I found 2 cups a day of spearmint tea helped make my hair and skin less oily.
Re: shampoo, I like this. Someone on here recommended it.
Congrats on the new job!
I stopped using heat, I took a break from hair dye, stopped wearing tight hair styles, and tried hard to not stress. I did start using This shampoo
It seems to help a lot. That grew back about 80 percent of my hair. I do believe I was deficient in vitamins too. I tried everything you could think of before that. Caster oil, a few shampoos that didn’t work.
This is going to be long because it was my biggest issue. Stopped wearing my hair up or in tight hair styles. Only brushed hair when wet (I have curly hair). Started using this DHT/Biotin Shampoo
Once I had no choice to cut dairy my hair drastically started growing in quicker.
I’ll be honest to anyone reading this. It has taken 3 YEARS for my hair to be at this point. It stopped looking bad last year. (Most people said they couldn’t notice it) I do however have very thick curly hair. Looking back at pictures I’ve had this issue since I was a teen.
So try hard not to stress while your hair is growing back. Patience is hard.
I have been using Kirkland liquid minox on my scalp and kirkland foam on my beard because I wanted to close some gaps, twice a day.
The shampoo I switched to is this Biotin one Link. I stopped washing my hair daily, do it every other day now. Also i started taking a multivitamin.
Overall my hair is a lot thicker now, i had pretty thin hair and i lost a lot everyday, some areas on my hairline have regrown and my hair grows faster because of the vitamins i think i was lacking some nutrients lol my nails also grow a lot faster now.
Hope it helps, if you decide to give minox a shot i would recommend to give it at least 3 months before you draw any conclusiones and don’t forget to take pictures ☺️
I'm in the "regrowth" stage and feeling way better about my hair. I have some short bits of hair where it's growing back in, but it's enough that it doesn't look like bald spots anymore and I'm taking that as a win! I've been using this shampoo and I'm convinced it's helping: https://www.amazon.com/Biotin-Hair-Shampoo-Thinning-Moisturizing/dp/B01ENCBOA0
r/SebDerm
Seb derm is very common with PCOS, lots of info in the other sub.
This shampoo that was recommended here has worked well for me, supposed to remove DHT too, dunno. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Yeah I did. I wish I had better pictures, but I was so upset I stopped taking them after awhile. Looking back at pictures I had been missing hair since 2015 or before that.
I think going off birth control made it worse at first. Especially for the first year. Started growing it back in 2018. So 3 years of a lot of patience.
I had a dairy allergy that was also adding to my hair loss. I’ve seen major improvements and now the right front section is finally back. (I had no clue I used to have hair there) I only discovered it last summer when I was bed ridden sick for 6 months with stomach issues. My periods have been normal since 2018 as well.
I lost a lot of hair though all over and not just the part widening. The front was receded pretty far back. The back was missing a lot too.
For anyone reading this. This shampoo did help out a lot. I don’t have to use it nearly as often. shampoo used to help
There isn’t a “quick fix” if that’s what a lot of people are looking for. (Sadly). Your body may respond differently too towards different things. My doctor refused to address any of my concerns and I was just told to lose weight and go on birth control. Which wasn’t a fix to me and more of a bandaid.
Yeah I did. I wish I had better pictures, but I was so upset I stopped taking them after awhile. Looking back at pictures I had been missing hair since 2015 or before that.
I think going off birth control made it worse at first. Especially for the first year. Started growing it back in 2018. So 3 years of a lot of patience.
I had a dairy allergy that was also adding to my hair loss. I’ve seen major improvements and now the right front section is finally back. (I had no clue I used to have hair there) I only discovered it last summer when I was bed ridden sick for 6 months with stomach issues. My periods have been normal since 2018 as well.
I lost a lot of hair though all over and not just the part widening. The front was receded pretty far back. The back was missing a lot too.
For anyone reading this. This shampoo did help out a lot. I don’t have to use it nearly as often. shampoo used to help
There isn’t a “quick fix” if that’s what a lot of people are looking for. (Sadly). Your body may respond differently too towards different things. My doctor refused to address any of my concerns and I was just told to lose weight and go on birth control. Which wasn’t a fix to me and more of a bandaid.
Biotin Hair Shampoo for Dry Hair - Volumizing Biotin Shampoo for Men and Womens Hair Moisturizer - Sulfate Free Shampoo with Biotin and Moisturizing Shampoo for Dry Hair plus Keratin Hair Treatment https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ENCBOA0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_3EGN6HYK822QFEFH412M
And then I alternate with ketoconazole shampoo
Biotin Shampoo for Hair Growth B-Complex Formula for Hair Loss Removes DHT for Thicker Fuller Hair Anti Dandruff Formula with Zinc Tea Tree Oil Extract Jojoba Oil Argan Oil For Women and Men 8 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ENCBOA0/ref=cm_sw_r_u_apa_i_wqwMFbXYJWS40
Have your thyroid checked and make sure it isnt genetic otherwise I find that even castor oil is helpful for baby hair and seriously not sure how long you hair is but a lot falls out naturally and sometimes we notice it nd freak especially if it is even a 2-3 inches longer than usual. I just saw amazon has Biotin Shampoo for Hair Growth B-Complex Formula for Hair Loss ? I am gonna try it out 8 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ENCBOA0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_15U3EbHCZ9QS0
My hair and eyebrows aren’t 100 percent back but it’s close about 90 percent.
I started strength training, cut down on dairy, carbs, sugar. Upped my Biotin to 10,000 mcg. Starting using this
This may sound odd, but since I had such good luck using the shampoo on my hair, I started using it on my eyebrows. It worked.
I balance my hormones with this combination: (not sure it will work for everyone) they wouldn’t do blood work on me (diagnosed via ultrasound) so I had a lot of trial and error.
Ovasitol- brought back my periods and some mood stability
Biotin 10,000 mcg
Evening primrose
5-HTP
I went on birth control for a short time and didn’t notice any change. I went off it bc I’ve been on it off and on for 17 years. Hope this helps :)
Aww I’m sorry to hear. It really sucks. I tried everything. I’m not sure if the shampoo I used is CG friendly but my hair is almost 95 percent back. It’s taken almost 2 years. This Gem
Adding this and Biotin 10,000 mcg have worked for me. It’s worth a try at least.
As for the unwanted hair in other places I haven’t found a solution for that.
If you decide to try it just be patient. It takes time and is frustrating.
This is the shampoo I use and I get good results from it. Get the conditioner too! You don't need to talk to a doctor about the shampoo. You CAN talk to a doctor about starting fin if you want.
This is the shampoo that I use.
Honestly I don't really know too much about differences between them, as long as they block DHT it should be fine. Get the conditioner too!
Check out r/sebderm and see if any of that sounds familiar. If so, there are ideas re: treatment that come up in the automod post. I had a relative who had good luck with the raw honey and another who had success with the mct oil treatment. Both are older, and no PCOS, but sebderm is another source of hair loss, for both of them it grew back when their scalps were healthier.
If it is sebderm it is not connected to PCOS per se but has similar drivers, high insulin and high androgens (more common in men for example). My relatives are both post menopause and IR increases then as estrogen drops.
Some things that seemed to help mine were limiting carbs and sugar, inositol and 2 cups a day of spearmint tea. If not seb derm check out psoriasis on scalp.
I use this shampoo that someone recommended on here, the medicated ones did not help my scalp and left my hair like straw. Baby shampoo is also good, cradle cap is seb derm in babies. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And I use this, also recommended here https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Hope you find something that helps, good luck!
r/SebDerm
Cutting sugar and reducing starch can help seb derm. I think inositol and 2 cups a day of spearmint tea helped mine along with diet changes. There are lists of common trigger foods, google those.
There are also protocols at the other sub that people have found helpful. Seb Derm and PCOS have similar drivers, bring down insulin and androgens and you will help both.
Seb Derm is another cause of hair loss. Avoid minox/Rogaine and dry shampoo, they do not play well with it. Dry shampoo has also been linked to hair loss.
Good luck. I like this shampoo that someone here suggested.
Good luck!
Mine came back! I did keto, IF and took inositol and berberine. I think the inositol was important, I got a lot of baby hair when I added it. It also completely changed my hunger and cravings so there was defo a hormonal element. I also drink 2 cups of spearmint tea a day, it is a weak anti-androgen. I tried spiro but had side effects and could not stay on it.
I also use these products someone on here suggested.
Someone recently suggested that she brought her testosterone level down tremendously on keto, it is worth a try!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I use a biotin shampoo that's so amazing I'll never switch to another product. It makes hair so shiny, manageable, and never leaves a buildup.
My hair is very dense and wavy, so it's hard to find a shampoo that doesn't make it frizzy without leaving a waxy buildup. You only need a tiny bit and it lasts forever. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01ENCBOA0/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_v5JEFbBHG1VAF
For conditioner, I use Live Clean Fresh Water Hydrating formula. It's the perfect amount of moisture for my hair, without weighing it down. Here's a link: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00BIWYW9O/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_R3JEFbA0AAYVY
Both of them are affordable and aren't laden with toxic chemicals, which I try to avoid.
I hope this helps!
check out r/sebderm, inositol and 2 cups a day of spearmint tea can help, also cutting sugar and nicotine, if any, can also help. some of the drivers are high insulin and high andreogens so a lot of overlap with pcos.
i like this shampoo and hair massager, recommended on here. good luck!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Biotin Shampoo for Hair Growth... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ENCBOA0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share is one that many people here use.
Here’s another hair loss recovery story here. I went low carb first and still shed some on low carb (no IF), but on keto with IF my hair has stopped shedding and is finally regrowing, after 4 years of shedding. Washing your hair is important (here’s the shampoo I use, after learning about it here ) too. I didn’t even want to wash my hair during my shedding years, so much hair would come out in the shower I would cry. I wish I had learned about low carb and keto earlier too, would have saved me many years of bad health.
It sounds like diet changes are helping you, fingers crossed!
I like this shampoo someone on here recommended https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and use this, also recommended on here https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also drink 2 cups a day of spearmint tea, it is supposed to help reduce androgens. Good luck! Hair seems to take forever to change.
inositol + choline helped me get significant regrowth in 2-3 months, keto initially helped slow the shed.
I use this shampoo someone on here recommended
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Good luck!
Spiro, or in the meantime, at least 2 cups of spearmint tea a day. Cannot be peppermint, the spearmint has an effect like weaker spiro and can help control androgens.
Someone on here posted about marigold tea also, might want to search for that.
Also, the following shampoo may help.
I found that taking inositol was super helpful, both with IR and I swear it made my hair grow back in faster. Others have noted the same, or maybe lowering IR helped, dunno.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Good luck! With your period stable and regular sounds like you are on the right track. The hair thing is so upsetting, I used to cry in the shower.
If you want to try inositol, I take this super cheap one, 2g 2x per day. My hair has filled in and has lots of baby hairs. I also lost skin tags.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DPW5E46/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Blood tests are usually not precise enough, so they are not of much use. I figure, if there are symptoms, something is not balanced. The best levers to push are diet, reducing IR, reducing cortisol. Supplements like inositol or berberine or spearmint or the med equivalents like metformin and spiro can help reduce IR and androgens. Someone just posted a link to a podcast that talks about blood tests not being sensitive enough despite people experiencing symptoms. If I see it again, will drop a link. Was super interesting.
Same re: seb derm and it is super common with PCOS since it is often driven by IR, but we often are very reactive to cortisol, too. Bringing down IR with keto, IF and supplements has helped, and dialing back the cinnamon, lol.
I found medicated dandruff shampoos of little use. I use baby shampoo (cradle cap is a form of hormone driven seb derm), cleans scalp and leaves hair soft, or this one someone on here recommended. Just a small amount makes tons of suds. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also like this that the poster recommended. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
My elderly mom was just diagnosed with seb derm. She has recently developed other symptoms of insulin resistance.
According to the Mayo Clinic, 55 PERCENT of women experience female-pattern baldness. Why are 55% of us dealing with this and we don’t know about it?! You are not alone. Definitely rule out any underlying issues with your doctor, and whether there is an issue or not, they can prescribe you finasteride, even though there are precautions you will have to take, and definitely start with minoxidil.
FYI, Costco sells a 6 month supply for about $15. Amazing! Don’t be put off, because at first it will cause more shedding, but then new growth will start. Those two drugs work, and even if you don’t have insurance for the finasteride, you can get the minoxidil cheaply. If you don’t have a Costco membership, you can still purchase from their website with a 5% surcharge, or you may have a friend or family member with a membership and I’m sure they would be happy to let you purchase from their account.
Another thing that helped me is this Biotin Shampoo. It wasn’t a huge difference but definitely noticeable and I won’t stop using it.
Another comment on seeing a doctor, I’m sure many here can relate to what I’m about to say, and it is to not take “no” for an answer. If a doctor says there’s nothing they can do, it happens, there’s nothing they can do for women, etc., THEY ARE WRONG. As women, we need to collectively stop taking that shit. Too many doctors brush off too many issues that women face, and it’s absolute bullshit. Keep searching until you find the right doctor that will LISTEN ANS HELP. I’ve burned through many a doc that brushed off my issues as some hysterical woman complaining about things, and that is unacceptable. There are many many doctors, women and men, that will take all of your concerns regarding your body seriously.
You are not alone, there is stuff you can do. I hope you have a better day sister✌️
It's seb derm, there is a sub for it. The drivers are usually high insulin and high androgens, so overlaps w/PCOS. Focusing on those with diet changes, supplements and spearmint tea helped my seb derm and my PCOS - keto/LC, IF so insulin had time to fall and stay low, inositol and 2 cups a day of spearmint tea. More on high insulin and inositol here http://www.tuitnutrition.com/2019/06/pcos.html
There are also common trigger foods for seb derm, you might want to experiment and see if they impact you, for me, cinnamon and some nightshades are issues. Google and r/sebderm should give you most common ones.
Some believe that seed oils are a big factor in seb derm, so cutting down on processed food can help, also r/stopeatingseedoils. Seed oils also contribute to IR, so cutting benefits PCOS too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVqDO3PSeG0
Medicated shampoos did not help me, scalp was no better and they made hair like straw. I found these, suggested on this sub, helpful. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Some people have seb derm on face or even inside ears. Some products may contribute. More on that at r/sebderm. Good luck!
What you are describing is likely seb derm, see r/sebderm. It has similar drivers to PCOS, high insulin and high androgens so addressing one will help the other.
Really lowering insulin with LC and some IF, plus inositol and spearmint tea helped clear my scalp and later my hair regrew. Seb derm can be an additional source of hair loss. See my post in this thread re: books that helped me dial in LC and IF so I could finally be successful in regaining health, losing weight and regrowing hair. Inositol, berberine (very good @ yeast) and spearmint tea all helped too.
Avoiding seed oils is also helpful. There are lists of common trigger foods, for me, cinnamon and some nighshades make me look like I just dipped my hair in oil when I just washed it, google a list and experiment to see what might effect you. Nicotine is also reported to be a common trigger. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVqDO3PSeG0
Washing daily with something like baby shampoo (seb derm in babies is cradle cap) removes the oil that the yeast love to grow in. Dry shampoo and minox can be very bad combinations with seb derm, I learned the hard way. I also like this shampoo recommended here and this massager https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Good luck, it can get much better!
I use this one that was recommended on one of the pcos subs here, lasts forever and leaves hair soft. You just need a little and I have long hair.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also use, this, also recommended here. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Occasionally I use baby shampoo, cradle cap is seb derm in babies.
I think the inositol and 2 cups a day of spearmint tea also helped, it is linked to high insulin and high androgens. Nicotine seemed to be a big trigger for a lot of folks on r/sebdrerm.
I hope you have good luck, once my scalp started to get healthy I knew I was making progress. Hair growth cycles are long so it can take a while to come back.
There are some great ideas re: scalp treatments in the automod post at r/sebderm, I have relatives who tried the raw honey and one tried the MCT oil protocol, both had good success and both had hair grow back. They do not have PCOS though, for me I think controlling insulin and lowering androgens were key. I also noticed that when I ate the "SD trigger foods" that are an issue for me, my hair that I just washed would suddenly look super oily. Cinnamon was a huge cause of this for me, and some nightshades, so I cut or minimized them. You can google common triggers or find them at r/sebderm. It is common to have it on the face too, and there are some products that feed the yeast so best to avoid those. Besides dry shampoo being a bad combo with seb derm, minox or rogaine can be a very bad combo too. I ended up losing more hair and my scalp getting super inflamed. Some posters at r/sebderm had no history of it themselves or in their family and then minox kicked it off. For some there seems to be an autoimmune component, some of those folks regrow hair on an AIP diet.
Please come back with updates! Sending lots of good luck your way!
Check out the sub r/sebderm, it is common with PCOS and certain trigger foods, esp cinnamon, make me look like I dipped my hair in oil. You can google common seb derm trigger foods and experiment.
Some things that helped my seb derm and PCOS, both are linked to high insulin and androgens - inositol, berberine (very anti-candida), 2 cups a day of spearmint tea and cutting sugar and starches. I did a 30 day carnivore challenge and was astonished how much less oily my skin became, my pores even looked much smaller. Remember high insulin > high androgens for almost all of us at all weights. http://www.tuitnutrition.com/2019/06/pcos.html
I use this shampoo, recommended here, or baby shampoo, cradle cap is seb derm in babies. Both shampoos keep my scalp clean and hair soft, I had no luck with medicated shampoos and they left my hair like straw. Daily washing helps, the yeast feed on oil, so you want to remove it. Dry shampoo and minox can be very bad combos with seb derm. Many on the other sub find nicotine makes it worse too.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Good luck! Seb derm is an additional source of hair loss, working on it will also help PCOS symptoms.
I did not see improvement from Nzoral. I found diet change, IF, inositol and 2 cups a day of spearmint tea, plus avoiding certain seb derm trigger foods (Google them, cinnamon is a big trigger for me and some nightshades) made the difference for me, plus berberine, berberine is very good for IR and is powerful against yeast. Seb derm is linked to high insulin and high androgens, sometimes with an autoimmune component. r/SebDerm has loads of info and it is an additional source of hair loss so see if that is a factor for you. If it is, minox can make things much worse.
Daily shampoo was helpful for me, the yeast feed on oil. Dry shampoo and minox were disasters re: seb derm. I use baby shampoo (cradle cap is seb derm in babies) or this, recommended here. No idea if it actually blocks DHT but it cleans my scalp while leaving hair soft. A lot of the medicated shampoos left my hair like straw. You only need a little, even with long hair, so it lasts a long time. This shampoo and inositol were some of the best recs I got here.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
My hair did fully regrow. Good luck!
I feel you friend, we're all here for you and many of us have been through these symptoms too. Continue doing keto, use supplements, get daily sunlight and exercise (outdoors if possible, in this season it's great!) and practice stress management. Sounds cliché, and easier said than done, but these things will put you way ahead of what any doctor will tell you at this point. Moreover, you will feel the immediate impact on your mental health.
For the balding, stress relief will help you tremendously but so will zinc and magnesium supplements and a good quality biotin shampoo. This one helped me control the hair loss: https://www.amazon.com/Shampoo-B-Complex-Formula-Removes-Dandruff/dp/B01ENCBOA0
I also took vitamin-B complex injections, every 2-3 months for 10 days. I injected myself in the thigh and it helped hugely with hair loss and depression. I no longer do it as I don't need to.
If you can't see a specialist, try another doctor and talk through with them and see if you can get a referral through them. Express your dissatisfaction and don't be afraid to challenge them if you feel like you aren't getting the medical attention you need. You can also try complementary medicine and see how that works for you. I've gone through both conventional and complementary and I can say I found a really good practioner in both that helped me in their own ways. It might be expensive for you if insurance doesn't cover it, so see what fits best for your budget and needs.
I used this shampoo someone recommended here, daily. The medicated shampoos did not help my scalp and made my hair like straw.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Sometimes I used baby shampoo, cradle cap is seb derm in babies, also linked to high hormone levels.
Daily washing removes the oil that the yeast like to feed on. Dry shampoo can feed them and minox can be a disaster with seb derm, even cause it. I lost a lot more hair, so be wary. My derm was really surprised, I looked like I had burns.
Over at r/sebderm there are lists of trigger foods. For ex, cinnamon was one for me. I could shower/shampoo, dump a bunch of cinnamon in my coffee (a cv lockdown thing when I got a huge cannister on sale and was at home) and shortly my hair would look like I had dipped it in oil. Some nightshades were bad for me, made me super itchy, I don't do good with fish sauce so Thai food has become very occasional.
The mod post at r/sebderm has some protocols to try, I had a relative do the raw honey one and another do the MCT oil one. They both had good results and lost hair grew back. Nicotine is also bad for seb derm. I think either might help your scalp, honey has a lot of skin healing properties, but it has to be raw honey for the best results.
For me there is a big link with sugar and grains. Not only does hirsutism flare as soon as overnight but my hair and scalp are more oily. I did a 30 day carnivore challenge and even after a long time of keto/LC, IF, supplements, etc, pushing back on insulin levels, I was struck by how much LESS oily my hair and skin were, so much so that my pores looked smaller and I could go for days w/o washing my hair, first time since I was a teen, not greasy, itchy, etc. Just from 30 days. The food as medicine people are on to something.
Since seb derm is caused by similar drivers, high insulin and androgens, with an autoimmune component for some, working on it will also help PCOS. For ex, seb derm is more common in men (and women with PCOS) - linked to high androgens. It is linked to high insulin and is more common in diabetics. Dropping insulin (by cutting sugar and startch) and cortisol (which can also increase IR) are the best ways to lower androgens that impact PCOS and seb derm. http://www.tuitnutrition.com/2019/06/pcos.html https://www.doctornadia.com/single-post/2020/05/19/Tuesday-Tips-My-Five-Pillars
If you have it on face too there are helpful lists of products/make up, etc that feed the yeast. The supplements I take are inositol, NAC and berberine, berberine is very anti-yeast, so I think that helped the seb derm too. Also 2 cups a day of spearmint tea. A keto diet or a carnivore stint are very anti-candida diets too. Some people go on the AIP diet and see seb derm improve and hair regrow, AIP, carnivore and keto (but keep an eye on nightshades and other common seb derm triggers) all overlap a great deal.
Try dropping the carbs and sugar as low as possible, for a stretch of time at least, to allow the scalp to heal. Even 1-3 months on carnivore can really promote healing, esp for autoimmune issues and it helps regulate histamines. I took a break over the summer, I have a big garden, but am going to do another stint soon, it really made a difference in my seasonal allergies. A friend had done it as an elimination diet and had that allergy improvement, so I figured it was worth a try. It also helps get to a baseline, even 30 days, so you can really easily tell what is a flare. When my scalp was a mess all the time it was harder to sort out.
Association of metabolic syndrome with female pattern hair loss in women: A case–control study https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ijd.13303
These vids might also help, pls come back with updates. You will be surprised at how much of an impact changes have. Spend some time over at r/SebDerm, so much info there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVqDO3PSeG0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUp6JBMTw0o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nzSUEaZhVA
Good luck, knowledge is power! Lots of us had big improvement with hair by lowering insulin (lean PCOS and not) https://www.reddit.com/r/PCOS/comments/du062x/hair_losslow_carb_screenshots/ Seb derm sucks, but the good thing is that you will see progress with skin insulin linked issues way before hair regrowth, hair has up to 6 month grow cycles. But when seb derm improves, skin tags go away, etc, you KNOW you are on the right track, very gratifying and it was so nice to get a feeling of control back. This sub and r/SebDerm are a wealth of info. Very simple diet changes, supplements and intermittent fasting, esp when combined as a strategy, can really change your health and change your life. This also helped me, and following Dr. Nadia on insta https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaouRuqqEfY She had her own PCOS story including prediabetes, hair loss, hirsutism, fertility challenges, etc, but really changed her health with diet and fasting and now helps others. Their book The PCOS Plan: How to Prevent or Reverse PCOS with Diet & Fasting has some good recipes too, I used their ADF schedule a lot. Dr. Nadia has lovely hair now, very inspiring.
Defo play around with the common trigger foods for seb derm, huge help for me. And check out product ingredients that feed the yeast too. r/sebderm is full of good info. And the raw honey and mct oil protocols come up in the auto mod post. Bringing down insulin and cortisol + the spearmint tea should really help scalp health. I saw that before regrowth.
Here is the shampoo I like besides baby shampoo. The medicated shampoos did not help my scalp before other changes did and they made my hair like straw. The shampoo and massager were recommended on here. You just need a little of the shampoo so it lasts a long time. I wash my hair daily, the yeast feed on oil so good to remove it, plus this shampoo says it helps remove DHT, dunno about that but can't hurt either way.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Try to keep a lot of foods that seem to make you feel itchy or that make your hair an instant oil slick. I also eliminated foods that made me hungry or have cravings, figured they were triggering insulin spikes which is not great for the skin or rest of me.
Good luck, look forward to your updates! Off to make spearmint tea myself. I like it with peppermint tea added, iced, in summer.
Good luck with your recovery. Protein and veg are super nutrient dense, I am way healthier than when I ate a super high starch diet. I wish I had gotten that msg years ago, live and learn. I hope your recovery gets to be smooth and easier!
Check out r/sebderm, that sounds a lot like my symptoms. I have family that tried 2 protocols they talk about a lot there, one has to do with raw honey, one mct oil, both are applied on the scalp. I seemed to have trigger foods but my family did not. Seb derm has to do with yeast overgrowth and an immune reaction to it, some products feed the yeast, both hair products or cosmetics or skin care for people who have patches on their face. Who knew, right? Both relatives had good results and had hair regrowth (neither had pcos).
For me, I used this shampoo recommended here, tweaked diet and when my scalp got healthier and my skin tags went away so insulin resistance was dropping and after a few months, I started to see regrowth. And when I really upped protein it got thicker than it had been before it started shedding, to my amazement. If you find other scalp treatments helpful you should post them over there, people are really good at swapping info. I also found baby shampoo worked and left my hair soft, cradle cap is seb derm in babies. I tried loads of medicated shampoos but my scalp was still not great and my hair was like straw. The shampoo below leaves scalp healthy, hair soft and claims to block DHT. I have longish hair and only use a little bit, it lasts a long time. It made washing my hair less stressful. The shampoo and inositol were some of the best recs I got on here.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I will keep an eye out for your updates, take really good care!
Product name: Biotin Hair Shampoo for Dry Hair - Volumizing Biotin Shampoo for Men and Womens Hair Moisturizer - Sulfate Free Shampoo with Biotin and Moisturizing Shampoo for Dry Hair plus Keratin Hair Treatment
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Check out r/sebderm. I had relatives try the raw honey protocol and the mct oil protocol, both with good luck. For me, cutting a lot of the common trigger foods seemed to help, Google a list, along with keto, spearmint tea and inositol. My scalp is really healthy now. The medicated shampoos did not help me much but read at r/sebderm about biofilm and how to defeat it. High insulin and high androgens are drivers of seb derm, it is more common in men, so addressing those helps both seb derm and PCOS.
A shampoo recommended on here that I liked, did not leave my hair like straw https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Good luck! It is good to address seb derm, it can be an additional source of hair loss besides PCOS hair loss.
Agree with this, seb derm is very common with PCOS, it is linked to high androgens (more common in men and in women with PCOS), links to high insulin and an autoimmune aspect, we all have yeast on our bodies but with seb derm on our scalp or face, etc, the yeast builds up excessively and we can have an autoimmune response. Letting oil build up on the scalp is like party time for the yeast growth to get out of hand, which can then lead to another source of hair loss.
If anyone thinks their scalp is unhealthy, check out r/sebderm, there are protocols you can try with raw honey or mct oil that help some and lists of common trigger foods, eliminating some of those helped me a lot. Also, 2 cups a day of spearmint tea really helped my scalp and skin become less oily. Cutting sugar and starch and balancing hormones will help seb derm and PCOS and start to reduce shed from both.
Also, daily washing, esp with a gentle, DHT removing shampoo, prevents DHT from building up in the follicles. This shampoo was recommended on here, my scalp has been pretty healthy with it. I also use a massager. DHT is also linked to hair loss.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
For me and for many of us, LC was not enough to get our hair back, keto was the only thing that worked. Inositol can be helpful but dropping sugar and starch low enough to drop insulin was what really brought down androgens enough for me. It can take up to 6 months to see regrowth. Hugs to all, it is so hard.
I have seb derm too and am on keto. I would recommend looking up seb derm trigger food lists, yuo may be eating more of them. For me, cinnamon and some nightshades are big triggers.
I take inositol, NAC and berberine and feel they help, they all help lower high insulin which made my seb derm worse, inositol helps with hair regrowth, NAC boosts the immune system and berberine has anti-candida properties.
There are treatment protocols on r/sebderm. They have automod links "what worked for me" in new posts, hundreds of ideas and stories. But, for me, a lot was diet.
I use a dht removing shampoo that was suggested on here, it seems to leave my scalp clean and hair soft. I alternate with baby shampoo often, cradle cap is seb derm in babies. There are posts at r/sebderm about biofilms, I did not know any of that, which may be why medicated shampoos did not work for me. This is what I use
with this
IME washing every day helps, the yeast love to overgrow in oil. Dry shampoo is not great with seb derm and has been linked to hair loss. Minox/Rogaine can be a TERRIBLE combo with seb derm, has even induced it in some. Your doc may not mention or know that.
Seb derm is really common with PCOS. Balancing your hormones and bringing down inflammation will really help. It is more common in men, reducing your androgens will help. For me, I think 2 cups a day of spearmint tea has been useful. My hair and skin are less oily and my seb derm is pretty under control.
This article is about PCOS in general but since it has the same drivers as seb derm for the most part, helping one helps the other. Hope this is helpful, good luck! The silver lining is that the scalp is so visible so can be a sign you are making progress.
Tuit Nutrition: The PCOS Post: Hormonal Havoc
Keto is really good for balancing hormones but some do find they get more wonky in the first few months. If you are not eating common trigger foods, may just take time. But, I would keep a log of what you are eating and symptoms. Avoid keto processed food if at all possible, the wraps, the bars, etc. Many have gluten which is a seb derm trigger for many. Think about what you are eating a LOT more of on keto - is it bell peppers, wraps, whey protein, other common triggers? Trial limiting those and then trying them back in one by one. Eating WHOLE unprocessed foods makes trying to figure out triggers WAY easier. Think of other things too, are you in a cold climate and has the heat been running all the time? Some find a humidifier helpful. Play detective about recent changes and I bet you will be able to improve the seb derm.
Best to you!
For me, keto + some IF + inositol + choline got my skin and scalp healthier and then hair regrew. I also drink 2 cups a day of spearmint tea and that defo seemed to help hair and skin be less oily. There is an autoimmune component, I think NAC helped with that. I also take Berberine, which has a strong anti yeast/candida effect. I think all of that worked together. My scalp getting healthier, losing skin tags, etc, was a sign of progress.
The traditional medicated shampoos never helped me either. Keep working on diet and managing stress and sleep, do you take any of the insulin sensitizing supplements or metformin?
r/SebDerm is a treasure trove of things to try. There are specific protocols that you can try. I have a relative trying the raw honey one and another trying the MCT oil one. Neither has PCOS, both have some IR and they had hair loss from seb derm.
I read up on seb derm a lot and there are lists of trigger foods, some seemed to impact me a lot and I was eating them all the time, cutting them helped. I also read about treatment of cradle cap, seb derm in babies, also with a hormonal component. I wash daily, oil build up and DHT build up is bad for yeast and for follicles. Dry shampoo has been linked to hair loss and minox often is not a good combo with seb derm.
I sometimes use baby shampoo, leaves scalp clean and hair soft, or use this, recommended on this sub. I also wash all brushes and combs weekly in really hot water and a little Dawn dish soap.
and
HTH, good luck!
Head over to r/SebDerm, lots of ideas and strategies. Seb derm occurs frequently with PCOS and can be another source of hair loss. It is also impacted by high insulin levels and hormone imbalances, so cutting sugar and carbs and supplements like inositol, berberine and zinc are helpful for both. Think anti-candida diet and low glycemic index carbs.
Daily washing is helpful, otherwise the oil provides a breeding ground for yeast and washing also removes DHT build up. Dry shampoos are not good for seb derm and have been linked to hair loss.
The medicated shampoos never worked well for me, this one, recommended here, leaves my scalp clean and hair soft. I alternate with baby shampoo sometimes, cradel cap is seb derm in a baby.
and
This one or sometimes baby shampoo. Both leave scalp clean and hair soft.
also like
This helps me, not sure if you have it in the UK. I also use baby shampoo as an alternate, cradle cap is seb derm in babies. Working to treat the scalp (lowering insulin will help PCOS and seb derm and will help lower your androgens too, also helping both) and ID trigger foods helped a lot too. I wash daily, the oil and DHT buildup were not good for my folicles if I left it longer.
Inositol really helped my PCOS and IR/seb derm too, my hair grew back. I take a b complex with folic, choline and biotin with it.
Inositol for Hair Loss (Adding Choline Makes It Extra ...
This explains the insulin/adrogen link and how to address
Tuit Nutrition: The PCOS Post: Hormonal Havoc From ...
Good luck!
Sure thing. Cinnamon in large quantities is really bad for me too, my hair gets super oily and my scalp itches pretty much immediately. They have a lot of info over at the seb derm sub. There is a raw honey protocol and one using mct oil on the scalp, people have gotten reversals, once scalp is healthy and not too oily, and hormones including insulin levels are more balanced, hair comes back.
5 People Who Cured Seborrheic Dermatitis with Diet Alone ... https://skindrone.com/articles/5-people-cured-seborrheic-dermatitis-diet-alone/
It took me a while to get inflammation down enough that I could notice trigger foods. I think NAC has also helped, not just PCOS but also it boosts the immune system. I also drink 2 cups of spearmint tea too, it definitely seems to cut down on oil production and helps balance my hormones.
I actually found some good info searching cradle cap, it is seb derm in babies and is often thought to have a hormonal component. I wash every day with either baby shampoo or this one that was recommended here. The medicated shampoos never helped my scalp and left my hair super dry. This shampoo and the baby shampoo leave my scalp clean and hair soft. I tried spacing out washing more but got an issue with yeast, daily is recommended with seb derm and it is best to remove DHT regularly from the scalp. Dry shampoo is not good for seb derm and may make hair loss worse.
Biotin Shampoo for Hair Growth B-Complex Formula for Hair Loss Removes DHT for Thicker Fuller Hair Anti Dandruff Formula with Zinc Tea Tree Oil Extract (you only need a little so it lasts a long time) Maple Holistics https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and
Heeta Hair Scalp Massager, Wet and Dry Shampoo Brush Scalp Massage Brush with Soft Silicone Rubber Hair Brush for Women, Men, Pet (Rose Pink) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Inositol for Hair Loss (Adding Choline Makes It Extra ... http://www.msfullhair.com/inositol-for-hair-loss-adding-choline-makes-it-extra-powerful/
7 Skin Signs of INSULIN RESISTANCE (Root Cause 2020) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUp6JBMTw0o
Good luck! Seb derm can be reversed, like PCOS. And helping one helps the other. Check out the seb derm sub. I have one older relative trying honey and one trying mct oil, we will see how it works for them. Both got the insulin belly after menopause and soon after noticed a tight feeling itchy scalp then hair loss. Much like PCOS but just at an older age. They are also limiting sugar and processed carbs and seeing skin improvements and that it is easier to lose weight.
Good luck and pls come back with updates!
If you have not tried inositol along with your diet changes, it helped me a lot. Hair and skin got less oily, then healthier, then regrowth.
Everyone is different so defo experiment. My IR is so longstanding that I needed the nuclear option, lol. Will take some time to reverse it. For you just emphasizing protein a bit more could really help.
I also like this shampoo someone on here recommended, dunno what it does for DHT but my scalp is clean and my hair is soft. You just use a little bit so it lasts for ages. The medicated shampoos never helped my scalp and my hair would be like straw.
Biotin Shampoo for Hair Growth B-Complex Formula for Hair Loss Removes DHT for Thicker Fuller Hair Anti Dandruff Formula with Zinc Tea Tree Oil Extrac https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and this
Heeta Hair Scalp Massager, Wet and Dry Shampoo Brush Scalp Massage Brush with Soft Silicone Rubber Hair Brush for Women, Men, Pet (Rose Pink) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Consider inositol + choline too, supposed to be good for regrowth of hair and really helped me, took a few months.
Your job sounds really cool. I am going to start volunteering at a horse rescue group soon, a friend does it, I am really excited. Best to you!
I use these that someone recommended on here, no idea if it helps DHT or not, but my scalp feels healthy and my hair is soft. The inositol and keto really helped kick off skin changes too. I tried a lot of shampoos before that never helped my scalp all that much (internal changes needed) and left my hair like straw. You only use a tiny bit too, so it lasts for ages.
Same, I used to cry in the shower.
I also use these that were recommended here https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Good luck!
This helped me understand the hormone part better. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaouRuqqEfY
Once hormones were more in check/balanced from cutting carbs and sugar, fall slowed. Adding inositol really helped even more with IR, my skin tags vanished, skin got healthier including scalp and I got a lot of baby hair. It is suggested to take folic and choline with inositol, if you google inositol and choline you will get a lot of anecdotes re: hair.
Previously it had thinned all over, widening part, etc. I had tried Rogain too, but before hormones were balanced at all, did not really work.
To me, vanity was the thing that saved my health. IR is NO joke - it leads to PCOS and we are more at risk for diabetes, heart disease, cancer, NAFLD, Alzheimer's - diseases I see all around me in my extended family. My hair used to make me cry in the shower, I was willing to try whatever and then keto and IF lowered inflammation so much, my whole quality of life got better from that.
I used to be vegetarian and run a lot but I never felt well, my PCOS was bad, lots of sinus infections, etc. Now, I have an omni keto diet and feel great. My PCOS is more in check, my Achilles does not hurt, my mood is better and more even, it has all been so worth it.
Experiment and come back with progress updates. :) Good luck!
I also use these products someone on here suggested. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Keto + inositol (along with choline & folic) and my hair started to grow back. Also did some IF.
Reducing insulin levels by lowering carbs is a very effective way to allow our hormones to balance (IR is a factor for most with PCOS whether lean or overweight). Inositol helps with insulin signaling and also seems to help with regrowth, it is also great for mood and anxiety and is used to treat anxiety in kids. .
I use these products someone on here recommended.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Maybe this could help? Someone on this sub recommended and I have been using it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
also this
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Keto plus inositol plus spearmint tea got my hair to grow back in. Could be worth a try.
Keto, inositol & berberine and daily cups of spearmint tea helped me. I lost skin tags way before hair started growing back in.
I also started using these, suggested by someone here. I have been happy with both. The shampoo says it removes DHT. You only need a little and it seems to leave my scalp super oil free and hair soft. Works better than all the shampoos I tried before.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I take collagen too, for joints, not sure that did anything for hair or not but my knee feels better with keto and collagen.
You can lose hair after a big weight loss, independent of PCOS, so that may be a factor. It is called telogen effluvium . Congrats on the loss, btw, very inspiring!
I think collagen and inositol helped my hair growth (and the b vitamin i take with inositol probably helps too). I have lots of baby hairs, have been on the inositol for around 5 months. Keto definitely helps with regulating hormones and inflammation for me.
My hair used to come out in handfuls, esp when stressed, which was super upsetting, so I can defo relate.
Someone on here mentioned the following shampoo as helpful. I just got it. It says it removes dht from the scalp. As a shampoo it seems to work well, my scalp does not seem to get oily as quickly and my hair is soft.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
She also recommended this and I really like it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3XSF65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Good luck! Come back and let us know how it is going.
Same. I also think Inositol and a b complex twice a day helped but getting insulin resistance down was key. I lost skin tags way before I saw hair changes.
Someone on here said they benefited from a DHT removing shampoo
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ENCBOA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have it on order.
I was a vegetarian for years, that is when my hair loss was the worst.