Alopecia World
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New, scared and need YOUR opinion
Hi Ladies (and men)-
My name is Jennifer and I’ve recently been diagnosed with androgenic alopecia. I just turned 30, I’m single, and horrified. I’ve noticed my hair falling out off and on for about 5 years now. I figured it was stress since the shedding seemed to coincide with major stressors in my life (several moves to different states, grad school, family problems etc). The last 6 months it’s gotten significantly worse, my scalp is showing and I’m obsessed with wearing my hair in a way that covers it the best. I stay out of direct light so no one sees any reflection off my scalp and stay away from mirrors since a catching a glimpse of my scalp can ruin my entire day. All blood tests are negative, and my thyroid is fine. I’ve recently lost a bunch of weight to make me feel better about myself and to try to negate the major dip in self-esteem.
The diagnosis was made by my general doctor and I have an appointment with a dermatologist soon. I’ve been doing lotsa research to figure out what to do. I haven’t been able to find many answers to my questions and my doctor is only somewhat helpful. I’d really appreciate it if some of you “veterans” could answer some questions for me- from your own experience- what has worked for you and not worked for you. I’m desperate and need your opinions.
1. Spironlactone- my dr is willing to prescribe but I can’t really find evidence online that it helps anyone. I hope to have children and I know it stops working when you stop taking it- but does it just made the shedding resume or does it make it worse? Do you recommend/not recommend it and why? Has it actually worked for any of you?
2. I’ve been using Clinicure and like it- but my source is not gonna sell it anymore. I’ve tried Nioxxin before with limited success. Do any of you recommend any shampoo/conditioner line?
3. Five years from now, I’ll be bald at this rate. My plan would be a wig. Am I just prolonging the inevitable? Are all the doctor’s visits/products/medicines/crying/obsessing/money worth it?
My name is Jennifer and I’ve recently been diagnosed with androgenic alopecia. I just turned 30, I’m single, and horrified. I’ve noticed my hair falling out off and on for about 5 years now. I figured it was stress since the shedding seemed to coincide with major stressors in my life (several moves to different states, grad school, family problems etc). The last 6 months it’s gotten significantly worse, my scalp is showing and I’m obsessed with wearing my hair in a way that covers it the best. I stay out of direct light so no one sees any reflection off my scalp and stay away from mirrors since a catching a glimpse of my scalp can ruin my entire day. All blood tests are negative, and my thyroid is fine. I’ve recently lost a bunch of weight to make me feel better about myself and to try to negate the major dip in self-esteem.
The diagnosis was made by my general doctor and I have an appointment with a dermatologist soon. I’ve been doing lotsa research to figure out what to do. I haven’t been able to find many answers to my questions and my doctor is only somewhat helpful. I’d really appreciate it if some of you “veterans” could answer some questions for me- from your own experience- what has worked for you and not worked for you. I’m desperate and need your opinions.
1. Spironlactone- my dr is willing to prescribe but I can’t really find evidence online that it helps anyone. I hope to have children and I know it stops working when you stop taking it- but does it just made the shedding resume or does it make it worse? Do you recommend/not recommend it and why? Has it actually worked for any of you?
2. I’ve been using Clinicure and like it- but my source is not gonna sell it anymore. I’ve tried Nioxxin before with limited success. Do any of you recommend any shampoo/conditioner line?
3. Five years from now, I’ll be bald at this rate. My plan would be a wig. Am I just prolonging the inevitable? Are all the doctor’s visits/products/medicines/crying/obsessing/money worth it?
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Comment by Tiffany P on February 3, 2011 at 10:22am
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i have the same thing and sometimes its hard especially when its time to wash your hair and you see scalp everywhere and frustrating because its something you really cant control. i have started looking at wigs and wearing scarfs and just trying to move on. i have my fits of anger and crying but slowly im moving forward and just trying to improve things i can control like my weight and working on my skin and expanding my knowledge. i love this website because everyone has bad times but you will see many who have loving partners and good jobs and just overall move on. Happier days will come your way and welcome to AW!
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Comment by Denise Benson on February 4, 2011 at 1:41pm
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Hello Ladies,
I saw my first spot in February of 2010 and I joked about it thinking it wouldn't progress. I was wrong! I went to the Dermo a few months later and was diagnosed with AA. I started the cortizone injections and after 4 months stopped it because it wasn't doing the job...my hair was falling out quite rapidly! The day after Thanksgiving 2010 I shaved my head and bought a wig(which I've worn 3 times) because I couldn't hide the spots any longer. I get all of my support and courage from this website. I have lots of hats and scarves because I live in CT and it's cold. I went to brunch on Christmas Eve and decided to take the hat off in public and I've been doing it ever since. I have lots of funky earings and I actually enjoy wearing make-up. It definately takes some time to adjust and gain confidence but it will come. I still wear scarves at work but not when I go out! I'm 51 and also single with lots of stresses but I don't want not having hair to contribute to my stress. I agree that talking about it is by far the greatest help and support we can get, it's why I have been able to deal with this. The first time I took my hat off I was scared but once it came off I was free. I am traveling to Italy in a couple of weeks and I have a hat or beret for every outfit! I am having fun with it...because I have no choice! Let's put on some make-up and funky earings and get out there...bald can be beautiful.
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Hi Carolina,
I don't even want to listen to the weather anymore!!! Honestly I think I look better bald...that can't be good! All kidding aside, I truely did get my strength from this site. I also have tiny hairs growing hopefully someday we'll have strong hairs growing but in the meantime keep blogging it will help!!! I also need to get a pic on this site! I will work on it! Stay warm and keep me up to date on your growth...or non growth! I'll give you words of encouragement when you need it!
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Comment by Bald and Fabulous AKA Terri on February 4, 2011 at 11:21pm
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Hi Jennifer
You are with the right people here and Im glad you found us. I totally sympathize with what you are feeling and going thru. I have been learning to accept my alopecia for close to 27 years. I have tried most everything that was offered to me from my doctors. And unfortunately all the treatments that are out there only treat the symptoms not the underlining cause, being that alopecia is an autoimmune disease and there is no cure. But please dont take this as a negative, think of it as a new way to express yourself. On September 3rd, 2010 I took back control of a situation that for too many years I let win. I shaved my head!!! And on that day everything changed. I no longer worry about counting hairs, checking bald areas or checking for any new growth. I choose how Im going to "dress" my head as oppose to letting my alopecia determine how Im going to "hide". I am positive that you will find your way and remember you are a beautiful and fabulous woman.
Lots of HUGS
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Comment by Jennifer Schlueter on February 5, 2011 at 12:59am
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I really appreciate all the support!!! Carolina, something you wrote really sticks with me, that my hair or bald head is beautiful because it's mine. I'm gonna hold onto that.
It sounds like no one has had any luck with Spironlactone? I started on it today.
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