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meds, hormones and hair loss
Sat, 07/14/2007 - 18:59Topic: Women With Epilepsy
Hi everyone,
I'm new to this site but I'm trying to get some insight. I've been on Dilantin on and off for 10 years with no problems. A year ago, my hair started falling out. I had thick hair to begin with, which is good, but now it's so thin and dry that it's just depressing. I know this drug isn't known to cause this problem, and in my gut, I believe this issue is hormonal. (I'm 38) I'm thinking about trying an estrogen-friendly birth control pill such as Yasmin 'cause estrogen is good for the hair. But estrogen also can make one's chances of seizures increase. Is anyone on a bcp that is high in estrogen? If so, has it been a problem? Or has anyone had the hair loss w/Dilantin? Thanks in advance for your help. Best, Lisa :)
Comments
Re: Re: meds, hormones and hair loss
Submitted by bex on Sun, 2007-07-29 - 09:58
I hadn't read this about Topamax and have recently been experiencing alot of hair loss which has started to concern me. The dr tested for Iron deficiency but this was fine. My sister suggested drinking carrot juice. See the neuro on Friday so will have to speak to her, glad I read your post!
I was on Dilantin for a
Submitted by AK on Wed, 2007-08-01 - 10:48
I was on Dilantin for a year, I just switched to Keppra because I had so many problems. First your hair does fall out with Dilantin it is very common. Second I don’t know what birth control you are on but Dilantin decreases the effectiveness of most birth controls (some by 60%) so be very careful. I have talked with every Doc. I see, about birth control and Dilantin (topamax does the same thing) and no one ever has given me a strait answer on what to do. It all has to do with the way your body process Dilantin and Topamax through your liver. PS. Watch out with vitamins, alot are harmful when taken with Dilantin and Topamax. I always check my meds on Drugs.com for interactions
Re: meds, hormones and hair loss
Submitted by kaidi on Sat, 2007-07-14 - 23:34
I haven't had any hair loss problems but when I was about to start Topamax I read that some people experienced massive hair loss, so I went to the store and bought a multivitamin and a bottle of Biotin, which is what makes your hair really healthy, just in case. The Biotin might help balance out your hair nutrients in your body.