Question:
Researching Hair Loss & Hormone Therapy
Hi all, I am researching the relationship between post-op hair loss (usually at about three months) and the great change to our hormonal stability that WLS brings about. I agree with folks that vitamin and mineral therapy has no effect, nor does special shampoos. I'm looking for women who are or have been on hormone therapy (pills or patches), have had WLS and NOT lost hair. If we can make a clear connection between maintaining hormone levels and keeping our lovely hair, that would be a breakthrough. Thanks!!! — Deborah M. (posted on July 29, 2003)
July 29, 2003
I am losing hair by the brush full at a time. I had my surgery Open RNY on
March 25th 2003. I am not on any hormones. Hope this helps
— thesaurkratkid
July 29, 2003
Well, this isn't the answer you were looking for, but it's my experience.
Before WLS, I was on the pill for about 15 years (controlled doses of
hormones). I stayed on the pill after surgery (though I know I'm not
absorbing all of it, it still does help to control terrible bleeding
problems without it). I started losing my hair two and half months
post-op, and at four months post-op, there are no signs of it slowing down.
My long history of controlled hormone dosing has not positively affected
my hair loss. Now, it occurs to me that a corollary theory might be at
work. Perhaps it is the change in our hormone levels post surgery that
causes the hair loss. Estrogen stored in our fat cells is released as we
lose the weight. Could too many hormones in the system be the culprit?
— Vespa R.
July 29, 2003
I think you're on to something, and I've been saying the same thing all
along! After each of my pregnancies I lost a ton of hair. The dr said it
was due to the changes in hormones after child birth. The hair loss started
up again about three months after surgery - I'm sure due to the hormonal
changes associated with burning all this fat. Barb, 4/07/03 235/172/126
— Barbara C.
August 6, 2003
I am on hormone replacement therapy. I wear the patch because I am worried
about absorption. One of the risks for not taking HRT is colon cancer and
my Mom died of that. I have strikes against me to start off with!!
I am on 0.075 patch and seems to do well. I don't have hot flashes!
I have had some hair loss but not enough to see a difference in the style.
I can feel the difference when I was my hair but not drastic like some
people I have seen. I do supplement with protein. I don't know in the long
run if that helps but I didn't want to take a chance!!
Susan
— sissi818
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