Ami-Lou
06-09-2010, 11:23 AM
Hello there,
It's been great finding this site.
I first noticed my hair was receding to one side around 2 years ago. More recently my parting has widened and I can see a lot of scalp on the top of my head and crown. The hair at the sides of my head is very transparent and fine. There is nothing worse than catching yourself in a bright mirror and realising that your hair loss is getting worse. I am shocked at how quickly this seem to be progressing which is odd as I seem to be shedding less hair. I used to feel conscious of my hair in bright lights and sunshine, but now I just feel conscious all the time. I'm assuming that I have AGA rather than any other hair loss because of it's locality.
I really taken on board the advice people give on the forum - that you should stop trying to deny the hairloss and start treatment, as the earlier it's treated the better - and to be honest, it's starting to become so obvious that I can't deny it any more. So I was hoping for some advice on which treatment to take.
I live in the UK and the treatments and advice don't seem as comprehensive here. I have been to my doctor (just general practioner) three times and they said they couldn't help me - and I just felt embarrassed to bother them.
I've been to a trichologist clinic who said that I have female pattern baldness (75% loss on the sides and crown) and I should try Minoxidill at 4% twice a day. However, I have read on the forum (and looked at Dr Remond's site) that the BCP can help and a medication called Spiro. Unfortunately, with the BCP, my doctor won't prescribe it as I suffer (infrequently) from migraines with aura. When I do have an aura (flashing lights/numb face and hands) they are pretty scary. Apprarently if I was to take the pill there is an increased risk of stroke. I've also read the BCP isn't recommended over 35 (I'm 33). I was on Dianette when I was in my teens and it really affected my moods. I felt very teary and hormonal. Now that I have children, I don't want to feel like I have permanent PMT as I won't be much fun for them! Also Spiro isn't used for hair loss in the UK so I wouldn't be able to get it from my doctor or trichologist.
I'd really appreciate some advice. Sometimes I wondered whether it's worth the health and mood risk to go on the BCP again but other days I think I'm crazy and selfish to even consider it because of my children.
I wondered if I did use Minoxidill, whether it is going to help. The success rates in studies I have researched seem minimal. It would be interesting to hear if anyone had tried it and had success? I also wondered whether it makes your hair greasy when you apply it in the morning? And whether it does make the scalp red and flaky as the side effects suggest.
Just lastly, I did see an endochronologist and she said my bloods were fine (good in fact). It's funny because to be told you are healthy should make you feel happy but I almost wanted something to be wrong. I guess that I wanted there to be a simple explanation then I could be given a magical medication and it would put an end to all this worry and obsession with my hair!
Thanks a million.
It's been great finding this site.
I first noticed my hair was receding to one side around 2 years ago. More recently my parting has widened and I can see a lot of scalp on the top of my head and crown. The hair at the sides of my head is very transparent and fine. There is nothing worse than catching yourself in a bright mirror and realising that your hair loss is getting worse. I am shocked at how quickly this seem to be progressing which is odd as I seem to be shedding less hair. I used to feel conscious of my hair in bright lights and sunshine, but now I just feel conscious all the time. I'm assuming that I have AGA rather than any other hair loss because of it's locality.
I really taken on board the advice people give on the forum - that you should stop trying to deny the hairloss and start treatment, as the earlier it's treated the better - and to be honest, it's starting to become so obvious that I can't deny it any more. So I was hoping for some advice on which treatment to take.
I live in the UK and the treatments and advice don't seem as comprehensive here. I have been to my doctor (just general practioner) three times and they said they couldn't help me - and I just felt embarrassed to bother them.
I've been to a trichologist clinic who said that I have female pattern baldness (75% loss on the sides and crown) and I should try Minoxidill at 4% twice a day. However, I have read on the forum (and looked at Dr Remond's site) that the BCP can help and a medication called Spiro. Unfortunately, with the BCP, my doctor won't prescribe it as I suffer (infrequently) from migraines with aura. When I do have an aura (flashing lights/numb face and hands) they are pretty scary. Apprarently if I was to take the pill there is an increased risk of stroke. I've also read the BCP isn't recommended over 35 (I'm 33). I was on Dianette when I was in my teens and it really affected my moods. I felt very teary and hormonal. Now that I have children, I don't want to feel like I have permanent PMT as I won't be much fun for them! Also Spiro isn't used for hair loss in the UK so I wouldn't be able to get it from my doctor or trichologist.
I'd really appreciate some advice. Sometimes I wondered whether it's worth the health and mood risk to go on the BCP again but other days I think I'm crazy and selfish to even consider it because of my children.
I wondered if I did use Minoxidill, whether it is going to help. The success rates in studies I have researched seem minimal. It would be interesting to hear if anyone had tried it and had success? I also wondered whether it makes your hair greasy when you apply it in the morning? And whether it does make the scalp red and flaky as the side effects suggest.
Just lastly, I did see an endochronologist and she said my bloods were fine (good in fact). It's funny because to be told you are healthy should make you feel happy but I almost wanted something to be wrong. I guess that I wanted there to be a simple explanation then I could be given a magical medication and it would put an end to all this worry and obsession with my hair!
Thanks a million.