HELP!!!! I'M ALMOST OUT OF HAIR!!!!!!!!

[marilynmonroe]

I've been on 37.5 mg of phentermine 2x a day for 3 months. I'm under the care of a weightloss doctor. So far I'm very happy with the 50 lb weightloss with only about 15 lbs to go. However the loss has drastically slowed to about 1 or 2 lbs a week. My biggest concern with the side effects of this medication is the hairloss. Starting about three weeks after taking the medicine my hair started comming out by the hundreds a day. All of my life I took great pride in having a headfull of long, THICK hair. Now, my hair is so thin I can see my scalp. I'm afraid to wash it or comb it. My doctor said it was due to the lack of vitamins and minerals in my diet. I think he's full of CRAP!!! He told me to take biotin which I have for 2 months now and have seen no results. I don't think losing another 15 lbs is worth losing anymore hair over. But now I'm wondering if it will grow back. And when I stop taking the pills if I'll gain back the weight and be bald too!! PLEASE DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS??? I"M DESPARATE!!

[lisabeth]

WOW, I can only image how you must feel to lose your hair. The question I have is are you eating enough? The reason I ask that is I used to have a few very close friends who unfortunately suffered from anorexia, and they too had to go through the hair loss ordeal. Just a suggestion...maybe a second opinion is in order. I am not a doc, but it sounds serious enough to need more than biotin. I see a diet doc and mine only talked to me once, the only people I actually have contact with are the nurses who wiegh and dispense the meds. I just want to reassure you that people care. That you are not alone and even if you really don't want my lame attempt of advice that at least someone cares enough to listen. Hang in there, and be careful lisabeth

[marilynmonroe]

Thanx for your response lizabeth. Now you really have me thinking...Could I be anorexic? That thought never really crossed my mind! I thought I was eating enough but perhaps not. I usually eat one small meal a day usually consisting of a protein, carb, and vegetable. I also try to have a glass of milk sometime during the day. I really don't have enough apetite for more than that. Gosh, I never thought I was eating so little that I'd be anorexic, but that would certainly explain the hairloss. Maybe I need to find a good vitamin supplement. Thank You So Much For The Insight!!

[nal]

I'm sorry, but I just read this post and I am shocked. You are eating one small meal a day, and you wonder why you're losing your hair? Does the diet doc know how little you are eating?

Your weight loss is impressive, but at what price? I'll grant you, mine has been much slower, but I'm not losing hair.

I really think you need to talk with someone knowledgable about what a normal, healthy eating plan would be for you. One small meal per day is starvation.

[rutzy]

hey there,
i think that there is something in all diet pills that effect hair loss in different people. a friend of mine was taking phen phen and lost gobs and gobs of hair. she had to stop taking it.hope there is something out there to help you.

[lenny felten]

I think besides eating more food each day, you should go down to only one 37.5 pill a day. Two a day is ALOT. Maybe that will make a difference in your appetite AND your hair loss. (You will still lose weight with one Phen a day)

[kat115]

He everyone - I too have lost a significant amount of hair. I took Phentermine from May to November until I noticed what was happening. I can only speak from my own experience, but I do have some advice.

I was only taking one pill a day (37.5), and sometimes just 3 times a week, and totally loved it from the get go. I am not taking it now, and am in the process of trying different herbal alternatives to phen., but I tell ya, there is nothing better than the real deal.

I do not think I can say that phent. alone is what caused my side effects. I was so thrilled at not being hungry, that I too would not eat as much as I should. Hence, my body naturally reacted in some way. I have lost close to 30 pounds, and I get sooo many compliments on how good I look now. Lots of women ask me how I did it and I tell them what worked for me. I always caution them on what I think I did wrong, and try to counsel. Everyone is looking for something that will work for them.

I have researched around as to how to solve my hair loss. I have come up with some things that I am trying, and maybe it will work for others out there as well. I can't remember the source of my information, but I think the book is called nutritional healing.

It advised taking flaxseed oil or evening primrose oil, this will improve hair texture and prevents dry brittle hair.
flaxseed is good for you anyway to get the omega fatty acids.

There is a product called Ultra Hair from Nature's Plus that you can find in any health food store. Take as directed. I was told however, that if you are already taking a good multi vitamin, you can skip this because you may just be doubling up on ingrediants already in your mulit. Choose either one.

I am also taking 1000 mg of Biotin every day.

In addition, I am taking a supplement called MSM, ( Methylsulfonylmethane) this reads that it helps in the builiding blocks of protein, helping in stronger hair. I am taking as directed on bottle.

I am going to try clean up my act, pay better attention to how I eat and be sure I eat enough. I am still very tempted to get back on phent. I live in a small town and the doctor's here won't prescribe it to me because I really don't need to lose any more weight, but I would like to always have some on hand for maintenance. I experienced the feeling of having no appetite, and the feeling of well being. I called them my happy pills. Never got jittery, anxious, or moody. It was the pill I had prayed for for so long. I expect it will take about a year for my hair to get back to where it was, but if I keep it up with the vitamins and supplements, it may come back in better shape than it was. Good luck to everyone. Hope this can help.

[princessleah]

Hi! Phentermine was DEFINITELY the source of my hair loss. Doctors also tried to tell me that I wasn't getting enough vitamins, but I took multi vitamins every day and ate extra protien as a precaution. I started losing so much hair that I finally just stopped taking phentermine. The hair loss continued for a while after that, but eventually slowed & stopped (excessively). I started gaining some weight back and tried phentermine again. IMMEDIATELY I started losing hair! Once again I stopped the phen, and the hair loss, once again, stopped. I have been off the phen since December and the hair loss stopped...I still have some left over phen so I took some last week for some enery during a hectic week. AGAIN, the hair started coming out after the first day. There is NO DOUBT that phentermine causes hair loss. I do not know why it's not listed in their side effects! It should be. ALSO, FYI...I have experienced hair loss with herbals, such as Hydroxycut and Motabolife, and I was told that it's from the ingredient Chromium Picolinate. I do not know if that is true with everyone, but anything with the chromium has caused hair loss in ME. Hope this has helped!

[marilynmonroe]

Thanx for your response Leah, I am now also convinced it is the phentermine. At my last doctor appointment, I saw my doc's assistant and flat out told him, "Look doc, I think i'm done with the meds. I can live with the weight I've lost, I can live without ever being the size 7 I was hoping for, but I CAN'T live with losing anymore of my hair!!!"
Well then the truth came out. He said it was infact the phentermine. That it causes your blood vessels to constrict, so your scalp is not recieving as many nutrients, or blood circulation. He said that's why my hands are always cold too. I would also imagine that would be the cause for elevated blood pressure in some people. He said he wanted me to stay on the meds alittle bit longer and told me to start using rogaine to stimulated my scalp, to help prevent further hairloss and to help hair regrowth. I can't say I'm thrilled with the idea but I'll give it a try. I'm only losing about a pound every two weeks anyway so if the rogaine doesn't help, I'll be saying bye-bye to phen.

[princessleah]

Marilyn...glad the post helped, and I am glad your post explained WHY phentermine causes the hair loss. It's insane! It's hard to deal with having to stop taking the phentermine (because you want to KEEP your hair...I did the same exact thing. Frustration over hair loss caused me to quit the phentermine before I was to my goal weight. Good luck to you!

[marandy]

I think your doctor is at least partially correct. In the past, when I was on straight liquid diets (no food and about 450 calories) I also lost hair. I wasn't on any medication but was told that cutting calories that drastically is a shock to the system and that's why the hair loss. I think if you'd write down what you're eating and look at your caloric intake each day, you'd see that you aren't getting enough nutrients.

[lovejones]

I am sorry to here about your hair loss...i am not taking phen, but WAS considering...now i know that i will achieve my weight loss without this drug....that is really scary.

Also, I know that you are definitely not eating enough...you should be putting something in your mouth at least every 3-4 hours...an apple, a pear, 1/2 chicken breast; something! Girlfriend, you must EAT...this is crucial to your health, metabolism, and a healthy weight loss.

Much Love!

[Drewbie]

Your hair is falling out because you aren't consuming enough calories. Your doctor is correct. When youd on't eat enough, your body does not get the Nutrition it needs for your hair, teeth, bones, and skin to remain undamaged.

[llsp62]

Hi to all of you who are losing your hair. I read most of these posts, and got as far as the one saying that your doctor has suggested Rogain. If I may suggest something that I think might even be better, and not YET another drug (because Rogaine IS a drug). I have been using Nioxin hair products for a couple of years now. I don't really know why I started losing my hair, but it was coming out BAD. Anyway, Nioxin is a full line of hair products, for people losing their hair, but the main product you should look at is the Scalp Therapy. (I use the whole line and think their wonderful!)You use it every time you shampoo (not in place of your conditioner, in ADDITION to) and use GOBS of it, dont skimp. Massage it into your scalp and leave it on for as long as you can. I used to use it in the evening and leave it on for 1/2 hour or more, but now I just use it in the shower for a minute or 2 as mainenance. It takes some time but it really is great stuff. My hair came back, PLUS. I still have baby fine hair, don't get me wrong, but I can't praise Nioxin enough. It really does work. Hope some of you find this helpful!
Lisa

[JEN100]

Lisa,
I too have experienced hair loss on phen. I've been using Nioxin too for about 1 1/2 months. I can't say that I've noticed alot of regrowth. I'm still losing alot of hair in the shower and when I brush. I leave on the scalp therapy for about 2 minutes everyother day. How long did it take you to fully grown back your hair? I have a patch on the top of my head about 4 inches long. I feel new hair growing in but its been about 2 months and that's all that has grown. I'd love to hear what your experience was and if you continued to take the phen during the hair loss. Thanks so much!

[weighless]

I have had hair loss since March 2000. Have been on and off of Phen for several years. Between Phen and Stress I felt like I had lost almost all of my hair. I started on Nioxin Products in/around Sept 2000. I was using all of the products--Shampoo, Scalp Therapy, Leave in Conditioner and all styling products. My hair has stopped falling out. In fact I have to have my hair cut every 3-4 wks now. The only problem was when I tried to stop and use another shampoo.
The Hair Got Thin Again. Had to start back. I have decided to continue to use these products as long as I take Phen. Hope this helps. I will be glad give details of my experience with these products. I buy them from a local salon.

[marilynmonroe]

Well, now I guess I'm ready to try the nioxin. I relly hope it works. Do you have to buy it at a salon? I was hoping maybe I could find it at the drugstore. I have already spent a small fortune to lose this weight. The rogaine the doctor suggested doen't seem to be working. Maybe I'm just being impatient but who wouldn't be with their hair comming out by the handfuls. I know phen is not some new pill. It's been out there for years. I just wish there was someone who has experienced this before and could clue us in on something that they have actually seen work. This is so frustrating!!

[llsp62]

Marilyn and Jen,
I have been using Nioxin for alittle over 2 years. But when I started using it, I wasnt taking Phen. I don't know what to attribute my hair loss to, but it wasnt Phen. Jen, I lost alot of hair in the beginning too, before I started getting it back. I went to their website and found that this is normal. So as scarey as it may be, I'd keep using it. I guess I was using it for about 3 months, when I went to my hairdresser (who didn't know that I had been using it) and she told me that I had brand new hair growth all over my head. I was, needless to say, thrilled! I told her I had been using the Nioxin and she was amazed! I have kept using it and my hair has continued to grow. I have very slow growing hair, so yes, I have areas that are 3-4 inches long, when the rest is much longer. And yes, it does look alittle funky. But I'll take it. I'd rather deal with these areas of uneven growth, and know that my hair is coming back in, then not see it! Be patient, hair growth takes time, even on the best of heads! As far as usage, when I was in my beginning stages, I would SLATHER the scalp treatment on (as recommended to me by a beautician friend), massage it into my scalp really well, and leave it on for as long as I had the time. I used to do it in the evening, and leave it on while I watched tv, etc. Now I just use it in the shower for a minuter or 2. I just started to use the Phen., so this may change. I guess I have to see how my hair reacts to it. Anyway, long winded, I know, but I hope this helps! Good luck.
Oh, one more think, yes you usually have to buy it in the salon, or in a quality beauty supply store (not Sally's!). But it's also avail online. It isn't cheap, but it IS worth it.
Lisa

[llsp62]

Just to clarify, in my above post I said I slathered on the scalp treatment. What I meant was the Scalp Therapy. I know they have a scalp serum too, and I didn't want to confuse the issue. I never cared for the serum. It weighted down my hair and made it look yucky.

[Maskrade]

I read your posts above and I'm horrified that you lost your hair. I finished chemo last summer and now I finally have beautiful CURLY hair and I don't want to go bald again. I've been using a shampoo called Nioxin that really makes your hair grow. Good luck.

[JEN100]

Maskrade,
Thanks for the info. on Nioxin. I've been using it too for 2 months. I can't say that I've seen alot of regrowth. I use the shampoo and the scalp therapy. Did you use it every day? and how long did you leave the scalp therapy on for? I use it 3 times a week and leave the scalp therapy on for 5 minutes at a time. Maybe I should up my usage. How long did it take your hair to grown back in to its normal lenth? I have thinning all over and one area on the top of my scalp that is bald with some new hair growth but it still pretty pronounced. I am going to start rogaine next week to see if that helps. Thanks for any input you may have. I know alot of people do experience hair loss on phen. Thanks again.

[weighless]

My hair stylist told me to use only Nioxin products everyday. The website has good info on the products and usage. It takes awhile to see results. My hair has stopped falling out and I can actually see new hair growth. Talk to your stylist or just go to www.nioxin.com. Also I forgot to mention that I get perms and semi-perm color frequently. The Nioxin keeps my hair healthy with all the chemicals and the meds.

[Blippo]

Kind of scary reading women losing their hair. Alot of us men dont have to take anything, and we still lose our hair!

[Theresa55]

It has been a long time since I have written, but found the hair loss subject very interesting. I to suffered from the same thing, I asked by beautician and she said it was due to a lack of protein in the diet. I protein enriched conditioner helps. My dr. said the same thing. Thought this might help some of you.

[Rhonlynn]

You have to be really careful when you're on Phentermine, that you actually remember to eat.
Loosing weight isn't worth loosing your hair. You need a second opion, more vitamins, and lower your dosage. I'd stop the medication, and remember, hair loss is a symptom of anorexia, and anorexia can occur, even if you weigh 175 pounds. Don't think that only severely thin people are the only people with anorexia, and are the only people who are malnurioushed. I'm a nurse, and I deal with all kinds of people. Alot of that crap about anorexia being only for thin girls is myth, and crap. I was surprised, actually. The lIfetime channel is often the worst spreader of myths, due to it's showing of the thin girls being the sikest. Don't count on it!

[Good Intention]

Hi MarilynMonroe I am new to all of this too, but I agree that you should seek a second opinion from another physican on the hair loss. I do agree that you are probably missing something in your diet and probably do need some vitamins and mineral supplementation. For me the phentermine
has made me "not hungry" many times but I know that I can't fall below 1000 calories per day or my body will go into the "starvation" mode. You have probably heard about this on what they call
"yo yo" dieting. I personally take a multiple vitamin once daily and 2 capsules of Atkins Essential Oils a day. I try to balance the 5 food groups with my small portions.

I don't know how much help I have been, but hang in there o.k.? Sounds like you are doing TERRIFIC
on the weight loss

Take care

Good Intention

[JuliaG1]

How long were you guys oh phen before you noticed the hairloss? Was it sudden or did it happen slowly over a long period. I want to make sure I catch it right away if it happens to me. Thanks!

[marilynmonroe]

Hi JuliaG and welcome,
I began noticing small amounts of hairloss about 2 months after starting phen. However, that was about the time my weightloss doctor increased my dosage. It could be that I take too much phen or I am not eating properly. So It might not have the same effect on you but it is definately something to watch for!! I wish I had known this at the beginning too! I am now using Nioxin regularly per advice from other posts and it seems to work! My hairloss is now to a minimal, and growing back!!!! Now if I could only start eating properly!!! I really have to force myself to some days. The thought of food really makes me want to throw up sometimes. I can't seem to find anything that seems the least bit appetizing! I've been really having a hard time with vegetables and fruits!! and salad (ceasar) used to be my favorite thing to eat!! Sometimes I'll go 2 days without eating before I even realize it!! This has got to stop I'm really going to make myself sick. So PLEASE be careful and goodluck!! By the way, my beginning weight in sept. of 2001 was 220. I am very pleased to say I now weigh 139.

[marysmom]

That is one side-effect I could handle! I've got enough hair for 3 people!

[ July 23, 2002, 03:35 PM: Message edited by: marysmom ]

[JuliaG1]

MarilynMonroe- Thanks for the welcome and the hair loss info! I'll be looking out for any signs of hair loss that's for sure. Congratulations on all the weight you've lost. That's really a wonderful accomplishment. I started at 207 and am about 189 now, so I'm haping to get down to around 150 over time.

Please be careful that you remember to eat though!! My goodness, going two days without remembering to eat sounds a little scary. Maybe your dose really is too high if eating anything at all makes you sick. Did you mention this to the Dr? Just be careful, I hate to think of anyone hurting themselves to lose weight.

[marilynmonroe]

HI JuliaG,

It sounds like your off to a great start!! Oh, well as far as my eating is concerned, I'll be fine. I go through stages sometimes. Somedays I'll eat like a pig, and just when I think the meds stopped working for me, I'll suddenly lose my appetite completely and not want to eat at all! Sounds strange eh? Well, my doc says eat eat eat. He is beginning to cut back my dose slowly, I don't need to lose anymore weight, but I don't want to gain back a lot either. I have a feeling this will take some time. I trust that he knows his stuff. He is pretty well known around these parts. and he just published a weightloss book called Turning of The Hunger Switch. If your ever near the bookstore you should pick up a copy. The book explains a lot of things about why lowfat diet and exercise just doen't work for some people. Take Care!! Marilyn

[mom2hunt]

Well I can say that I DEFINITLY eat enough and I have still have a noticable loss in hair as well. I dont know at what point should I give up Phen- even though I can fill up handfull of removable hair/ I havent yet noticed a difference in the looks of my hair ie: thinner, no bald spots. I am 24 years old and this is a little alarming!

What is Biotin?

[marilynmonroe]

you will eventually notice something I think. Mine started in the back of my head, just a thin spot. Then as it progressed, I noticed my part widening and a lot of thinning around my hairline. Biotin is a vitamin. Sells just about anywhere! Goodluck

[Nitra]

Ok I too had some hairloss for awhile. I went out and did a little research. I went off phen from Jan until about a week ago. During that time I still suffered boughts of hairloss, especially during times of high stress, but I was not eating right then either. I found the following from different sites. All basically say the same thing. I agree that phen might have some play in this but the fact you are not eating but one meal a day is proof you are not getting enough nutrition. Vitamins are great but they cant replace what food does, also read below. You might see something that will surprise you! I know I did! Some info is redundent but that is because it came from different sites.

Hairloss may also occur due to dieting. Franchised diet programs which are designed or administered under the directions of a physician with prescribed meals, dietary supplements and vitamin ingestion have become very popular. Sometimes the client is told that vitamins are a necessary part of the program to prevent hairloss associated with dieting. From a dermatologist's standpoint, however, the vitamins cannot prevent hairloss associated with rapid, significant weight loss. Furthermore, many of these supplements are high in vitamin A which can magnify hairloss.

Low Serum Iron - Iron deficiency occasionally produces hair loss. Some people don't have enough iron in their diets or may not fully absorb iron. Women who have heavy menstrual periods may develop iron deficiency. Low iron can be detected by laboratory tests and can be corrected by taking iron pills.

Inadequate Protein in Diet - Some people who go on crash diets that are low in protein, or have severely abnormal eating habits, may develop protein malnutrition. The body will save protein by shifting growing hairs into the resting phase. Massive hair shedding can occur two to three months later. Hair can then be pulled out by the roots fairly easily. This condition can be reversed and prevented by eating the proper amount of protein and, when dieting, maintaining adequate protein intake.

Medications - Some prescription drugs may cause temporary hair shedding. Examples include some of the medicines used for the following: gout, arthritis, depression, heart problems, high blood pressure, or blood thinner. High doses of vitamin A may also cause hair shedding.

An inadequate diet, such as a crash diet or insufficient protein in a person's diet, is one of the causes of hair loss. In addition, iron deficiency may also cause hair loss. The body's protective mechanism will save internal protein by shifting hair into the resting phase. Hair loss will occur two to three months later. Usually new hair growth will be seen again if the person goes back to a healthy diet with adequate amounts of protein.

[nmh3]

I'm really scared! I use to take Phen. and my hair did start falling out, ALOT! I wasn't sure if it was the Phen. because it was not listed as a side affect. I stopped taking them, and now I'm taking them again. This is my third day and now I'm thinking about not taking them again. What should I do????