Alopecia World
www.alopeciaworld.com
My Prescription Drug Game Plan!
Brief background:
There is a hereditary history of hair loss on both parent's sides. I started losing hair in early twenties. I am now almost 33 years old, and overall I have lost about 95% of my scalp hair in total. It is an 'areata' type loss, with some patches thinner in some spots than others.
What I've tried:
Rogaine - I religiously applied 5% Minoxidil daily for about 8 months, with every little growth. The small amount of growth I had wasn't worth the hassle every day. I stopped.
Wigs - I have tried wigs (Jon Renau is the best brand for synthetic in my opinion, as well as expensive human hair (DON'T buy from China---the BEST experience and quality I've had is from Gardeaux Wigs, based out of California).
Clean Eating - To eliminate the possibility that the hair loss was due to some sort of allergic reaction. Went gluten-free for a while and everything. FELT BETTER, but not the source of the problem. I'm still trying to eat clean...
What I'm doing now:
Toppik - These hair fibers are AWESOME at covering my scalp, and helps to keep my natural hair from getting oily quick. Gives the illusion of fullness.
Blonde Highlights - The streaks of blonde help to mask the scalp, especially when up in a clip or ponytail (I have to use the really tiny clips...and my ponytail looks like Pebbles on the Flintstones.. a little fluff sticking out)
My Current Prescription Drug Game Plan:
My local dermatologist referred me to Dr. Olsen at Duke Dermatology in NC. If you google her credentials, you will find that she is one of the leading researchers/doctors in the hair loss field (on the east coast anyway). She is also a part of studies that include Xeljanz and Ruxonitilib. She co-authors scholarly academic journals, etc. In other words---this woman is LEGIT.
She is hard to get in and see, because all dermatology medical records need to be faxed over there first, and she reviews before deciding whether to see you or not. I was excited, because she is one doctor that THROUGH DISCRETION, will prescribe Xeljanz off-label to patients that are deemed ideal candidates!
I had to book an appointment several months out due to her demand, and finally saw her this month. She was immediately more extensive and knowledgeable than your average run-of-the-mill dermatologist. She ordered a scalp biopsy that we did in-office, more robust blood lab work to look at many more factors than the local derm did, and was asking questions that gave me the impression I was in the best possible hands.
She explained to me that there are two drug paths to take, depending on what type of hair loss you have. If it is bonafide alopecia, then Xeljanz could be an option. As you know, the success rate is promising with alopecia areata, and the whole community is abuzz about it. However, If it was androgenic related (aka female pattern hair loss), then Xeljanz wouldn't do jack squat. Thus, it would require a triple drug attack in high enough doses.
After test results came back, she said that her suspicions were confirmed--I didn't have alopecia.. I have female pattern hair loss. My testosterone levels were in a normal range, but I have a sensitivity to the androgens. So... this means that I need the one-two-three punch. My dosages are included:
She said that this game plan WILL. PRODUCE. RESULTS. How much hair will I grow back truly varies from person to person. But I will see improvements, and she was confident of this. She told me to be patient and allow up to a year to see the full benefits.
Here's the list:
1. Ketoconazole 2% shampoo (Nizoral) - Wash scalp daily, leave on for 5 minutes, then rinse
2. Spironolactone 100 mg once daily
3. Finasteride 1 mg daily (can also use proscar 2.5 mg once daily which is less expensive)
Providing this information in hopes that it can help someone. I will be making posts to track my progress, so be on the lookout in the future.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by kimk on
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How do you determine “sensitivity to the androgens”?
Nice post! Good luck - please keep us posted!
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Permalink Reply by jenrey85 on
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I guess the presence of FPHL, but without testosterone readings out of the normal range?
I will definitely keep everyone posted. About a month into it with medication and shampoo.
Thanks
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Permalink Reply by AlopeciaAngel.com on
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Have you looked or done your own research in terms of side effects with your new drug plan ? I have a client who was on meds, shots and creams and came off recently to try my holistic and natural plan. After a month she feels 10 times better, sees growth, and progress while doing my plan. If you don't see results or have other negative side effects, you might want to consider the holistic route by boosting your health with no negative or harmful effects.
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Yes, I have done all the research---It's almost a month in and so far, so good (sex drive is still intact too--yay!)
I appreciate those going for a holistic approach and am happy for anyone who finds success, but I've tried a lot and tired of Mickey Mousing it. Tired of wasting my time and ready to try this as a last resort (until further medical advances discover better). As long as I don't have any bad side effects, I will proceed and hopefully see results within a year's time.
The doctor said she was confident.... crossing fingers.
Best wishes to you
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1 MONTH UPDATE:
-Texture of hair changed slightly, as expected from shampoo. The shampoo is very mild and faintly mint smelling, and as picky as I am about shampoos, I actually like it.
-I noticed after 1 week that my eyelashes were way longer. That wasn't a listed side effect, thought it was strange, but definitely noticeable. Cool!
-My hair length is growing a little more quickly. Awesome.
-Not as many ingrown hairs on neck, nipples, etc. They do grow in here and there (which I pluck), but seems to have backed off in thickness and frequency.
-Haven't noticed a scalp thickness change yet. That's expected though. I'm going to be on the lookout in the 3-4 month mark.
-No other noticeable side effects. Heart seems fine, energy levels are about the same, no weight gain, and still have sex drive.
Given the fact that this drug regimen can have the best impact on those with androgenic related hairloss, I feel very adamant about continual updates on my experience. If I experience hair growth and can help at least one other person, it's worth it.
Stay tuned.....
Another note: I take these drugs in the morning, and also every evening I am taking Biotin supplement and regular multi-vitamin gummy. Folic Acid supplement every other night. These may impact my results, so wanted to include as well.
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Permalink Reply by Cynthia on
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I was recently part of a study group for a product called Intact, a root securing complex. I was losing hair noticeably in the shower and while styling. The product is designed to reduce hair loss when it is most vulnerable for example when washing, blow-drying, flat-ironing, etc. Maybe this can be an add on to your game plan? It worked great for me, I noticed I had significantly less amount of hair fall out during the shower and less hair on the comb when I was styling. The product will be sold to the public in October, but they are taking pre-orders now. You can check out their website at www.intacthair.com
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I respectfully disagree that this product can have much benefit for FPHL. But best wishes to you.
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The only pills i was taking pharmaciegenerique.fr to be more erected on a marathon time with my mistress. It really helped, but you shouldn't take them too much or you might lose an ability to do it naturally. And it's recommended to consult a doc before taking any pill.
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Wow. Thanks Maris. Such random and completely unrelated information. Ok , let me try. My neighbours dog a is very fussy eater. I’ve given him bacon and chicken leftovers and he does not eat them. I’ve gone to the pet shop and they have recommended “eat all” food for dogs. It’s great as now I’m able to feed him when he comes in my garden. I can fully recommend “eat all” .
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