Hereditary, Congenital, and Acquired Alopecias

A female user has experienced severe hair shedding since stopping birth control in late 2022, diagnosed as telogen effluvium with no signs of androgenetic alopecia. Despite healthy living and optimal bloodwork, she continues to shed hair daily but also sees significant regrowth.

The user is experiencing diffuse thinning and receded hairline, using dutasteride, minoxidil, and ketoconazole without regrowth, and was prescribed clobetasol propionate 0.05% with salicylic acid for possible inflammation. Other users caution against using the strong steroid without a serious condition, sharing experiences of adverse effects and alternative treatments for scalp issues.

Hair loss may be linked to thyroid issues, with some individuals noticing changes in hair texture when taking substances affecting the thyroid. Treatments mentioned include a topical mix of finasteride, minoxidil, and tretinoin, along with microneedling.

The user is experiencing hair loss despite using finasteride and minoxidil, possibly due to slight hypothyroidism and borderline vitamin D deficiency. They have started treating these conditions but have not yet seen improvement.

Corticosterone inhibits GAS6, affecting hair follicle stem-cell activity, with potential implications for stress-related hair loss. Ashwagandha and Vitamin K are suggested for reducing cortisol, but their effectiveness is debated.

The user has been using oral finasteride for 15 months and oral minoxidil for 6 months, and developed alopecia areata, for which a dermatologist prescribed calcipotriol/betamethasone. The treatment is helping, but the user is experiencing another shedding phase and is concerned about the effects of the steroid cream and the cause of hair loss.