Question:
Vit. for hair loss

I was told by my Dr. to get Silica, Biotin, and Zinc for hair loss. I have found what I am going to get BUT I need to know the correct amount of MG OR MCG to take. He told me there is no certain amount. I do not want to take to little and it won't help and I do not want to take to much. I am stating away form the MULTI hair stuff cause I was warned about to much vitamin A it's bad for you. Any one have any suggestions about hair loss. I am 4 mo. out and I am starting to freak out when I see so much hair coming out. YIKES!    — Janine Greenwood (posted on October 30, 2003)

October 30, 2003
Janine, I hate to say it, but if you check the library, you will find that many people have tried everything including the minerals you describe and none of it worked. You can try it too, but it is a drain on the wallet. I followed the protein plan, zinc etc. to the letter and my hair still fell out in gobs. There are people on this site who have tried perscription meds, special shampoos and more, and nothing helps. The sad part is that it falls out, the good part is that it eventually slows down and grows back.
   — M B.

October 30, 2003
I am 2 1/2 months post op, and the lady that cuts my hair in 2 years post op, and she used Biolage shampoo and conditioner, and she said it helped alot, it has the Biotin in it, I have been using it, so far so good, in fact I honestly think that I have some baby hairs. I get the one for color treated hair, and I get mine at Cost Cutters, but I have seen it at other hair places. It is a bit pricey, but if it works, and has for me, it is worth the price.
   — cindy

October 30, 2003
You can do EVERYTHING and your hair will still fall out because of this surgery. Your best bet... take a good prenatal vitamin 2x's a day (they have them in chewables that are mighty tastey!). It covers everything you need, and will help you keep your hair as healthy as possible. But, be prepared, it WILL fall out... some more than others... but it DOES grow back! My hair is thicker now (at 22 months post op) than it was BEFORE surgery! :~) My doc attributes that to the added protein in my diet and the prenatals. Good Luck!
   — Sharon m. B.

October 31, 2003
Hi Janine, My surgeon has us take zinc sulfate (it's important to get THAT kind, it does make a difference) 220 mg once a day, with food. It's relatively inexpensive - I paid $3.30 for 100 capsules. I got it at the Costco pharmacy, but you do have to phone in 1 day before so they can special order it. You don't need an RX for it. It helped me TREMENDOUSLY - I also noticed that it really helped my skin - which got very dry there for a while. I've also now had hernia repair/abdominoplasty, and did lose hair again after that surgery - and once again, the zinc sulfate did help significantly. (It helps your body metabolize protein, interestingly enough!) Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

October 31, 2003
Janine-Formula 50 hair and nail vitamins, 6 a day, have helped me. I took them when I went thru menopause and lost gobs of hair.They made it grow back. I kept taking them thru the DS surgery, lost 122 lbs. in 7 months, now hi-end of normal BMI, but luckily, still have not lost hair. Didn't do a thing for my nails, but I no longer have thin hair. You can get them online or at Kroger's pharmacy(tho not prescription) Bettye
   — Bettye S.