Low Testosterone/Hair Loss Options

[KathAZ]

I am on natural HRT (Progesterone 100 & Biest 4).  When I had my initial exam my doctor told me that because of the hair loss around my vaginal area she could tell I was low in testosterone.   I was not up for adding that to my HRT at that time and now my eyelashes have started coming out.  Does anyone know if that is happening because I do have low levels of testosterone -- or could it be because of my HRT therapy?  The loss of eyelash didn't really start until I started with the natural HRT.  I'm looking for any type of clue before I spend $130.00 for a consultation with my doctor -- don't have insurance.

Thanks for any help or suggestions you can offer.

[philly87]

Kath, I had my ovaries removed about two years ago, and since then my hair has gotten thin and  brittle and when I comb it alot of hair comes out (when it's wet)  I have also noticed that if I rub my eyes, two or three eyelashes come out every time. I am on HRT (Premphase) and I have been to a dermatologist, who couldn't find anything wrong but dry skin. An ob/gyn nurse told me that my hair problem would stop with the HRT, but it hasn't yet. My ob/gyn told me he could put me on testosterone and I am really considering it, because I don't want to lose my hair, but I still am not sure why it's happening.  Hopefully there are other women on this site that can help both of us out.  Good luck to you.

[KathAZ]

Hi Philly87!Thanks for responding!   My eyelashes are coming out the same way you described it -- any type of pressure, one or two come out -- but the problem is, they don't seem to grow back in that spot!!  I tend to think it's a combination of dry skin (I live in Arizona - it's VERY "dry" here) and low testosterone (of course, at this time in my life, the stress might have something to do with it too -- LOL!!).  I'm seriously thinking about adding that testosterone -- if I do, I'll post and let you know how it works.  Please do the same for me.   And if anyone else has any ideas, let both of us know!!

Take care!

[Kalanie]

Hi KathAz...

If you go to the top of the page and click on Power Surge Quick Links, you will find information about Pete Heuseman and College Pharmacy, a compounding pharmacist who many women here at Power Surge use for information and obtaining natural, bio-identical hormones.  You can call Pete at a toll free number or email him and he will give you help/advice/suggestions for the problem.  Better than $130 for a visit to a doctor who probably doesn't know as much as Pete does about menopause.  

It is my understanding that low testosterone does, indeed, cause hair loss, as does a thyroid condition.  I suspect, however, that if the doctor has already suggested a testosterone problem, it very well may be, since this a symptom of low testosterone.  It probably wouldn't hurt to get your thyroid tested, either, if you have not already.... many women develop hypothyroidism at meno time.  

[becpark]

Philly87;I too lose a lot of hair when it's wet; when it's dry I can brush through it just fine.  I was on Estratest for a month and the hair lose was worse.  My DR said she wasn't surprised, since testosterone will cause hair thinning.  I also take meds for hypothyroidism and wonder if my hair would improve if the dose was increased.

[Blueschick]

Becpark --

Part of the problem could be the Estratest, but not why you think. According to Dr. Susan Rako (she wrote "The Hormone of Desire"), the amount of testosterone in Estratest is way too high for women, and can cause unwanted side effects. She recommends a dose about 1/4 of what is found in Estratest. I have had a tiny dose of testosterone added to my naturally compounded HRT for just over a month, and the hair loss I was experiencing has slowed way down. Even my hairdresser noticed the other day.

Since you have a thyroid condition as well, that could be the cause or could be adding to the problem. But if you feel you are testosterone deficient, consider using it in a compounded prescription at a much lower dose . Read Dr. Rako's book -- she explains the whole thing. After just a month, I can tell you that I have seen improvement in a lot of areas that estrogen and progesterone didn't help!

[becpark]

Blueschick;What positive things have you noticed from taking the testosterone?  According to blood tests I am a bit low, but the Estratest was just too much for me.  Thanks.

[Blueschick]

Becpark --

OK, here's my story. I'm 48, and a couple of years ago I noticed that my hair seemed to be getting thinner. When I ruled out all other causes (including thyroid), I came to the conclusion that the cause must be hormonal. I was still having regular periods and knew nothing about perimenopause.

Finally, last year I started doing some reading and research and learned that the thinning hair and other symptoms (difficulty sleeping, painful breasts) were happening because I was perimenopausal. My longtime ob-gyn was no help.

I started using natural progesterone cream and taking black cohosh, which helped with many symptoms (including night sweats) for several months. During this time I also started noticing odd things like loss of pubic hair (especially underarms). The hair on my legs had stopped growing. I know this is hardly a "problem" but it indicated something was awry in my body. I realized that over that past several months I had pretty much lost in interest in things that I was formerly passionate about, kind of like a "whatever" attitude about life. On top of that, it occured to me that I no longer had any interest in sex, even to the point that advances from my husband repulsed me (this didn't make him too happy). Finally, I realized that it had been many months since I had sexual fantasies or dreams, or even felt a little "zing" from looking at a good-looking man. It was like the sexual part of my brain had been erased. That made me depressed and angry!

Through Power-Surge, I learned about bioidentical hormones and found a practitioner who prescribed a compounded prescription of tri-est and natural progesterone. (My hormones really crashed in January, and I had stopped having periods.) But after 5 weeks, it seemed like my hair loss (on my head) was increasing, and my underarm hair had just about disappeared. Again, through Power-Surge, I found info on Dr. Susan Rako. I bought her book, and discovered that I was a poster child for testosterone deficiency. I had every symptom.

My practitioner added .75mg testosterone to my prescription. That was about 5 weeks ago. I'm not exactly where I want to be yet, but I feel like I have a renewed interest in life and more energy. My hair loss has slowed way down, and my underarm hair is returning. Libido-wise -- it comes and goes, but I have had sexual dreams again (and even some fantasies;)) and have a renewed interest in letting my husband touch me. It's not a total miracle, but I feel like I'm getting myself back again, little by little.

By the way, the 3.75 tri-est/100 progesterone combo has worked its wonders, and I no longer have any flashes or night sweats. I sleep wonderfully through the night. Plus, no more mood swings, anxiety, rage and all that other nasty stuff. I am a very happy camper!

Compare the amount of testosterone in estratest to the dosage I am taking, and I think you'll find there's quite a difference. From what I've read, most women do not like estratest because the higher testosterone makes them feel a little too anxious and crazy. Dr. Rako's book is inexpensive and a quick read. It's well worth it.

I know that this is a long-winded answer to your question, but I figured a little background info was necessary to explain where I was coming from. Hope this helps!

[becpark]

Blueschick;Thanks for the info.  I just ordered the book you suggested.  It sounds like we have very similar body changes.  I am 50 and haven't had a period for a year.  Maybe I'll give the low dose testerone a try.  

[Blueschick]

Good luck! I hope you have a doctor or nurse practitioner who is in tune with naturally compounded hormones. It took me a few tries to find someone who would listen to me. But it was so worth it!

[debrikkia]

Linda,

You just described me to a tee, although this started at least 8 or so years ago with me.  The hair on my head is less than half what it used to be, and also very fine.  I could go for a week without shaving under my arms, and the pubic area looks like I'm just entering puberty!  Although I realized that this was hormone related, I never attributed it to low testosterone.

I just today, received my new Rx from Pete Huesman--he increased testosterone and progesterone a little.  I sure hope it's an answer for me too-otherwise, I'm going to have to start thinking about wigs!!

Thanks for sharing your story!!  Keep letting us know how you're doing with this--oh yeah--if one tenth of my libido would come back, my husband would be a very happy camper.  I went through the same thing you did with that too!  Thanks again!

Debbi

[Blueschick]

Debrikkia --

Hope the testosterone works for you. It really took me a few weeks to see a difference, and I'm assuming the improvements will continue to come.

It is also nice to know that I'm not the only one out there with these symptoms. I'm fortunate that I had very thick hair to start with, so mine doesn't look all that thin on most of my head. When I comb it, though, I can tell how much volume I've lost. I wear bangs (that I kind of fluff up and spray) and I have to be careful how I brush them so the thin spot in front doesn't show.

I wish there was more information out there about the libido problem as it relates to menopause. It seems like the only thing you ever read is how great sex is after menopause! Most of the women I know are in the same boat as us, with no sex drive to speak of. I'm starting to think that  "great sex after menopause" is one of those modern myths that get ingrained in our culture.

I'm just so glad that I found the Dr. Rako book. Of course, without Power Surge, I never would have known about it. We're so lucky to have this place as a resource and for support!