I was diagnosed w/ PCOS a few years ago. I had been put on the pill late HS / early college because I always had my period.
Then I stopped taking it because I couldn't afford it, and my hair was falling out - thought it was related. Then my feet grew 1/2 a size and my weight went up.
I didn't get my period for months and months and afraid to just go back on the pill - went to GYN and she said I should see an ENDO.
After seeing a few crackpots (Like the one who wanted to give me a gyn exam) I found one in NJ who examined me - send me for tests - did some bloodwork - gave me a shot and did more bloodwork and when we met next said I had PCOS
Unbelievably high testosterone, high cholesterol, don't ovulate; hairloss; skintags
He put me on Desogen (bcp), 100 Adlactone and told me to start diet/exercise program and was seeing me every few weeks - now down to every 6 months. I have to watch my sugar (LOVE SUGAR) but I don't have IR issues.
Aside from those - I am taking One a day for women, oscal - calcium, claritin; q-var and singulair for asthma, vitamin c. fiber supplement.
HOWEVER - I haven't seen him in over a year - did lose some weight - about 10lbs - have to get bloodwork done so I can go see him - and ALL my hair is falling out.
Has been getting steadily worse on the whole right side of my head where it just looks like streaks of hair are missing - I am getting thinner (old lady thinner) at the badk of my head and now the hair at the top of my head is noticeably missing (people have commented)
I tried Rogaine - a few times - but it gives me a terrible rash and makes my head break out.
I asked him about Proscar (I email him) and he really doesn't want to give it to me - and out of desperation SATURDAY I started taking Saw Palmetto (GNC) 1 @ night.
Going to get my hair cut again - used to be full and curly - now it is barely there - last time I got it cut she asked me if I was doing anything for it or if I was sick - now this time I am dreading having it washed and I look balding.
Anyone else have these issues?
I am under a lot of stress (mom is sick) but nothing that has changed over the past few years- so not sure why, especially, the past year hair has just disappeared.
I'm so sorry this is happening to you!! Unfortunately, hair loss is one of the worst and toughest things that PCOS can do to us, and is really , really hard to treat. What's happened with your hair is not at ALL that uncommon with PCOS. You are definitely NOT alone!
The bad news is that there is no magic bullet to treat the hair loss. If you spend some time browsing the posts here in the hair forum, you'll find some hints for treatments to try, but there isn't any one size fits all guaranteed cure for this. Rogaine, spironolactone (that's the aldactone you are taking), propecia, duasteride, are some of the medical things you can try. I haven't tried any of those, but others here have. There are also alternative treatments, supplements you can read about and try. Some ladies say they are having some success with essential oils. But be prepared, true success stories are hard to find. Hair loss is just really, really hard to treat.
Another web address where you can find lots of advice in this regard is www.heralopcia.com
I myself have this, in a really extreme form. My answer was finally hairpieces and wigs. Not my desired solution, but it works for me and I actually have prettier hair than I EVER did before, even before hair loss.
__________________ "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
I aree wiht Star Maiden I have tried ALL but one treatment .. Flutamide>.. which i am trying out soon but NOT for hairloss as its so carppy but for body hair issues ... PCOS is such a cruel disfugifing disease .
__________________ Metformin To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
I have the same problem. I'm almost completely bald on the top of my head. It is probably one of the hardest things for me to deal with. PCOS is so hard on a woman's self-esteem. I also have tried Rogaine and had similar side effects. People always make comments on my thin hair such as: Are you sick? Do you have cancer? What is wrong with you? I wear hats or scarfs but sometimes I go out "natural". Balding men are accept in society but not balding women. I have thought about getting a hairpiece or a wig but honestly I do not have the money to buy one. I try not to let my hair define who I am but sometimes it is not easy. There are times when I get really down but I'm so thankful to have found such a wonderful place like Soulcysters. Everyone here has been so great with advice, suggestions, etc. Please feel free to contact me. Take care.
__________________ Tammie To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Age~37
Symptoms~started in 1985 Dx~PCOS in 2004 (finally!!)
Symptoms~~Obesity, Severe Hairloss (top of my head), Excessive Facial and Body Hair, Acne, GERD, High Blood Pressure, Type II Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, Depression, Anxiety, Etc.
Medications~~Metformin 2000mg, Byetta, Synthroid, Zocor, Zoloft, and many others
~~~Be yourself and not someone elses idea of what you should be~~~
Yes I have tried Proscar (the stronger version of Propecia) for over two years before quitting it didnt help .. I ahve tried Rogaine but unless your loss is JUST the top of your head (mine is diffuse) then its usuless I wear cosmetic now but am Totally freaking out today about it ... I hate this condition so much ...
__________________ Metformin To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Have any of you guys tried the mens hair loss meds like propecia or avodart? I am not ttc so I am going for it.
Well, I haven't really considered seriously after doing some research. My take is that I don't want to ingest a major potentially serious medication, that I will have to take potentially for the rest of my life, just to have hair. I'm willing to take diabetes medication for life. I'm willing to treat my panic disorder for life with medication if I need to. Those things seem worth it to me. But to take a medication that might not work all that great? That has significant side effects? Just for hair? Not worth it to me.
Now, I'm not minimizing how horrible my hair loss is, or how awful I feel about it. It is a serious problem for me, and while it is cosmetic, it DOES affect my life and my moods. It's not just a minor problem. But on the other hand, it's also not enough of a major problem for me that I can justify taking a significantly risky medication that doesn't have a really really long track record of being used ino women. For me, the safer alternative, is alternative hair. The hair I buy is better looking that the natural hair I have anyway!
Life's a balancing act and you have to make choices. This has been mine. Get the most information you have, get professional advice, and make the best choice you can.
__________________ "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
Hair loss increasing... 
