Dianette - Please help!

[Sarahlouiseis33]

I have hormonal hairloss. My GP put me on Dianette as it works against the male hormones to help with hair shedding. The first time I was on it I noticed a difference within a few packets. Reduced shedding by about two thirds. This time around I’ve been on it for nearly five packets with no reduction in my hair shedding. What would you do? Keep on it in the hope it eventually helps as it did before? I feel pretty desperate! xx

After five months I think you would expect there to be some reduction in the shedding, have you gone back to your GP to see if there's something else they can prescribe? I know Spironlactone can be prescribed for hair loss in women (I had it prescribed for acne, but it definitely improved my hair as well)

@Wildwood6 it’s funny how it helped the first time I took it, only a few months prior x

I'd go back to the GP. There might be other things worth checking like iron and thyroid too.

@Sarahlouiseis33 maybe there's something else going on that has developed in the last few months? Have you had your thyroid checked? Hypothyroidism can be another cause of hair loss. Or maybe stress- its been such a stressful year for so many people.

@PetCheetah - everything else has been checked, I have under active thyroid & low iron but I’ve been on medication for both for years & both are fine. Surely if it worked before it’ll work again???!! x

@Wildwood6 - I have a well controlled under active thyroid, that was the first thing that was checked. Surely if it worked before it will work again?!?!

I have hormonal hair loss (and acne). I've had Dianette in the past - it didn't help my hair much but did wonders for my skin. Spironolactone was great for both skin and hair but I got some unpleasant side effects. I'm now using Regaine and it's working very well for me. I had initial shedding which was horrible but now, about 8 months in, I have loads of regrowth and an almost normal head of hair. I recommend it. It's a lifelong commitment though as the regrowth will fall out if you stop using it. Though I think that's true for oral medications too. I don't know how old you are but I reached a point (I'm 43) where I no longer wanted to keep taking medications for cosmetic reasons.

@Hugstoall thank you so much for replying! I’m so confused because the dianette really helped my hair the first time I was on it, which was not long ago! This time around it’s taking a lot longer although my dermatologist still thinks it will help. Can I ask how long the spironolactone took to help? That’s another option. I’m so very down about it. I’m 40 now xx

Maybe persevere with the Dianette for a couple more months and then consider other options? Will your dermatologist let you stay on it indefinitely though? I was on it for years when I was younger but when I asked for it again when I was in my thirties I was told I could only be on it for six months.
There are other options, so don't despair. I felt I was at the end of the line by the time I tried Regaine. I wish I'd done it earlier but to be honest it felt so uncool and middle-aged (yes, I know how that sounds!).
Also, have you tried Nanogen fibres? Another totally uncool thing but they were a real confidence boost for me when I was feeling self-conscious.
Like you, I have well managed hypothyroidism and take iron for low ferritin. I also had severe stress several years ago. None of these things help, I'm sure, but I am certain for me this is a problem with sensitivity to androgen. Hang in there, you will find something that works.

Sorry, I didn't answer your question. Three or four months, I think, to notice a difference.

I had extremely low vitamin D when I had bad hair loss. Could it be that?

@Hugstoall - thank you so much for replying, it’s great to have someone who understands! Mine is most definitely a sensitivity to androgens as the dermatologist said it was Androgenic alopecia. My skin has also become a lot oilier in places. The plan as agreed with the dermatologist is to give the dianette another 2-3 months as he said it could take up to that time to kick in. When I was on it previously it reduced the hairloss from 100ish every other day when washing to around 30 hairs. It also helped with the oily skin before to. Fingers crossed it starts to work soon! I think at the moment I feel better staying on the dianette because I know it worked before so hopefully will again. Otherwise he has mentioned minoxidil & spironolactone. I’ve just been so very down & depressed about it and constantly worrying. I’m so happy you’ve found something that works for you xxx

Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Regaine. At least you have a dermatologist who seems to get it. My GP actually had to google the off-label use of spironolactone - he had no idea it could be used for hair loss.
Good luck OP!

@Hugstoall - What dose did you use of the Spironolactone? Did you notice increased shedding at first when you took it? And what side effects did you notice?? Sorry for all the questions! xx

I can't remember the dose as it was a while ago now but I know it was the lowest effective dose. He was very cautious about it, having never prescribed it before! I don't remember shedding when I started taking it but I do remember that about three weeks after I stopped taking it I washed my hair in the bath, got out, turned to take the plug out and saw that the whole of the top of the bathwater was covered in a layer of floating hair. That was very upsetting.
I stopped taking it because I got very sore, lumpy, painful breasts. I also gained weight. I don't think that's usual though. I tend to react a lot to medications and prefer something topical if possible.

@Hugstoall - Was your hair shedding? My hair loss is increased shedding. I wonder if the spironolactone will help with shedding?

It will help with shedding for as long as you're using it. I think it blocks the DHT.

I think spironlactone only works whilst you have it and once you stop the hair falls out again. It effects your libido too.

@ sarahlouiseis33 how is your hair situation now? Any better?