Comparing oral contraceptives for treatment of hair loss, acne, and seborrhea

[CKC]

I am a 37 year old female. I have been having significant hair loss (similar to male pattern baldness), seborrhea dermatitis (of the scalp) and acne for about the last 8 months or so. I have been to a dermatologist and an internist on several occasions regarding this problem - without success. No typical medication for acne or seborrhic dermatitis seems to work. I may have polycystic ovarian syndrome, which is still being worked up by my ob/gyn. I have 3 mod-large cysts on my right ovary. Per my ob/gyn's recommendation, I have started taking oral contraceptives to reduce the size of the ovarian cysts and I am waiting on laboratory tests for testosterone and DHEA to see if I have high circulating androgens (which I am convinced I have). My question is this: If I am going to be on oral contraceptives anyway to reduce the size of my cysts, I would like to make sure they have a progesterone that acts as an antiandrogen (esp. if my testosterone or DHEA comes bach high). From my literature review, I feel that the "best" OC studied in this setting is Diane-35 which I believe is only available in Germany. Do you know any possible route (other than flying to Germany) via the internet, etc. to obtain Diane-35 through a licensed practitioner? The second part of my question is this: Yasmin recently became available in the US and has also been studied in polycystic ovarian syndrome, and 1 study showed it to be similar to Diane-35. However, there are some concerns of the increased possibility of pulmonary embolism with this OC. What are your thoughts on this? I am feeling very desperate to try to reduce my symptoms - esp. the hair loss - and appreciate any additional information you can provide. Thank you.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

First, seborrheic dermatitis is related neither to hormone imbalance nor hair loss.  Topical ketonazole or steroids can almost certainly be made to work.  ("Work" in seborrhea means suppression.  Cure is not available.)

I have never treated acne with hormones, even in people with measurable imbalances.  Some doctors do, but I ma not sufficiently familiar with hormone therapy to be able to answer your questions about different formulations.  Antibiotics and if necessary Accutane can almost certainly clear your acne, whether you have a measurable hormone imbalance or not.

Hair loss in women is very difficult to treat.  Topical minoxidil, especially the 5% stength (OTC) is likely to help.  Propecia cannot be used if childbirth is contemplated, and soes not work in women whose hair loss is not androgen related.  If your is (a big if), then that might be an outside possibility, at least someday.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[GingerCandy25]

CKC,

I've had acne since I was 12.  I'm 26 now.  I recently read that this guy got all his acne cleared up by using lots of benzoyl peroxide.

I used Nature's Cure tablets (homeopathic) and their lotion that includes 5% benzoyl peroxide, plus aloe vera and allontin.  I have been using them for about a month and it has worked wonders for my skin.  Please note that I have tried everything from Antibiotics to Accutane. My acne always comes back after going off of them.  

You can visit www.acne.org and many people have shared their success stories.

Also, if you're looking for a good doctor that knows about hormone therapy, check out Dr. Raymond Gregory.  His Website is: http://www.hormonehelpny.com/consultation.htm

I personally wanted to go on Diane 35 (BCP) for my acne, before trying benzoyl peroxide.  Then I read about hair shedding and hairloss while on BCP's and after stopping them.  I decided not to take them.  Dr. Gregory explains how BCP's can cause hairloss and how many complaints he gets.  Please do research before going on BCP's.

Best Wishes

[GingerCandy25]

Answering your question regarding Diane-35. I got it via Internet from http://www.inhousedrugstore.com

Please note that I've read on many message boards that Diane-35 has resulted in major hairloss for some women.  It's suppose to help it, but do research and ask your doctor before you go on it.  On the other hand, it has worked wonders for some women clearing their skin, and it hasn't cause hairloss either.  Every woman reacts differently.   I decided not to use it after my research.

Hope everything works well for you.

[jojo99]

I have recently ordered proactiv which supposedly clears up acne.  It is a benzoyl based product with a combination of herbs such as aloe and chammomile.  I have suffered from this skin condition for almost 8 years, I was on prescription antibiotics for almost 4 years, diane 35, and countless topical presciption creams, all of which failed miserably and led to more serious internal problems.  I have since discovered skin peeling which is somewhat painful but can clear up the skin, because of my recent move I am in an isolated location and cannot receive these treatments on a regualr basis. My question is this, have you heard of this product or are you familar with somethng that will help me...no more pills please
One more thing.....
I have been off antibiotics for 2 years and have recently dropped the pill use and have done regular detoxifying programs to clean out my systems.  Can long term antibiotic use affect your system in the long run and if so what symptoms would the patient suffer from?