Hair Loss / Zovia

RosaAeterna · 12-26-2003, 07:52 AM

Hola,

I've posted the same sort of message on Aussie Cysters, but did not get many responses. So, I thought maybe I can try my luck here...

I was diagnosed w/ pcos about 3 years ago and been on Zovia ever since. My gyn chose Zovia for the excessive hair, and in the course of 3 years, it has effectively stopped the problem from getting worse, but did not "fix" it.

My question regards hair loss. I've been losing hair for about 6-7 years. I have 1/3 of the hair I used to have! My hair was falling in chunks that were the size of a dime or even a nickel EVERYDAY!!!!
Mostly during shower + blow drying.

I saw a doctor about a month ago, and she checked my Thyroid, blood (to see if I was anemic), Glucose, Cholesterol, etc. and *everything* was in the normal range. She concluded that this was just "normal" hair loss and that I should start eating some vitamins and minerals. How do you have natural hair loss at the age of 24????????

So I started taking the Zovia + Mega Vitamins for Women + Potassium/Magnesium supplements (for low-carbing).
Yet, this combination did not show much improvement until I changed shampoos from Dove to Thermasilk. Now on most days I have about 1/3 of hair fallouts than before!!! My hair type is fine and thin and it usually breaks off, rather than coming out all together from the scalp.

I'm curious to see what's really causing this. One said it's the testosterone. I'm wondering if my hair care products are also contributing to this (else why would there be a sudden shift?).

Also, is there anything I can use (over the counter or perscription) that would stimulate hair growth?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

Rosa.

Chrissy · 12-26-2003, 12:02 PM

Hmnnn! That's a tough one! Zovia is the generic for Demulin and even though it may be good for skin and excess hair it may be affecting your hairloss. It is not the lowest as far as androgen level goes but seems to be great for skin. I'm not sure it would affect the hairloss though. I know some women experience androgen side affects with some pills because of the way their body reads the progestin and breaks it down. That is why some do great on ortho tri cyclen and others get more acne and hair.

If the shampoo switch helped I'd stick withe the new one. I use Nioxin shampoo for hairloss and I think it is slowing things down. It is a bit expensive though. Many have had success with Rogaine, have you tried that to settle the loss down? Another pill to try that is good for skin and hair is ortho cept or desogen. The progestin has the slightest androgen affect.

Good luck! Hope you find someone on here who can help more than I.
Chris

RosaAeterna · 12-27-2003, 06:11 AM

Thanks for the advice Chris!

I think the best way is to check my hormone levels again and to speak with a gyn and/or a dermatologist who is very knowledgeable w/ pcos. Unfortunately, this seems a bit tough w/ my current health care provider. Though, I will try again.

Also, I will check out Nioxin.

Thanks again.