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Female Hair Loss: Should I Use Dianette?

Question

Recently my hair has started to thin dramatically and I’m losing a lot of it.

I went to see my doctor about this and he said that it was due to some hormone changes in my body.

My periods are regular, and always have been, but he prescribed a drug called Dianette. I read the booklet that came with the medication and it talks about this tablet as a treatment for acne and excessive hair growth. I’m very confused as to whether to take this medicine or not. Could you please tell me if this is suitable for hair loss?

Answer

I can understand your confusion. Although I would continue to take the Dianette. There is a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) where symptoms include excessive hair, weight gain and acne and Dianette is good at treating this condition.

But this does not apply to you and in your case your GP is simply trying to stabilise and regulate your hormones to make sure this improves your hair thinning and associated hair loss.

If your hair thinning continues over the next few months, see your doctor again, or best of all would be a referral to a trichologist who specialises in female hair loss conditons may be advisable at this moment in time. For a trichologist in your immediate area telephone 020 7976 6868.

Yours sincerely

The Medical Team

Do you have Hair Loss Problems, read our Hair Loss Help

I am female and have started losing a huge amount of hair

Question

I have noticed that I have been losing a lot of hair over the last couple of months.  When I get up in the morning I notice a lot of hair on my pillow, and when I wash and dry my hair with a hair dryer a lot more falls out than it use too.

I have lost a bit of weight and feel quite tired on a regular basis.

Could this be stress  or could it be something more serious?

Answer

The fact that you are losing weight and your energy levels are low suggests there may be something wrong.

One of the possible causes could be hormonal, and especially a problem with your thyroid problems. This is not likely to be serious but can be easily diagnosed by your doctor with simple blood tests and corrected with the proper treatments and advice.

The trouble with these kinds of symptoms – hair loss, weight loss and energy loss are so ‘non-specific’ that they really don’t point to any particular problem.

In fact, you are right to wonder if it might be stress , because these symptoms can be caused by either physical or emotional problems. I suggest you get a proper check-up and establish exactly what the cause is. So seek advice from both your doctor and your trichologist.

For a trichologist near you call our free help and advice line on 0207 976 6868. 

Yours sincerely

The Medical Team

Do you have Hair Loss Problems, read our Hair Loss Help

Can HRT make your hair thin?

Question

My hair has been getting thinner and thinner over the last few years since just before I had my hysterectomy.

My mother has wonderful thick hair so I don’t think it’s genetic.

I have been taking HRT for several years (Premarin tablets) and now for the last 4 months Tibilone and it is still getting thinner.

Could HRT be the cause of the thinning?

Answer

Thinning hair together with increased wrinkling and loss of skin tone is a common and normal feature for many women at the time of the menopause. Recent research has scientifically corroborated the popular idea that women taking HRT actually look younger when taking HRT because of the very effect that HRT has in improving the skin and hair at this time. The vast majority of menopausal women therefore find that the condition of their hair significantly improves when they take HRT rather than the other way around.

There are, however, a few women who have reported hair loss whilst taking HRT although these would be a very small minority. It is interesting that you have been switched from Premarin to Livial (Tibilone) because whilst the latter is a reasonable alternative to normal HRT and does not lead to a return to monthly periods, it does not contain oestrogen as such, and may therefore be less likely to improve the condition of your hair. Skin irritation is listed as a possible side effect of Tibilone and therefore perhaps you should review this prescription with your own doctor.

On a cosmetic note, having a semi-permanent colour will add shine and vitality and give a healthier looking frame to the face. A shorter hair cut makes it look healthier and thicker. Deeper richer colours will give hair the appearance of being thicker, so try to avoid blondes as they can make hair look thinner. Pump up the volume in flat hair by using self-grip rollers. Comb conditioner through your hair whilst it is wet and before you rinse. This way you will detangle the hair with the least amount of stress to the hair shaft and so avoid any unnecessary further hair loss.

Yours sincerely

The Medical Team

Do you have Hair Loss Problems, read our Hair Loss Help