Hair Loss

[texasgal]

Hi, everyone.  Well, does anyone have or know of any magical cures for the hair loss due to daily infergen and riba?  It seems as though my hair is falling out by the handfuls and I used to have very thick hair.  Also, will my hair grow back after I stop the meds and will it continue to fall out as long as I am on the medication!  I am 6 months into the medication and became virus clear after the 1st three months.  My doc says I probably have a year to go.  By then, I will be completely bald.  any help would be appreciated.  Thanks

[timlotus]

This must be a horrid and scary experience, I'm so sorry that you are going through it.

Many people have posted about this problem, and all agree that the hair DEFINITELY does grow back after treatment, often thicker and with better quality than before, but it takes time.

Also many women have said that although it feels like the loss is very serious, actually going bald is very unusual indeed, and some have recommended page boy or other short styles as minimising the cosmetic effect of hair thinning.

You will get lots of identification and support here. All the best with treatment and look forward to have a long lustrous head of hair when it's all over!

Tim

[carolhab]

I just had a check-up (I am now week 36) and am seeing the hair loss increase (or should I say, the hair decrease).  My doc suggested this stuff listed below, but warned that it might increase facial hair and takes 2 to 3 months to work!!! I think you can get it at the drug store
I decided to forgo any intervention and just bare it (sorry - couldn't help myself!) I know it is a little scary - but everything I have heard says it will grow back after tx.
maybe someone here has tried it???
good luck!!!!

here's the info I found:

Minoxidil for hair loss

Examples
minoxidil   (Rogaine)  


Minoxidil (2% or 5% solution) is a spray or lotion that you put directly on your scalp twice a day. It is available without a prescription.

How It Works

It is unclear how minoxidil affects hair growth. Minoxidil appears to increase hair follicles and increase the diameter of hair shafts.

Minoxidil has been approved for both men and women.

Why It Is Used

Minoxidil was originally used to treat high blood pressure. It is now also used to treat inherited hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), the most common cause of hair loss, as well as for other causes of hair loss.

How Well It Works

Minoxidil slows hair loss and grows new hair. In men, the 5% solution appears to be more effective than the 2% solution, but it costs more and may have more side effects.1

Some people who take minoxidil only grow hair that is thin and wispy or similar to peach fuzz.

Minoxidil seems to work best on people younger than 30 years of age who have been losing hair for fewer than 5 years.2

Side Effects

The most common side effects include skin irritation and an itchy scalp. In women, minoxidil may promote facial hair growth, especially on the forehead and cheeks.

If you have heart problems, ask your health professional about using this medication.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Minoxidil must be used daily. If you stop using minoxidil, any regrown hair will gradually be lost, and within 6 to 12 months the scalp will most likely appear the same as before treatment.

Women may have more hair growth if they take minoxidil with estrogen (such as hormone replacement or birth control pills).

Complete the new medication information form to help you understand this medication.

[v eggie dip]

sorry to jump in on this thread but I didn't want to take up one ...  I need an interpreter ... just got my VL back and not sure what it means...it reads less than 600 IU per ML is this low?  How do I understand that?  Also along with that I got my genitype 1A, which I know is not so good so that was very disturbing...

Thanks Beth

[timlotus]

Hi
Your viral load (pre-treatment i assume) is very low, and this makes treatment a bit more likely to work.

This is a trade off with your genotype which is tougher to deal with than 2 and 3. I would be feeling quite optimistic with that vl.

Low VLs don't mean you shouldn't treat as the disease can progress anyway.

All the best
Tim

[v eggie dip]

thanks for your quick response...I guess the next step will be a biopsy then take it from there as to treat or not treat...I have to keep age in mind as well as the fact that I have some pre existing conditions...I am very scared of treatment after hearing all the horror stories here so if my biopsy is 0-1 I think I will hold off and try using vitamins and supplements and hope like heck that a more freindly therapy will come along soon...

again, thanks for your inpu

Beth

[Tallblonde]

I would suggest that you request a more sensitive quantitative test.  The Heptimax, for instance, measures down to 5 IU/mL.  Or your doctor may want to do a qualitative test to see if you've possibly cleared the virus on your own (wouldn't that be great?!)

My PCR last November came back with the the same results as yours (<600 IU/m).  My GI ordered a qualitative test, which showed that I still had the virus (albeit at a very low level).  I did a more sensitive quantitative test a month later and it came back at 714 IU/mL.

If your biopsy shows little or no damage, you're an excellent candidate for waiting to treat IMHO.  

Good luck to you!
Susan

[v eggie dip]

Susan:

Thanks for your input,if my biospy comes back 0-1 and further tests still show low VL I would like to talk to you about the vitamins and supplements you take...I already started taking some of them but if I intend to do that instead of treatment would love your input...

Beth

[v eggie dip]

well I just got some very bad news, the doctors office called me back and said they made a mistake it was not less than 600 UI/ML it was greater than 600UI/ML, how the heck am I supposed to know how much greater!! This is so riduculous!

[friole]

Well, I'm glad you finally got some tests back!  That VL sounds promising, but, like you said, you really need to wait for the biopsy. Since VL's can go up or down, the low VL may not mean a whole lot.  But it may be prudent to get a more sensative test.  It is really easy for our minds to play tricks on us when we find out we have hep c, and attach all our symptons (tiredness and achy joints) to hep c, when they may not be related at all.  I hope you can get the biopsy scheduled quickly.
Kathy

[friole]

This is copied from an article by a woman doctor specializing in hep c. regarding hep c issues for women- from the internet--

"Hair Loss
Interferon can cause hair thinning, hair loss, hair breakage, and can change the texture of hair. However, some women are under the impression that interferon therapy will cause them to lose all their hair.  (Well, that’s what Pamela Anderson stated as one of her main reasons for not starting therapy!). This is a total misconception. In fact, hair loss while on interferon therapy is infrequent.  If it occurs at all, the amount of hair lost is often minimal and usually unnoticeable to others.  Women on interferon do not experience hair loss in the way that a cancer patient on chemotherapy does.  Hair loss from interferon appears to be most frequent in Caucasians with black hair, and in Orientals.  It typically occurs around the third or fourth month of therapy.  Hair loss may continue for up to three months after treatment is discontinued.  Hair loss is more common among women then it is among men (as well as less socially acceptable).
      If hair loss does occur, there are many steps that women can take to minimize this side effect. Women should refrain from dying or bleaching their hair while on interferon therapy, since this may exacerbate hair loss.  A mild hair rinse may be used as an alternative to coloring.  Avoid permanents and hair straightening procedures while on therapy. Many women have found the vitamin biotin (a B vitamin) to be helpful.  It is advisable to take this vitamin daily a few weeks prior to beginning therapy and to continue while on therapy. A mild shampoo and a detangling conditioner are advisable. Nioxin shampoo, Nioxin conditioner and Nioxin hair growth promoter can help keep hair loss to a minimum while on therapy. Nioxin hair loss treatment should be started about a month prior to starting antiviral therapy. Other recommended shampoos include Tricomin, Revivogen and Nizoral. Minoxidil (Rogaine) liquid topical medication may be of some benefit.  It should be applied only to the scalp and not ingested. It may stop hair loss and thicken the remaining hair, but continued use twice daily for at least 4 months is typically required before obvious results are noted.
     Other tips for diminishing hair loss include: the use of a wide tooth comb, avoidance of curling irons and rollers, and avoidance of daily shampooing.  Avoid cornrowing, tight braids and pulling hair back in a ponytail with tight rubberbands. A short haircut may be in order.  If hair loss becomes a major problem, medical insurances will typically cover the cost of a wig or a hairpiece.  Often a doctor’s note or prescription along with a receipt of purchase is all that is required for insurance reimbursement.
    Fortunately, any hair loss induced by interferon therapy is temporary, and regrowth typically occurs within three to six months from the drug’s discontinuation. The color and texture of hair may differ from the person’s original hair type.  In fact, many women have noted that their hair grows back thicker, straighter, and shinier than before!"

[chellski]

im week #19 and keep my hair very short, but haven't noticed thinning yet....but my hair is poker straight and used to be mildly wavy....still have a long way to go and you never know what happens....
btw: i wouldnt take anything for hair loss - its only temporary and besides, i would probably grow the facial hair!!lol!
michelle

[cuteus]

just make sure they give you copies of your lab work, that way you can see for yourself what the vl is. If the dr is close by, you can stop and get copies before your next appt. 600 is the sensitivity your lab uses, which hardly anyone uses anymore. Quest always does <50 IU/ml unless dr requests a more sensitive one. Don't sweat the VL too much, it is the biopsy that will tell the full story.
gl on that one.
\


on hair loss; Dr Palmer recommends biotin, zinc and vit e for those on Tx.

[v eggie dip]

yeah I kind of figured they were using outdated lab equipment, it's Canada.......But the frustrating thing (one of many) is that they only said greater than 600, which could be 6000 6mm??  You know what I mean...It took them two tries and 2 months later to tell me this...I honestly do not know where to turn from here...How can I trust this system to biopsy me, they probably use a harpoon!

I'm seriously looking into going back to the states for treatment.   I can stay with my daughter...I have contacted the Department of Health in the last 2 states I lived in and they told me contact DSS..I am waiting to hear back from them about my chances of getting a social assisted program to get health and drug coverage...Chances are probably slim but it's worth a try, anything would be better than this Health Care system in Ontario...It just boggles my  mind how the Canadian people can accept this kind of treatment...I guess they don't have anything to compare it to having had it all their lives...If the US ever pushes for socialized health care, vote it out!!!!

[Forseegood]

So sorry you are experiencing this, all I know is that I know many women who have had this happen, and they always say it grows back. I have hair almost down to my waist. Personally, I'm buying a wig. I already have some extenstions, wonder if I will be able to latch them on to anything though. I can't cut my hair short. My head's too big, I'll look like a beachball.

[avidreader]

I started losing hair almost immediately upon beginning treatment and I had very thin hair to begin with. While I am not one to endorse commercial products my sister turned me on to a bar shampoo from LUSH (lush.com) They specialize in natural/organic/fresh products and while I cannot tell you whether this shampoo is actually working on me it FEELS great--like all LUSH products it's pricey--$7.25 for one bar, but a little goes a long, long way. My attitude is even if it's not working it's a little luxury that any of us on treatment deserve to indulge in. What follows is the Company's description which I just lifted and pasted in:


"The New bar makes your scalp feel young again, with its reviving blend of infusions and spicy essential oils. It gets rid of dirt and grime and residue from styling products. Better still, it stimulates your hair follicles and balances your scalp with peppermint. We recommend it for people experiencing temporary hair loss from stress or hormone related causes. It makes your hair smell spicy and also makes it very shiny with rosemary and nettle infusions. Use it for a whole new look and feel."  

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ingredients Key:  
Black Safe Synthetic Products
Red Natural Products
Green Organic Products
Ingredients: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Glycerine, Nettle Infusion (Urtica dioica), Peppermint Infusion (Mentha piperita), Nettle Absolute (Urtica dioica) Rosemary Absolute (Rosmarinus officinalis), Bay Oil (Laurus nobilis), Clove Bud Oil (Eugenia caryophyllus), Cinnamon Leaf Oil (Cinnamomum cassia), Cinnamon Sticks (Cinnamomum cassia),    

[scruffy]

My hair thinned about one third to one half and I was about the only one who noticed. People noticed I had lost weight and was pale and did'nt even see the hair loss.As I understand it , it does'nt fall out it becomes brittle and breaks off. The moister you can keep it and the less you need to mess with it probably the better. Loss shows less with a shorter style. I'm a guy so short hair was easy. But it is surprising how much hair can fall out and only we notice it. It tends to scare us beyond the truth of the matter. frank

[carpedi]

Is "Lush" the company name? It sounds like a great product. Would I be likely to find it at a health food store or do they have a website where I could order it? Thanks!

[karma2004]

I finished tx back in December, and my hair was pretty thin by that point.  I used Nioxin and heavy duty conditioners to keep it manageable, but it still came out in handfulls.  Let's just say I'm glad hats came back in style recently. :)

Now 8 months later, my hair is in better condition than ever.  My stylist even commented on how great it looks now compared to when I was on treatment.

Just keep in mind that all of these sides are temporary.  I feel and look tons better now, and as of March, I was still clear of the virus.  I go back next month for my 9 month check, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Just wish I could have kept off all the weight I lost during tx. :)

[Magnum]

I have curly hair. I went through three treatments. I'm still not cleared. My hair loss was about 50% during treatment. My curls never came back to their former state. I lost about 75% of my curls. There are shampoos that will thicken your hair. There are different brands. As for thickness, my thickness never came back to prior treatments, but came back full enough that it's not that noticeable. The doctor told me the curls would never come back. He was wrong. He is bald.

Magnum

[avidreader]

LUSH is the company name. They are a British company (my sister lives in England so she's been sending me their stuff as presents.) They just recently broke into the North American market with a few stores in Canada and the US, but unless you are near one of the stores, the only way you can buy their stuff for now if online at lush.com

[fresnoborn]

I too have notice excess amount of hair falling out in the shower. i have alot of hair so i'm not too worried so far. in week 7 of treatment and aching all over. good luck to you and stay in touch.

[HepC in AZ]

You guys make me feel so good! I did 48 wks and lost most of my hair, curles and texture. I now have fine straight hair. Some curls are coming in at the scalp but not like before. I am 0ne year post tx,viral load free so for that I am very thankful. But as far as the hair, I wore hats and scarfs. Being a hair stylist for most of my life I know nothing will stop the loss of hair while on tx so just hang in there. It will stop once you are off tx. Hang in there and hair is just hair but your liver is the important thing now. Jacque

[little puggy]

Hey ya'll this is happening to me and i'm not on treatment yet. I thought it was due just to having Hep c 1a. Mine has been falling out by the roots and breaking. Not being vain but my hair is very long almost to waist. and my crowning glory. My fiance who passed begged me to never get it cut. Now it is getting so thin and breaking. I wear a straw cowgirl style hat and I love dragonflys they let me pet them, so I have dragonfly pins on hat. Might want to find a hat. Lawdy if I have to start on treatment I will be bald. like i said mine is coming out by the handful and i'm just on my pain meds. They have a cheaper brand shampoo to make your hair look thicker. You can find it at places like wal-mart. My memory is not the best now either. but it says to make hair thicker or curlier. Everyone seems to like my hat except my son says it makes me look like a hillbilly, told him I was. Just trying to make you smile. Even though the hair loss isn't funny not one bit, but most are saying it grows back. Looks like mine is going to be gone even before or if I have to take meds. My mom's friend has lupus and that makes your hair fall out. she suggested I get a shorter haircut also. Good Luck. Look in the drugstore for a shampoo that say's make hair thicker.

[maxcat40]

Hi, I'm on interferon for therapy of melanoma. I had a month of high-dose and am now on month 4 of thrice weekly injections. I had very thick dark hair and about shoulder length. I've been losing handfuls of hair lately. I can no longer wear a scarf etc. Also my straight hair is now very curly and frizzy. I finally bought a wig to wear. I was told by my oncologist that the hairloss would be minimal and that since my hair was so thick, that I'd probably just need to change the part. Not so.
I've been taking Nioxin vitamins, Nioxin cleanser, and nioxin scalp therapy. I'm also using minoxidal, nothing is working, yet. I think I waited to long to start the therapy. Everything I have read state that it should be started before hairloss is prevalent. I've lost so much that I'm considering shaving my head and just trying to make myself content with either a hat or the wig. My oncologist seems to think that my hormones might be playing a factor in my hairloss. I'm 45 and the treatment has thrown me into a temporary (hope) menopause.
Thanks for letting me ramble. I've dealt with all the other symptons in stride, but the hairloss has been the hardest for me. It's getting harder to look normal to go to client meetings, etc.

Sherri

[ZenaUSA]

I am currently warming up shot #48.  My last one before dr does the 6mth bloodwork. I lost hair quickly in the first 4 months then steady to this day.  Waist length cut a layer at a time. I now sport a very short cut and to celebrate my last shot dyed it BLONDE today!
What the hell? I would not screw up waist lenmgth healthy hair but this is fun!
I dont think most people go bald all the way.  I thought I was going to.  It is fine and thin but passes as a do  I want to!
Good luck!

[DRAGON SLAYER]

www.medhelp.org

< a href="www.medhelp.org">ggggggg

[DRAGON SLAYER]

< a href=www.medhelp.org >ggggggg

[DRAGON SLAYER]

<a href=www.medhelp.org>ggggggg

[DRAGON SLAYER]

TESTING:


<a href=www.medhelp.org>ggggggg

[DRAGON SLAYER]

TESTING:

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<b>SVR is not a DREAM</b>

[DRAGON SLAYER]

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<c>SVR is not a DREAM </c>

[moonsstars]

EXperienced lots of hair loss, so I took the clippers to my head and cut it short, all one length! VERY CUTE!! Good for the troublesome sweating I've had while on treatment. Been on HRT fo about20yrs. so it's not menopause related. Been off 24 wks. of treatment for 12 wks. now and have relapsed.   BOO HOO!!

[Tonyz]

<a href="http://janis7hepc.com/">Janis web site</a>

[LvdByGod]

for you sweetie!!!

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meow!!!

[LvdByGod]

that was a cute kitty...didn't transfer right...boo hoo!!!

[LvdByGod]

you could put it in word and move each line so they match with the above line to form a cutie pie kitty...or perhaps tony can help!  heehhee! he can do anything!!! the wiz kid!!!

[LvdByGod]

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*okay i had to use dots to keep it in place, let's see if it works if it doesn't...i'll leave it to the professionals!!!

luv ya chev, that's the main point anyway!!!

Meow!!!
sandi

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[LvdByGod]

okay, i'm not one to give up!!!


            
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[LvdByGod]

ok, i'll give up but only for now...it's time for bed!!! what's wrong with these computers????


help!

[LvdByGod]

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LAST TRY!

[LvdByGod]

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OK I LIED!

[LvdByGod]

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IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T EXCEED...DUMP THE IDEA!!!

[cuteus]

lol! you sure that is a cat?

[Tallblonde]

Meeeeooowww!

[scruffy]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! YOU AND YOUR CAT! I LOVE YOU!!(made my day!)
Frank

[scruffy]

>CAT<