Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by LoriO on September 28, 2015 at 10:28am

I was on birth control pills for about 25 years, because I didn't want kids, I loved being in control of my periods, and my skin was great so I didn't have a compelling reason to stop.  I stopped in January of this year because I was 51, and didn't want to risk having a stroke someday.  

My hair started thinning about 9 years ago, but I didn't become alarmed until after I stopped using birth control pills. Massive acceleration of hair loss after stopping them, but then i went right into menopause too, so I don't know if I can blame the BCPs, entirely.  At this point, I wish I wouldn't have stopped using them, but I guess hair loss is easier than potential stroke or heart attack.  

Permalink Reply by Lo on September 28, 2015 at 10:29am

I have been taking birth control pills for nearly 20 years... only going off when we were trying for my son... then shortly after him being born, I went back on.  I take Lo-Loestrin.  I cannot say whether or not it has done anything to my hair... It is a very low-dose of estrogen (compared to other brands)... I have had FFA for 5 years... tried plaquenil for 6-7 months, then onto Celcept.  I think we try to figure out what the trigger is - and often can make ourselves nuts in the process.  I didn't know there was such a thing as a "hair friendly" pill. 

Permalink Reply by Jen S. on September 28, 2015 at 12:23pm

How is CellCept working

Permalink Reply by Lo on September 28, 2015 at 12:52pm

It's so hard to tell, Jen.  Thank you for asking.  I have been taking it for 2 months, and I finally go back to doctor this Thursday.  He had stopped all shots because of the dents in my head... and now I am going back to get another round (if he feels it is okay), and for him to look at my scalp to see if/how Celcept is working.  It seems this hair condition moves at a snails pace for many - which is good - and frustrating at the same time - because I honestly struggle with how much I've lost. The loss is obvious above my ears... I've lost a good 1.5 inches there... and an inch or so at my temple... but the actual front hairline is now just receding... so maybe 1/2 inch??  I swear I sometimes think if I put a permanent marker "dot" on my head to help me track, that would be better.  It would likely wash off, though.  So I wear my tape-in pieces above my ears... and nothing at my hairline yet.  How about you?  What are you taking for medicine - or "Wearing" for coverage, if anything? Hope to hear back.

Permalink Reply by momto1 on September 29, 2015 at 12:52am

I don't know anything about lo-loestrin but I know loestrin is one of the worst ones and can cause hair loss or accelerate it. It is high in androgens and contains little to no estrogen.

Permalink Reply by Jen S. on September 28, 2015 at 12:25pm

I was on BC but went off at the direction of my functional doctor/nutritionist.  I think it was primarily b/c his practice is not fond of artificial hormones.  I am actually considering returning to them.  I did not notice a huge "fall" or shedding when I stopped taking them.