Hair Loss....Extreme and Sudden

Hi, Everyone. It's Ready to be Well. It's been since the beginning of the summer since I've posted. I've had a combination of being extremely busy and trying to focus on a new direction that didn't involve benzo withdrawal.  Next week, I'll be at 8 months totally off ativan.

 

I write now with a symptom that is rather amazing. In a matter of a couple weeks, one week maybe, I've started to REALLY lose my hair. And I don't mean, it's getting thinner.  No, I have a great big patches (that get worse every few days) of completely gone bald spots.  My husband noticed it last Thursday. I immediately got into the dr. and she was amazed.  Not only ordered a full battery of bloods, but set me up for this Thursday with a dermatologist.

 

Since then, the labs have come back - all is fine. I'm talking liver function, estrogen, thyroid, metabolic panel, cbc/dif - NOTHING is wrong. But today, I lost more hair and it's starting to be where it will show.  At first I was shocked and upset but could cover it because I am (was!) blessed with a lot of thick hair. 

 

My question:  is this, by any chance, ativan withdrawal related?  I'm trying to nail down what is different in the last year.  What could cause this. I started estrodial in March - I plan to discuss stopping that w/ the dermatologist.  I changed my water source two months ago. I am switching back as of tomorrow to bottled water.  I ate a lot of vitamin a for about 4 months - both in supplement in combination with lots of salads. That I've completely stopped. But my research shows that, although it was a lot more than 100% rda, it wasn't the volume I'm seeing to cause hair loss. But - too much Vitamin A can cause this.

 

So I"ll discuss all this w/ the dermatologist Thursday but I had to ask here:  not thinning - Hair LOSS. Gone, Patches. Progressive - still losing it.  Am I STILL battling this crap!? Is this ativan still leaving me? And if so....is it the experience of others that the hair grows back??  Please help, y'all. I'm not a weepy chick but I find I am crying over this.  Thanks.

Yipes, what a bummer.  It sounds like Alopecia Areata...did the MD mention this?

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/alopecia-areata

I read about that. Can you tell me more?  It looks like something that the derm will treat and we'll hope it repairs.  My M.D. is great but she did the groundwork and sent me on to a specialist.  She's good but knows when it needs more and she immediately saw that this was an issue.

 

Are you familiar with Alopecia Areata?

 

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/alopecia-areata

 

My father suffered from it...it's resolved now but I can't say what he did/took to remedy the issue.

When do you get to see the dermatologist? 

Thursday morning. Luckily, I was established at her office so I wasn't a "new patient".  I found this last Thursday, I'll go to her this Thursday. In doctor world, that's pretty fast.  I am going to try to stay busy between now and then to not go nuts. 

 

Thanks for the info and encouragement. I need to sign off for today/bed time soon but will be up early and will check what y'all can suggest.  Thanks, Martha. Any other info you remember about your dad would be awesome. How old was he? I'm 48.

Wow, you are getting in to be seen rather quickly!  I can ask my POPS what his treatment was.  He was around 50ish when this occurred.  Good night and good luck!

Hi readytobewell. It sounds like alopecia areata to me too. I have androgenetic alopecia and it is different from what you describe. The good news for you is cortisone shots can help and sometimes the lazer. It may well be from withdrawal. I have heard of some people having hair loss. I would have thought it would have happened sooner. I don't know much about areata since I don't have it.

There is a support group called heralopecia.com for all types of hair loss. It has been helpful for me. I think my hair loss is genetic and hormonal...tho my parents are in their 80's and have hair. Mine is really scary and there is nothing you can do for it. I take black currant seed oil and biotin and b vitamins and use rosemary oil on my scalp and it has done nothing. I too had thick, really nice blond hair. I have an oil treatment on right now and I feel like crying from looking at my hair loss. I am 63. I am going to start taking saw palmetto but it isn't a proven cure at all.

Make sure you go to a derm who specializes in this. Some are much better informed than others in this area. Good luck.Hair loss for women is really awful. The good news is your patches can grow back...unlike mine. Try that website, it helps.

Kathi

Thanks so much for your responses and for the website links/advice.  This derm is either gonna be great or worthless. That's my gut. She's very into - VERY INTO - cosmetic type things. So I suspect something like female hair loss she'll be up on.  She has a very fancy office and is expensive. She did a good job removing some sun damage spots that I had earlier in the year.  Luckily, she takes my insurance.  Otherwise, it would be a lot harder for treatment. 

 

Where I live, it's hard to get to specialists. It's gonna be 2 hours round trip Thursday. If I go in for shots, I'm gonna be doing a LOT of driving.

 

Thanks again!!  Ok, off to bed for real this time. Any other bits of info from other buddies would be LOVED.  Thanks.

Hey RTBW,

 

I recently saw a post from someone who started losing her hair at 11 months off K. I'm almost positive its hormonal AND I know you've had a hard time with hormones post-benzo. It could be hormonal changes from w/d combined with the estrogen therapy. Whatever you do, don't stop taking hormones cold turkey. That's what got a friend of mine onto benzos in the first place after she did two weeks of bio identical progesterone cream then stopped and got rolling panic attacks.

 

(did you get my PM btw? I sent it last week)

 

-P-

Hi i also have had these bald patches sine i was in tolerence with valium now one year on and i havnt had a new one for a few months i beleive its from withdrawal the doc told me alapecia arata but when i was doing research on the net i found other people who experienced this,i hope this will go away for you to oxoxox

Thanks a lot, folks, for the responses. I slept only about 2 hours, maybe, all night. I'm quite upset by this.  I have made a list for the dermatologist of things that may have caused or triggered this.  I had an evening and night of, basically, sadness, self-pity and fear, which will not make this any better.  Not sleeping will make the emotional elements of this terrible. I was doing fine with sleep, too - not perfect yet but I could count on 5-6 good hours most nights w/ an occasional 7 hours and about once a month, a 7-8 hour night. The hormones made me put back on some of the weight I lost (and all in my belly, thighs) but I could live with that to feel better.

 

I need to try to calm down about this. Hope for the best, plan for the worst. My mom-in-law had thin hair. Messed with it for years. Could only wear her hair one say, to cover the really thin areas. Finally, one day she ordered a few wigs and shaved it.  She's been wearing wigs since and loves it.  Looks fine, much better and is very happy.  I've discussed this with her a lot and she gave me websites where you can get affordable but nice wigs. Looking them over actually buoys my spirit on this.

 

I'm to the point where I can take a nap without it being an ucky "benzo nap" and may do that today.

 

Prince, yes! I meant to write back but that's when this all started and with kids, school - I got sidetracked. I am so sorry.

Ok, gonna get some coffee and try to make it through this day with so little sleep.

 

 

 

Thanks Jess, that sounds very much like you RTBW.

 

I think we're all suffering from the sxs of gross hormonal imbalance due to w/d. And in your case, RTBW, it may be compounded by the stage you're at in life, and the estrogen therapy.

 

I am convinced that the cytolytic vaginosis I have now (going to the gyne on Sat for a concrete diagnosis but I'm so so sure) is hormonal. And I suspect you had the same thing but we can discuss that on my blog. I read a story of a lady not on benzos with horrible hormonal issues (her period disappeared on its own for a year) and developed "vulvodynia". She was diagnosed as such bc her doctor thought she had a bad YI but they couldn't culture yeast and antifungals made her worse. But, like me, when she took Augmentin for sinus infections, her problems disappeared and came back after the antibiotic. She began to work very hard on her hormones and the sxs diminished. The real breakthrough came when she started taking a very high-quality multi-vitamin.

 

I found this interesting bc I (and you I think) are very similar to her symptomatically AND benzos are known to mess with the body's hormonal systems AND your estrogen therapy slowly helped yours to go away. I've been launching a massive campaign over the past couple of weeks drinking huge amounts of green smoothies per day and I am finally able to consume an adult multivitamin without sxs when I split it into two doses throughout the day. I discontinued the large amounts of probiotics I was taking and now I'm just waiting for things to improve.

 

I also have other sxs of hormonal imbalance such as an inability to lose weight despite eating more carefully than I EVER have in life. I am currently 169 pounds. My normal (eating junk food constantly) weight is about 155. At the height of w/d back in May, I was 178

 

So I know I'm balancing out slowly bc I'll lose a couple of pounds then get stuck there for a month, then lose one more, etc. But at least I'm not gaining steadily like I was earlier this year despite eating less and exercising. I'm not even exercising now but the weight is dropping off when it feels like. I'm TELLING you, it's all the benzo. Don't buy any wigs yet. Ask your doctor for some comprehensive hormone testing. The derm might not be the right person to go to. You might need an endocrinologist. And even if your hormones come back within normal range, you need to ask yourself if those values are normal FOR YOU.

 

I can't stress the importance of this. For YEARS I suffered with terrible stomach problems that would land me in the ER. They would run blood tests. I was fine. When I finally got a copy of my results, I saw that my neutrophil count was 10. Which is normal for everyone else in the population. But I have benign neutropenia and my usual value is 3 or less. I was having a 300% spike in my white blood cell values. Once I realized that inflammation was the source of my problems, I embarked on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet for two weeks and cured myself completely.

 

You are only a few days behind me in your jumpoff date. I KNOW the fear you're feeling right now bc I had it for several months when I thought I had vulvodynia. But when I realized that it's most likely CV due to hormonal issues due to w/d, I calmed down and launched an attack on it instead. It takes courage to believe that w/d is causing all of this, but once you do, it's such a comforting thought.

 

So tell me, did your tests ever show yeast?

Forgot to mention that my acne has EXPLODED during benzo w/d too. At one point I had to use a 20% () salicylic acid peel on my face EVERY NIGHT to keep it under control. Now I get by with a 10% benzoyl peroxide cream so it's improving.

I read a post on here that said she lost hair but afterwards it grew in thicker.  Hope shes right.

I hope so, too, Popcorn!

 

 

Nope, Prince, the culture they did showed no yeast.  It was weird.

 

I was all gung-ho about dropping my hormone therapy, but has changed my mind for now.  This is no fun but I think the hormones are helping.

Princess, do you think that diet would help with the inflammation of arthritis? Can you tell me the details of the diet. I can't figure out why I have this arthritis in my finger and foot. I've had it for yrs but it is worse right now. Also have androgenetic hair loss. I'm taking a low dose of fish oil and black currant oil and it hasn't helped. Also using magnesium oil spray and that might be helping a bit on my foot. I think this may be hormonal as mine are all low but I'm done with hormone replacement. Too many bad side effects. I'm sure there is an explanation for what is causing these 2 symptoms(menopause) but I don't want either the arthritis or hair loss to get any worse.

 

Ready to be well...keep me posted on what the dr. says

Thanks! Yea, I will.  It's gonna be a long 2 days waiting to see her. 

Prince, I gotta ask:  your "role" or "position" on your posts is gatekeeper...LOL. What is that?

I am experiencing very bad hair loss. Not to the extent you are describing but I pull out clumps in the shower. My hair has gotten extremely thin, and I'm only 30.

 

I attribute it to withdrawal. I've heard many people say withdrawal definitely causes hair loss. I hope you get some answers soon.

Well, Jittery, you are 100% on target. Answers! If I'm stuck with this...I can certainly cope.  If it will go away.....great!  If it's caused by the hormones, I'll discuss it w/ my ob/gyn and go from there.  Not knowing is the absolutely awful thing. 

 

My husband and I agree - I've been shedding as you describe for months.  Maybe well back to when I started my taper in November.  As I feel what is left of my hair, it does feel remarkably lighter.  And - my last haircut was july 19th, and it is almost the same length as the day I got it cut.  Usually by 6 weeks or so I'm back. Oh, and not spots then. She would have about had a heart attack, so this happened in less than a month. We are convinced:  in about 2 weeks maximum, maybe one week. Dang!!

 

 

Man, I am SO EAGER to be about 5 years in the future and look back in relief on my year of getting off ativan! But then again....in 5 years my baby will be in college...don't want to rush that.  As it is, he's 13 and already taller than I am (and I'm 5'10" !!)

 

LOL RTBW. Gatekeeper means that I approve new membership requests for the forum :) You don't know how relieved I am to read over your previous sxs and know that you did not show a YI just like me. I knew it was due to w/d but it's so comforting to know you had the same thing. I hate feeling like I'm the only one with a particular sx.

 

Maltesemom...the SCD diet is specifically designed to heal inflammation in the gut. However, google the movie "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead". The reason I've started with the smoothies is bc this guy healed himself of several autoimmune diseases (like arthritis and autoimmune hives) by juice fasting for 60 days. It balanced all his hormones etc. I don't think that people in w/d should attempt such a drastic diet change but I've been adding green smoothies to my normal diet and hoping that will help

 

RTBW I saw someone complain the other day that their hair wasn't growing. Also, I don't think the gyn is the person for hormones. Def find a good endo.

I am experiencing very bad hair loss. Not to the extent you are describing but I pull out clumps in the shower. My hair has gotten extremely thin, and I'm only 30.

 

I attribute it to withdrawal. I've heard many people say withdrawal definitely causes hair loss. I hope you get some answers soon.

 

Jittery,

 

Your hair loss is probably due to your post-partum status.

 

M

From my Pops:

 

"Years before it happened to me (Alopecia Aeriata), I had learned that particular symptom was a possible indicator for a couple of different forms of cancer.....so I went to the doctor and got tested.  Following the tests (negative for cancer), the doctor 'interviewed' me fairly extensively to find out what was going on in my life.  The final diagnosis was that mine was caused from going thru a period of very high stress....nothing else.  No meds or diet changes were given to me....just time.  The odd thing with mine was the night before I discovered it, I had a very vivid, specific dream about going into the bathroom, looking in the mirror, pulling the front of my hairline back and there it was.....a perfectly bald patch in an elongated egg shape to the right of midline and slightly down from the top.  Then when I woke that morning and went to the bathroom to shower and start my work day......it REALLY was there, exactly as I had dreamed and virtually overnight."

 

 

 

Wow, interesting information martha! Mine, I swear, was just like that, timing wise.  Just overnight.  And it went away for him. Wow.  I hope I have a similiar bit of luck and success.  His story really inspires me to not worry as much....Thanks.

 

I have had a stressful year, over the last year.  Mostly revolving around the physical and mental anguish of dumping doctor prescribed meds! First I got off effexor, which went well. Then I took a month long trip with my family, which had wonderful moments but ended difficultly.  Then Trazodone, which had taken for years, quit working. I had bad advice from one doctor and pretty much just stopped taking it. BAD. Insomnia like nothing I could describe. So another doctor - gotta love those doctors - told me I could take ativan to sleep. Which I did for a while.  Then, I wanted to get off ativan and that was a crappy adventure all on its own.  Then I had a terrible period after jumping off sleeping poorly, anxiety (normal ativan wd/sx).  I finally got in and my ob/gyn started me on hormones.  6 weeks later.....I gained some weight but was sleeping better. Had a pleasant and only moderately stressful summer w/ all my family home (my husband teaches). 

 

Do you think they all going back to school - that "let down" from stress....triggered this? I sincerely wonder!  I've read that the hair loss can happen months after the stress. Or months after starting a new drug. Or stopping a drug. Man!

 

Prince: AKA Gatekeeper    I agree. My problem: rural area.  I'm gonna have a hard time finding a "good" endo. The only one I know of is terrible.  He made me really sick 10 years ago right after I lost my thyroid to a cancer scare AND had a baby in the same year! I would consider going back but will take his advice with measured enthusiasm....

Hi princezz. I think you are right about not trying a drastic diet while in withdrawal. I had an acupuncturist tell me I needed to do a liver cleanse and when she told me what was involved I started to cry. I knew it was too much for me and told her I couldn't do it.

I have been juicing lately. I have a champion juicer and my naturapath told me to juice again. i don't do it every day but I do eat pretty well, mostly organic. Don't know why I have this arthritis pain and swelling and also the hair loss. Hair loss has been going on for yrs, but worse in withdrawal. Not seeing a lot coming out, just noticing how thin it is, especially at the temples and top and now one side.

I used to make green smoothies and got tired of them. Sometimes they tasted awful. I wasn't too good at it but think I will try one today. I have some dandelion greens and a mango. The store was out of kale which is what I usually used. That or spinach.

I know arthritis is just inflammation, but I can't figure out why...maybe because I have no hormones left at 63 but not all people my age have swollen joints. I've been checked for RA and thankfully it is not that. It is hard to eat healthy...especially at restaurants. At least at home I can have organic fruit and veggies and chicken.