Things that can help stop hair loss?

[Guest jordynolivias]

So I'm 24 and my hair has been thinning for about the last 5 or 6 years and has slowly been getting worse and worse, even though I've been on HRT for almost 3 years now.

I am a childhood cancer survivor and had cranial radiation when I was 2 years old as part of my treatment, which can apparently cause one's hair follicles to become weaker in some cases, and hair loss runs in my family on my mom's side (my mom's dad was completely bald by the time he was 40).

I suspect my hair loss is probably a combination of both of these things and I started wearing a wig about 3 months ago (since my hair continues to fall out no matter what I try to do to make it stop ...), but I was wondering if anyone has come across any kind of shampoos or treatments or anything else that can help stop hair loss and or regrow one's hair?

I've tried using a shampoo called Nioxin and I've also been taking Biotin supplements and vitamins and I've even tried using Rogaine and so far nothing has helped and I've been feeling more and more desperate since my family and my friends have started noticing how thin my hair has been getting :/ .

In any case, any and all info would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!

Jordy

[VickySGV]

I would be seeing my doctor about this one if it is as bad as you say it is and leaving the snake oil stuff alone. As post op, you should not have your granddad's issue bothering you anymore, but I do have a friend with another medical condition that affects her hair patterns.

[Guest April.]

Hey Jordy, I'm not sure how long you used rogaine for but I have a friend who prior to transition was completely bald, just a bit on the sides and she uses rogaine or regaine, one of them.. minoxidil anyway is the active chem that helps and she has a full head of hair now, still only short but it has grown back. Your case may well be different but in her case, it definitely worked. I hope you can sort it out.

[Guest AmyJean]

Including more vegetables, and plant-based fats and proteins may also help, e.g. soy milk, tofu, flax, and other nuts and legumes. Changing my diet in this way slowed my hair loss considerably; this wasn't the only benefit, of course, but it's a welcome one.

-Amy

[Guest Clair Dufour]

HRT just over rides T. To block it you need a T blocker. Some women suffer massive hair loss with menapause.

As usual talk to your Doctor.

[Guest sydney]

I would look at getting a prescription of Finasteride (Propecia). That will block the DHT that may be attacking your hair follicles. My dermatologists prescribed that plus she recommended Elon Hair Essentials with Biotin. It's expensive, but it does last a LONG time (about 3-4 months). She also prescribed Ketoconazole Shampoo as I had a specific type of dandruff that causes hair loss. It also acts as a DHT blocker. I've been using the shampoos for 5 months and Finasteride at near 4 months and my bald spot in the crown is completely gone now and my temples are starting to fill in. (HRT will help with that as well, but I've only been on HRT for 2 weeks.)

Edited December 27, 2013 by sydney
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[KathrynJulia]

Jordy:

You can self medicate, try different things, but truthfully, talk to a dermatologist first. You have a medical condition that needs a medical solution. Hair loss is often due to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) a by product of testosterone conversion. Or a fungal condition can cause hair loss. Another reason can be due to poor blood flow to the hair follicles. Radiation can also damage hair follicles, but they usually recover. If they are damaged from irradiation and the doctor establishes that is the reason for the hair loss, you may be able to have hair implants covered by health insurance.

In any case, Jordy, find out the true cause and fix the cause rather than trying a lot of things that many or may not work. Kathryn

[Guest Leah1026]

There are two types of DHT.

Finasteride (aka Propecia, Finpecia) blocks the one main one (80% of the total).

Avodart (aka Dutasteride, Dutas) blocks both types of DHT. The problem is Avodart is costly.

There is one caution you need to be aware of: You should NOT donate blood. These meds can cause genetic problems in a developing fetus of pregnant women.