Hair Loss - Actually Balding

[FrankieMM21]

Hi all,

I am 29 years old, was diagnosed at 13 and spent 13 years bouncing around various attempts at treatment (a couple of different pills, metformin, an anti-testosterone, holistic etc) but nothing ever really put a dent in anything.

For the last three years I've been off any kind of medication and PCOS kind of took a back seat to the time and energy that I've put into my career. However ...

About a month ago I looked at the back of my head (I was styling my hair) and realised that I am basically bald on the back of my head. My hair has been thinning for a number of years but I have no hair at all across my crown and it is thinning along my parting. I am mixed race - I have quite fine very curly, almost afro-Caribbean hair so the fineness doesn't help but I am devastated. I know this is largely my own fault for trying to focus on something that isn't the PCOS but ... yeah.

So, I've tried the "Just Naturals" hair loss topical cream but I don't want to continue to waste money on topcial things then I know the issue is hormonal. I've switched to all natural hair treatments, though, to prevent further stress on the hair.

Really, what I'm wondering is - has anyone else experienced such dramatic loss and, if so, did any of it ever grow back?

Thank you x

[Hols969]

Hair loss is one of the worst symptoms, if you can get your hormones under control it will help (I am on the combined contraceptive which keeps the majority of my symptoms at bay, and I take 2 months on the trot which helps too (would do 3 but kept spotting). It is extremely difficult to mask the hair loss though so I do feel your pain xx

[Bluelady-sing]

HI Frankie I have similar hair type (although) I use hair straighteners.. I lost nearly 50% of my hair, I cut my hair into a short style - although it dose not suit my face, the PCOS has made my hair so coarse and thick I actually get complements.

More hair fell out at he back - sometimes I think it has grown back although if it has at a very slow rate. I suspect that once I am pregnant the hair will grow a lot - and then fall out as after giving birth the hormone levels fall again.

Frankie? do you have regular periods/ Have you ever had day 21 bloods. These will tell you whether or not you last period was an ovulatory bleed ( at least your hair loss etc.,,,has a purpose to it)

I am trying to loose half a stone I get irregular periods facial hair, hair loss on head. Diagnosis date 2011 after stopping pill in 2009

[FrankieMM21]

Hi both,

Thank you so much for your replies.

Hols969 I'm working on the weight in the hope that the doctors will take me more seriously. I've not had a huge amount of luck with them over the last few years.

Pumpkins I'm too scared to straighten now, I only ever do it on special occasions. Now that I know the extend of the bald patch, I don't think I'll be straightening again any time soon! I've never worn my hair long but I did the same as you, chopped it all off when it started noticeably falling out. I like it short but I'm too embarrassed to go back to the hairdresser now. The last time I went, she said she could see some re-growth but I think she may have just been being kind.

No to regular periods, it's been a while, and I don't think I've ever had 21 day bloods done. Is that something you'd suggest I do? What's the link to ovulation? (Sorry for my questions!)

[Bluelady-sing in reply to FrankieMM21]

Day 21 bloods your GP can arrange - these will tell you if your last period was an ovulatory bleed (as in produced an egg) count day one as the day your period started -to day 21. Get the blood form completed well in advance than you can go to phlebotomy dept. on the right day. Your Gp can also do fsh and Lh levels. These will tell you about your current fertility status...sadly it is no guarantee for future fertility, but gives you an idea in how your self management is going. ( I choose diet and lifestyle which is so hard.

I am following the 12 week NHS diet plan its is quite good - as it is quite a holistic way of addressing a weight loss plan.

My bloods were surprisingly good I have an irregular cycle but I do bleed most months. I am also trying reflexology and aromatherapy this has worked on two occasions.

with regards to your hair loss as the cause is hormonal there is little you can do is too make sure you get hormones in check.. Ps do you have any other symptoms? do you gain weight easily?

[FrankieMM21]

Beino - what are/is Quantum xmetics ?

Pumpkins - I guess I need to go back to my doctor, then. I've been putting it off and putting it off. I have pretty much every symptom I've ever read or heard about. I'm currently on a self devised diet/lifestyle overhaul. I've based it around things I've read and been told by doctors over the years and I'm feeling really good. Better than I have done in ages. I'm hoping if I go to the doctors with some weight lost and proof of the changes I've made and am making then we can work out more treatment together?

I've not bled in years, at one point I was taking Metformin and an anti-androgen that I can't remember the name of and I lost a load of weight - nothing.

[MONATMMP]

Are you still suffering from hair loss?