Hair Issues--Kinda 3T related

modernfairytale8709 · May 2014

PCOS & Thyroid ladies-

How do you deal with the hair issues!?!?

I have a very body-positive attitude about myself, but the thinning hair on my head, and new gross black hair popping up everywhere(my back, upper arms, chin, and breasts) is really starting to get to me.

I cried this morning after my shower when I looked at how much hair was in the drain and my hair pick. This can't go on.

What options do I have? I'm obviously actively TTC, so I wouldn't try anything that could harm a pregnancy.

The extra weight I can handle. The hair is breaking me. Vain as it sounds, I'm starting to feel less feminine all the time because of this.

My H totally doesn't get it. He hates hair (shaves his head bald to avoid dealing with it.) But even he's starting to notice.

Advice very, very welcome.

kushie77 · May 2014

Are you on Synthroid? I know my shedding slowed way down once my levels were back under control. It's minimal these days. I have 8000lbs of hair and my stylist wields the thinning shears on my head, so it's not really obvious that I "shed like a yetti" as my H so nicely says it.

As for the stray hairs, I don't really have any. I was told by the RE that my ovaries have the string of pearls and I have PCOS, but I don't have any other symptoms.

What other meds are you on? I see in your siggy that were recently dx with insulin resistance and high testosterone. Sometimes just getting your hormones back in balance will cause hair loss.

theholmanherd · May 2014

I wish I had advice for you, but all I have are hugs. Have you asked your doctor about it?

modernfairytale8709 · May 2014

I should probably have clarified a little more.

I'm not currently on any medication, rather I'm trying to manager my PCOS with weight loss and Berberine(a natural supplement that helps with insulin resistance, similar to the way metformin does)

I haven't talked to my doctor about it yet, as I'm still searching for a good RE. The one I went to to confirm my dx of PCOS was really awful, and I won't go back.

I'm working with my GP to get my IR under control.

kushie77 · May 2014

@BlueJoan - your Dr can file an appeal with your insurance company and have them prior auth that you need the brand Synthroid and not the generic. I do it all the time for my patients at work.

but while we are on the PCOS topic, anyone else get the big cystic acne pimples. Those suckers hurt and take forever to go away.

muzikgrrl · May 2014

I was on levoxothyroine and switched to Synthroid then my hair started falling out. So i can totally sympathize with you. It was bad initially but it seems to have lessened. I'm not sure if it's because my body have regulated or because I'm getting more vitamin D since the weathers better. Definitely look into possibly switching your meds. Good luck!

Amazing817 · May 2014

I have lost a good amount of hair while doing a very low carb diet/high protein diet. I have actually had to alert the plan a bit because it was freaking me out how much hair I was loosing. I am not sure how you have changed your diet but that might be linked.

Autumray · May 2014

kushie77 said:

but while we are on the PCOS topic, anyone else get the big cystic acne pimples. Those suckers hurt and take forever to go away.

Yes I do and they suck so bad. I pretty much hate everything about PCOS... I luckly dont have the thinning hair on my head but I have terrible body hair. I am constantly plucking or shaving its terrible. I feel so unfeminine so often, high T levels le suck =(

DharmaChick · May 2014

Autumray said:

kushie77 said:

but while we are on the PCOS topic, anyone else get the big cystic acne pimples. Those suckers hurt and take forever to go away.

Yes I do and they suck so bad. I pretty much hate everything about PCOS... I luckly dont have the thinning hair on my head but I have terrible body hair. I am constantly plucking or shaving its terrible. I feel so unfeminine so often, high T levels le suck =(
Same here! It makes it pretty hard to feel sexy!

DharmaChick · May 2014

Same here! It makes it pretty hard to feel sexy!

modernfairytale8709 · May 2014

Amazing817 said:

I have lost a good amount of hair while doing a very low carb diet/high protein diet. I have actually had to alert the plan a bit because it was freaking me out how much hair I was loosing. I am not sure how you have changed your diet but that might be linked.

I have altered to a very low carb/higher protein. I never even thought of that causing hair loss. How did you alter the plan to make it work for you, if you don't mind my asking?

Amazing817 · May 2014

@modernfairytale8709 the first go at a low carb/high protein medically supervised plan I think was almost way too strict. It was basically just pure protein and I think about 2 to 3 veggies a day and that was it.

This go at it we are being supervised with a similar plan that was actually suggested to us by our RE. It isn't as strict allowing in some healthy fats per day, about 4-6 portions of vegetables, and then lean protein. I honestly don't feel like I am on a "diet" I feel like I am eating enough, I just need to make sure that I am eating every couple of hours, and drinking all my water.

The old plan I always felt lightheaded, sometimes I would get headaches, and I lost so much hair.

So I would say that we are on a more sensible low carb/high protein plan. I might not loose it as fast but I am really trying to focus on being able to maintain it this time. The last thing I need is to loss a 100lbs. get pregnant and then gain it back and be worse off. I want to try to do this the right way without all the crap in our diet.

It might not hurt to ask your doctor their thougths on this! Goodluck!!

MrsPloehn · May 2014

Ugh the black hairs!!

My hair has been thinning for years and it is so terrible. I started using the Inavti system from Aveda. It is on the spendy side, but I am definitely noticing a difference in my hair. I also take Biotin every day.

When I was younger, I shaved my face (bad plan!) but now I am a wizard with a tweezers. I recently started using wax strips and I feel like that has made my life so much easier. Rip those suckers out enough times and eventually you will start to damage the root of the hair.

I will say that when I had lost a lot of weight previously, I noticed the hair was a lot thinner and lighter in color. So hopefully as you continue your weight loss journey that will happen for you! I know I have my fingers crossed that, that will happen for me!

modernfairytale8709 · May 2014

Thank you for all the responses, ladies!

I do plan on addressing the issue with my doctor at my next appointment. I'm still on the hunt for an acceptable RE in my area, but my GP is pretty fantastic at dealing with insulin issues, so I feel comfortable addressing it with her.

ktupiak · May 2014

DharmaChick said:

Autumray said:

kushie77 said:

but while we are on the PCOS topic, anyone else get the big cystic acne pimples. Those suckers hurt and take forever to go away.

Yes I do and they suck so bad. I pretty much hate everything about PCOS... I luckly dont have the thinning hair on my head but I have terrible body hair. I am constantly plucking or shaving its terrible. I feel so unfeminine so often, high T levels le suck =(

Same here! It makes it pretty hard to feel sexy!

Same here...nice to know im not alone!!! This all sucks and its so hard to get it under control. Thank goodness as of now I dont have the hair on my back or my chest but just extra facial hair and thats bad enough. Ive always shed like crazy but didnt know this was why, not thinning tho. I just use dove shampoo and it has seemed to lessen the extra in the drain for now its extra moisture

Want a personalized experience?

Hair Issues--Kinda 3T related

Re: Hair Issues--Kinda 3T related

March 2014 - RE appt.
April 2014- Saline sono all's good, terrible SA results - 8 sperm found all abnormal
May 2014- Fert Urology- Bilateral varicoceles, recommend Donor Sperm

12/2014- Surprise natural BFP EDD 7/31/15 Plan: Starting foster to adoption, natural cycles

March 2014 - RE appt.
April 2014- Saline sono all's good, terrible SA results - 8 sperm found all abnormal
May 2014- Fert Urology- Bilateral varicoceles, recommend Donor Sperm

12/2014- Surprise natural BFP EDD 7/31/15 Plan: Starting foster to adoption, natural cycles

Choose Another Board

Search Boards

Want a personalized experience?

Hair Issues--Kinda 3T related

Re: Hair Issues--Kinda 3T related

March 2014 - RE appt. April 2014- Saline sono all's good, terrible SA results - 8 sperm found all abnormalMay 2014- Fert Urology- Bilateral varicoceles, recommend Donor Sperm

12/2014- Surprise natural BFP EDD 7/31/15 Plan: Starting foster to adoption, natural cycles

March 2014 - RE appt. April 2014- Saline sono all's good, terrible SA results - 8 sperm found all abnormalMay 2014- Fert Urology- Bilateral varicoceles, recommend Donor Sperm

12/2014- Surprise natural BFP EDD 7/31/15 Plan: Starting foster to adoption, natural cycles

Choose Another Board

Search Boards

March 2014 - RE appt.
April 2014- Saline sono all's good, terrible SA results - 8 sperm found all abnormal
May 2014- Fert Urology- Bilateral varicoceles, recommend Donor Sperm

March 2014 - RE appt.
April 2014- Saline sono all's good, terrible SA results - 8 sperm found all abnormal
May 2014- Fert Urology- Bilateral varicoceles, recommend Donor Sperm