overcome. I’ve also had a lot of issues with growing up with alopecia that made me hate everything and everyone in my life because I thought this was not fair. Where can I find love in all this hate?</p> Worse in the winter???tag:alopeciaworld.com,2018-12-16:2022678:Topic:14356012018-12-16T14:03:57.251ZStephaniePA-Chttps://alopeciaworld.com/profile/StephaniePAC
<p>My 6 year old who has been in remission for over a year has developed 4 patches in the last 2 weeks. Can winter be a cause of hair loss? We live in Mixhigan. Cold and not much sunshine this time of year</p>
<p>My 6 year old who has been in remission for over a year has developed 4 patches in the last 2 weeks. Can winter be a cause of hair loss? We live in Mixhigan. Cold and not much sunshine this time of year</p>