Question:
Does anyone out there know if Rogaine helps with the hair loss issue?

I was wondering if after surgery, if I used Rogaine when the hair started falling out, would it stop my hair from falling out, or will it all fall out when I stop using the Rogaine? My hair is one of my best features, and I have heard so much about the hair loss issue. I also know that added stress makes hair fall out too. Well, I am STRESSED about my hair falling out! Please help!    — Janet C. (posted on November 9, 2001)

November 9, 2001
The product that my hairdresser told me to use is Nioxin, which I believe is what the previous poster referenced. However, I have also read about people who used it, and it didn't make a difference. I am in the same situation, I feel as though my hair is my best asset, and am afraid to lose any of it!
   — Chloe S.

November 9, 2001
Wow, I can actually say "been there done that" with the hair loss issue. I had surgery 1/8/01 and my hair started falling out by the hands full in mid-march. I was petrified. It lookd like several small animals died right there in my shower! I had very thick and full hair pre-op. I did everything nutritionally, but didn't make a difference. Then I came to the conclusion (and so has my surgeon) that it is a surgery-stress issue and only some people are prone to develop it. Anyway, in order to feel that I was doing "something", I used the Nioxin products and really enjoyed them. Can't say they helped the hair loss at all, but I really liked how they made my scalp/hair feel. I had many appointments with my gyn, dermatologist, and PCP. One strange symptom that I had was that my scalp HURT!! When my hair would move a certain way, I would have this incredible sharp pain in my scalp. It was explained to me that Rogaine will help your hair grow back, but if you stop using it, it will fall out again (my dermatologist said this). Also, in my situation, I could not use the Rogaine because it says not to use if your scalp is red or irritated. Well, with this strange symptom that meant no for that. My hair loss kept up until I was 8 months post. In the mean time, new hair was coming in. I look like I have a lot of short spikes all over my head. Fortunately, I did not get it cut and therefore can wear it in a simple style until my hair grows back the rest of the way. My hair feels baby fine (much different than before) and actually I am enjoying the smaller volume, much more manageable. My hair was sooooooo thick before that I had trouble wearing it in certain styles. I am sort of hoping it doesn't come back quite as thick, but from the looks of all of these new "sprouts", I don't think that will happen. I have lost 132 pounds in 10 months, and certainly don't regret the hair loss! Shelley
   — Shelley.

November 9, 2001
I'm 18 months post-op and went through the hair loss thing. My daughter is a hair dresser and she had me use ALL the Nioxin products and I really believe it helped me. It seemed to slow the loss down and help to stimulate new growth. In the meantime, I went out and bought myself a couple of really nice looking wigs and had fun with it. A different wig, different color, different style, different personality traits. My husband didn't know if he was coming or going (and to tell the truth, I think men kinda get turned on by this). And then when my hair DID grow back, it came back fuller and curlier than it was before. It's actually prettier now than it has been in years. So don't sweat the small stuff. Deal with it with humor and enjoy the "ride".
   — Nancy G. W.

November 9, 2001
Nancy, I am going to suggest my wife buys some wigs, it sounds like fun. Jens hair is already thin, from PCOS. With her surgery december 10 soon approaching we should plan for some FUN!
   — bob-haller

November 9, 2001
I have heard in my suppost group that taking Biotin and ZBEC(both vitamins) really help stop the hair loss..Good luck!!
   — Donna S.