I am new to posting; although I've been lurking around the boards and reading for nearly a year now. There is lots of helpful information here; so I may have overlooked this subject if it was addressed before.
My question is...for anyone who has reached their ideal body weight through a low GI diet and meds, did your hair-loss and excess body hair issues improve or disappear? Is it reasonable to assume that an ideal body weight = lowered insulin resistance, thus fewer symptoms of this depressing disease?
Any related success stories? I have lost lots of weight using the Sugarbusters WOE; but, have not reached my ideal range. I could really use some encourgement, as lately I've started to feel like 'what's the point?'. Please help!!!
I could really use some encourgement, as lately I've started to feel like 'what's the point?'. Please help!!!
Losing hair and hope.....
Jackie
Jackie, I know where this emotion is coming from!
Now, for some people, getting to that ideal weight and finding a healthier hormonal balance is going to help get your hair to a healthier point. And for some of us, it's not going to make a difference with hair loss and body hair.
Problem is, you can't predict how it will work for you.
I know in three years, I have improved my hormonal profile to normal, I have greatly reduced bodily and facial hair problems. But in that time period, I have also lost so much head hair that I will be wearing wigs for the rest of my life, unless someone finds a magic cure. And believe me, there isn't on out there yet.
The important thing I want you to hear is this...the efforts you make to be healthier are worth it even if they don't impact on your hair. There are so many other ways in which you will be making your life better, that the answer is YES there is a point!!!!!!! Please don't let ONE factor, hair loss, discourage you in your efforts!
And believe me, I am not minimizing how awful hair loss is! I am dealing with the pain of it everyday, but life is out there to be lived, and dammit, I put these pretty wigs on, and I keep going! It has been one of the hardest things I've ever had to deal with, but I have courageously dealt with it. And yes, my health overall is better for all my hard work. IT IS WORTH IT!
__________________ "I knew I had a problem when I put my underpants on backwards and they fit better..."
Age 46
Obesity, very mild hirsuitism now almost gone with age and met, seriously thinning hair. Regular cycles on met.
Diagnosed with diabetes 8/2003
Hi StarMaiden!
First...thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences with me. I am normally a positive person, always believing in mind over matter. You know - life throws you lemons...you make lemonade. Well, the last couple weeks have been the toughest I've had yet, as far as dealing with this disease. I changed up some of my meds; and it doesn't seem to have been a good decision. My new gyno didn't have much faith in the spiro, so I stopped taking it. He also changed me to the Gluco XL, which is 500mg twice a day versus 500mg of the regular 3X per day. Since the XL is long lasting, I am assuming it has a similar load to a lesser dosage more often. Anyway, I'm taking other vitamin supplements; but all in all, I feel like my hair loss is getting worse and the 'other' hair growth has not improved. I am suddenly overwhelmed with the thoughts of having to take these drugs the rest of my days...or things could possibly be worse. I can't help feeling that there's a thin line between being realistic and being pessimistic. I think that I will eventually get through this phase. Right now, I think the cry has done me good. Surely that can be healthy sometimes too, right? I had a candid talk wtih my DH last night, and I just told him all the ugly secrets that I've been too embarrassed to discuss...for fear that he wouldn't see the 'big deal' or that he wouldn't see me as feminine anymore. I cried about having to pluck every morning and every night; putting that $62 cream on my chin; and feeling like a walking medicine cabinet! I spilled all the beans; and when it was all said and done...it felt good. I felt relieved. He said he never knew I was going through so much; and he apologized for not being more compassionate. So, I believe that it was a good start for my path to recovery. I know this disease is not life-threatening; so I feel some guilt about feeling so defeated. I AM very thankful to have my life and strength! I will continue to find encouragement in the messages I read here on the boards; and in the support of my family and friends. Thank you for reminding me that there is a point! I guess I just needed my moment. (-;
Am I dealing wiht the exact same issues as you although not as advanced as Star Maiden butI am definatly on the same way ...
I had to finally admit I was losing my hair two years ago ... I was in total denial for the prior fifteen years... my hair loss is the traditional MALE pattern .. temporal and frontal balding along with severe diffuse shedding ... I am constantly covered in hairs Today being a very bad day ... I have taken ALL meds that are SUPPOSED to halt or regrow hair but I personally do not beleive there is anyting that works ....but I was in panic mode and prayed that something would .. unfortuantly all I have done is waste a LOT of money ...
I currently have extensinos in .. HUNDREDS .. I go to www.wattzinternational.co.uk you can check out this website and see that there are many good things thatcan be done ....
I spent the last two years suicidal and severely depressed ... I lost a lot of confidence in life and became angry at "big man upstairs" ... I lost friends and nearly had a breakdown ... but I have to say I am on the up .... ok I am losing my hiar and yes I too will be ina wig for hte rest of my days ... BUT ...I have met with fellow alopecians and have seen how fab they look ... if you join www.heralopecia.com you can meet many female hair loss people its a great site.... big hugs to you
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Oh did i forget to say that I agree hair loss has been the hardest thing I have had to deal with in my life ... its gotta be one of the worst things a woman can go through ...
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Oh did i forget to say that I agree hair loss has been the hardest thing I have had to deal with in my life ... its gotta be one of the worst things a woman can go through ...
Hi Sally!
Thanks for writing; and thanks for the links. PCOS is a dreadful disease, despite not being terminal. I would never wish this on even my worst enemy. As vain as it sounds, for me...the hairloss is the worst symptom I have. I suppose if I didn't have my son (he's 2.5yrs old); I'd probably say it is the difficulty conceiving; but, since I've made it over that hurdle (once anyway)...it now seems like small potatoes compared to the depression I am enduring from the hairloss and the hair on my face. I have that shadow thing going because I pick at it sometimes...nerves I guess. I feel like it's the first thing people notice when they see me. I too have the typical male pattern, with my temples fading. I have been using this biotin creme on it lately; and I feel like there may be some baby hairs emerging already; so there's hope! I told my best friend the other day that if it weren't for my strong religious beliefs about the consequences of suicide, and if not for it being admittedly selfish, I probably would've done it by now myself. I just remind myself that my family needs me...especially my son. No way I could choose to traumatize him like that and chance ruining his life.
Anyway, I've got loads to do here around the house before we visit my family for the weekend. Just "keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars!" Wow! I am really showing my age, huh? lol.
Does low glycemic weight-loss reduce hair-loss? 
Wow! I am really showing my age, huh? lol.
