Roberta,
I was on Spiro for 3 years and then came off it for about 3 months recently and during the time I was off it, I took Saw Palmetto for about 6 weeks or so. I had a significant loss of hair during that time, which has never happened to me before.
I can't say what caused it because I had blood tests to check hormones just prior to stopping Spiro and about 2 months later (whilst on SP) and my results showed that since coming off Spiro, my testosterone levels had halved and SHBG had almost doubled. This didn't didn't explain the presence of lots of 'male' symptoms, such as increased facial hair, excessive body hair (my bikini line had spread and was beginning to go down my thighs and my lower legs had areas where 3 hairs were growing out of one follicle!) and male pattern baldness and acne. The specialist refused to believe the improved blood test results were as a result of SP (what a surprise!) and said it was more likely because I had lost weight and was low-carbing. Who knows?
I was very distressed about the hair loss and felt worried that it may be the SP, although someone has since suggested it may have had more to do with the sudden stopping of Spiro, causing a big hormonal fluctuation. Needless to say, I stopped the SP immediately and went back on the Spiro. Within 3 weeks I noticed that my acne had lessened and the excess facial and body hair has slowed down considerably (the areas with three hairs in one follicle have disappeared!) as for my scalp hair, it is too soon to notice a real change but my hairdresser doesn't think I have lost any more but I can't yet see any new growth where the hair is sparse but I am confident this will begin to return after a while.
The trouble with trying so many new things at once, is that you can't tell what is working best and also if you have bad side effects you may not know which is the cause.
All I know is that I never had male pattern baldness until this episode and in fact whilst on Spiro I had noticed that my hair was far thicker and lustrous than it had ever been during my life (not that it was ever particualrly thin before but it was extra thick on Spiro) so I would not think it would be caused by the Spiro. However there is probably someone out there who never had hairloss until Spiro, so you must go with your instincts.
Do you have any previous blood test results to compare with now? Perhaps you could get your Dr to check you now for a comparison?
Hope I have helped a little
I know how distressing it is and how panicky it makes you feel. Personally I am going to just stick to the Spiro for the time being. You are certainly not alone with this. I hope you have some improvement soon.
{{{{{{{{{{{{BIG HUGS 4 YOU}}}}}}}}}}}
Nikki x
Saw Palmetto and Hair loss 
