Hormones...

[Cake00]

I'm really sorry for intruding on a board for transwomen but I need some advice badly. I am a cisfemale that suffers from familial hirsutism. I have no cysts on my ovaries and my periods are regular albeit very heavy. Despite this I dont know if I have PCOS. My hormones were tested when I was on birth control and came back normal with very high shbg and very low free testosterone. Therefore, doctors said my hair follicles are just very sensitive. I feel weird about them testing while I was on birth control because I feel like it altered tests. Regardless I was put on Spironolactone. Half the dose thats normal for hrt. It's been about a month since I've been on it and my hair is falling out. It was given to me with birth control which I know caused me hair problems in the past so I got off of that after finishing the pack. I don't know what caused what. I'm in distress. Hairloss has never been a problem for me, it doesn't run in the family. I don't know if being on birth control for one month can trigger hairloss. My hair is drastucally thin now and I lose about 120 or more strands a day. It's heartbreaking. Have any of you experienced any of this on Spiro? On estrogen? I'm afraid I might has estrogen dominance because of how heavy I always bled, but I have hirsutism so... I apologize for the long post. I just need some advice.

[Dena]

Welcome to Susan's Place. I have never used Spiro so I am not very knowledgable about it. Hair loss can be cause by any  major shock to the body. The most common around here is after surgery but it could also come from a change in hormone balance. Normally this type of hair loss is temporary and even male pattern baldness will reverse it's self if dealt with early so addressing the issue as soon as possible is important.

It's normal to lose around 100 hairs a day. Most of the time we don't notice it but the longer your hair is, the more noticeable it is. I used to wear a crew cut  and I never notice hair loss. Now my hair is in the 5-6 inch length, I find it in my brush, on my pillow and all over the floor if I don't vacuum often enough.

I would suggest you discuss this with your doctor and possibly a hair loss specialist because a scalp examination may be required to determine the cause.

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[Cake00]

Thank you for responding! I'm trying to make an appointment with a doctor. I'm broke as heck so that doesn't help! Agh! Why are hormones so complicated...

[SoupSarah]

Hi,
I am not an endocrinologist, but I have had 'hormone issues' for about 12 years, and as a scientist in my day job hoave a good overview of human hormone axis's.
So it is quite well reported that some birth control pills can cause 'susceptible' females excessive hair loss. This can even occur weeks after stopping taking the tablets. There are numerous pathways and reasons why this can occur and the only real way you can identify the cause is to get to see a good endo.. Whilst spiro cannot be totally ruled out of the equation, I think it is more likely a cause of the changes in hormone levels (from the pill mainly but also maybe the spiro), also, hair loss caused by birth control is usually temporary and stops within a few months.
The positive thing is that there are lots of ways these issues can be sorted and it is imperative you get it examined  sooner rather than later.
Hope that helps a little?
Hugs
Sarah xx

[fairview]

Read this https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/hair-loss-types#1
You are suffering from some sort of alopecia.  Rather than regurgitate the link information I suggest you use this as a jumping off point to ask questions to physician. 

You have been prescribed spiro.  That in of itself suggests that you are suffering from androgenic alopecia.   When your blood panel was ordered did it include a DHT test.  In males DHT causes male pattern baldness, in females it causes a general loss and thinning of the hair.  Spiro is an effective androgen blocker.  It is effective to combat mph but the associated feminization side effects make it rather unpopular for the majority of men.  It is typically prescribed to women to decrease androgen levels. 

The 2 suggestions I have is to become educated on female hair loss.  The link I have provided provides a generalized explanation of each type.  Then become an expert for your type.  At the end of the day each of us is responsible for our own health management.

Then find an expert doctor appropriate for your problem.  Create a list of questions BEFORE the appoitment.  Become the principal player when its time to make decisions regrading your health. 

[Cake00]

Update... I went to the doctor and he told me that hair loss is a sign of spiro working. He didn't tell me anything else but the hair on my face is getting worse and it's killing me.

[extraaction]

Hi hun.

I have a fair amount of experience as a natural healer.  I dont often make mention of it, but I have a privately worked with a good number of people that I choose to work with.  I am familiar with a variety of natural substances with near miraculous healing potential.  I would be interested in working with you, not for compensation, but personal gratification.  I can relate to your struggles.

Please continue your sesrch here and if you are interested in what information I have please send an email to bathtub.alchemist@gmail.com.  I would offer the info here, but I know discussion of substances and doses is discouraged here.  The ball is in your court.  Regardless of how you proceed, I hope for your recovery...I know how afflictions such as these can destroy self esteem