Biotin as a boost for hair thinninh

[caroline_284]

I have been told Biotin is good for thinning hair.does anyone know of any reason it may affect my blood test results.I am on weekly 90mg peginterferon?

[hunter5582]

Here is a relevant reference regarding impact of Biotin on labs.testing.com/articles/biotin...

The short version is that it is unlikely to impact something like a CBC or CMP. Biotin is a B-vitamin and is co0ntained in many supplements, including common multivitamins. Like all supplements, be sure to let your providers now when you are using them. I consult with an Integrative medicine doc about all the various supplements I take. Docs in this specialty are more knowledgeable on this topic.

Hope that helps.

[Dream23 in reply to hunter5582]

This is helpful thanks. Are you in the UK? I've been looking for a n integrative medicine Dr/functional medicine Dr but can't find! Would you mind passing on their name please!?

[hunter5582 in reply to Dream23]

I am in the USA. Here is a list of Functional Medicine doctors that includes the UK. ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/

[Dream23 in reply to hunter5582]

Oh thanks very much. I've been through all the UK ones and couldn't find a doctor with experience of MPN's....

[hunter5582 in reply to Dream23]

Very few docs have any experience with MPNs. My Integrative/Functional Medicine doc did not either. Her role on my care team is to consult on complementary health interventions and how they interact with conventional Western Medicine. She is also knowledgeable about body systems and has been very helpful in looking at the impact of systemic inflammation. Also helpful with identifying interventions and how they could interact with other meds.

Suggest looking for an Integrative or Functional med doc who you like. Someone who really does look at you as a whole person and has expertise in both Western medicine and complementary health. I do not expect this doc will be an expert in MPNs, but will be willing to learn and be a member of the care team that does include a MPN Specialist.

All the best.

[caroline_284 in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you that is helpful. Haemo team seem rather reluctant to ok any supplements.

[hunter5582 in reply to caroline_284]

Many traditionally trained docs/nurses know very little about the use of supplements and their interactions. The are reluctant to give an OK because they simply do not know. So out of an abundance of caution they just say no. That is why consultation with a knowledgeable provider is so important. I do my research and consult with my Integrative Med doc, then let my hemo team (and other providers) know what I am doing.

[caroline_284 in reply to hunter5582]

I did ask a pharmacist if I was to start taking biotin but just stopped for a day or 2 before my blood test surely it would be out of my system? But even he didn't want to confirm that.

[hunter5582 in reply to caroline_284]

I take 75 mcg of Biotin as part of a Methyl B complex. There are 30mcg in my multivitamin. All of my docs are aware of what I take. None have any concerns about it. There have been no discernable impact on my CBCs, CMPs or the other labs I have taken. Note that I have a measure Vit B/folate deficiency. I need to take the supplements.

Suggest reviewing which types of labs are affected by biotin supplements.

webmd.com/vitamins-and-supp...

Suggest you review the risk/benefit profile of biotin supplementation and make your own decision. You do not need consent from anyone, but you do need to let your care team know what you are taking.

All the best.

[caroline_284 in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you for showing me this article, very interesting.Think I will just stick to my breakfast boiled egg for now!

[Dream23]

Also Viviscal pro' is meant to work wonders. I've asked my heamo nurse and consultant about supplements and nutrition and interactions with pv and medication (peg interferon and rivaroxyban) and they say they have absolutely no clue!

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice in reply to Dream23]

Hi Dream23, you can also ask your local pharmacist, they would be able to check interactions for you. Maz

[caroline_284 in reply to Dream23]

Same difficulties with mine

[Wyebird]

Hi, I started its few weeks ago. I’m on Peg too. I passed it by my heamo team and they were happy for me to take it. Apparently it’s B7. I’d love to know what my B7 levels are

[Dream23 in reply to Wyebird]

Is that biotin supplements? Please could let me know dose and brand? Thanks, I'd be excited to have nice hair again!

[caroline_284 in reply to Wyebird]

Thats good to know, thank you

[Wyebird]

Troo healthcare is where I got mine from.Don’t pin your hopes up it might not work. I have noticed my scalp doesn’t itch so much since I’ve been taking them. Not sure if it’s a co incidence.

[Dream23 in reply to Wyebird]

Do you think itchy scalp is due to MPN or meds? I ask because I've had a very itchy scalp for a few years. Often thinking it was headlice (from my young children at school)! But never finding headlice.

[Wyebird]

Interesting ( I’ll ask at my next appointment) it’s only started since taking Peg. I thought it was linked to losing my hair. I’ve found now that if my scalp itches I put a spot of argon oil on the spot. It helps enormously.

[caroline_284 in reply to Wyebird]

I'm also going to try coconut oil on my scalp

[Wyebird]

Yes that is supposed to be good let me know if there is any improvement please.

[caroline_284 in reply to Wyebird]

I will do.just started tonight.not the best look! Think it will be a bit slow to work.

[Wyebird]

What have you done, just rubbed into your scalp or whole hair also? X

[caroline_284 in reply to Wyebird]

Just the top of my scalp

[Wyebird in reply to caroline_284]

I researched coconut oil again last night. Holland and Barrett have it on special offer. Apparently the raw oil is the best. I think I’m going to get some.

[caroline_284 in reply to Wyebird]

Good luck . I'm going to give it a while because I don't think it will work quickly. I have to say dying my hair did not work well afterwards, but a small price to pay!

[Wyebird]

That’s almost where I’ve lost my hair

[caroline_284]

Well its worth trying I thought

[Wyebird in reply to caroline_284]

Haha my husband has bought me a huge jar of coconut oil- I think it will last my life time🤣

[caroline_284 in reply to Wyebird]

I think its good for skin as well !

[Wyebird in reply to caroline_284]

Thanks sorted then until I googled it again and a post says it doesn’t suit everyone’s hair it can cause hair loss😂😡x

[caroline_284 in reply to Wyebird]

Oh no.☹️

[Wyebird]

Yep I think my hair loss gets to me more than my fatigue x

[katiewalsh in reply to Wyebird]

Hi. If your hair loss upsets you a lot, have you thought about treating yourself to a wig? I think there are places that provide them at a reduced cost or maybe even free for cancer patients. Katie

[Wyebird]

Yes I have I don’t think it’s bad enough for a wig yet. Also I get so hot these days. I wear a headband to cover the receding hair line and often have to whip it off because I get hot. Thank you for replying