Adventures in alopecia

A few people have been asking for an update on my Adventures in Alopecia, so I thought I’d give a quick one.

Honestly, no major improvement. I’m still seeing significant hair loss and thinning, and don’t see anything growing back (yet 🤞🏻).

I’m sticking to my treatments of prescription shampoo twice a week, another hair growth shampoo days I don’t do that, rogaine daily, and prescription pills twice a day. I mentioned it in a previous post, but it’s a major lifestyle change for a girl who used to wash her hair once or twice a week.

I tried to get a side by side comparison from just about a month ago to today. Different angles, and hard to really tell if you arent me, but there is definitely more thinning, hair loss, and irritation here than last month.

I reached out to my dermatologist early last week when I noticed I had significant thinning. She reassured me that this is the best course of treatment for my type of hair loss and unfortunately we just need to wait and see what happens. She said that it’s not uncommon for the hair loss to continue, and even get worse, before hopefully getting better as my body is adjusting to the different hormone levels.

Before I get much appreciated, solicited and unsolicited advice/judgement, yes, I have reached out for second, and third opinions and have heard the same from all doctors. One doctor was even more of a natural doctor and after reviewing my records even agreed that this is my best course of action for the level of hair loss I’m experiencing. Natural remedies and injections will not be as effective based on the blood work and biopsies I had done.

For anyone experiencing similar issues please consult a doctor. Biotin and other vitamins are not a cure. In fact, too much can actually harm you (which I didn’t know). Each body needs different treatment, even for the same illness. So, please, PLEASE, do not self or google diagnos and see a doctor. I’m sure glad I did.

Something I feel like I’ve been learning a lot of in the past year is that nothing is guaranteed in life. And, apparently hair is one of them. Ironically, this is the longest my hair has been in a while. 🤷‍♀️

I know that I could have more of a grim diagnosis, and that there are probably people reading this who have it much worse than I do, and i never want to take away from that. I’m grateful for the health and hair that I have. But, it’s hard to live with at times.

So, if you’re struggling with a physical ailment that people can see, or an invisible illness: I feel you, and I’m here for you. Be nice to yourself. Buy a cute hat, have a good cry, and keep solace in the fact that the Patriots or Cowboys are going to lose this week.