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