Hair loss with chronic steroid therapy

[tinaj]

I have been taking methylprednisolone for six months for a weird autoimmune disease. About a month ago, my hair started falling out in noticeable quantities. I had really thick hair or I'd probably be bald right now.

I stayed off the steroids for about ten days and it made no difference. The only other change I made is that, when I bought multivitamins last time, I didnt notice without my reading glasses that there weren't many B vitamins in them. Im going to fix that today.

Im back on the steroids now but havent had enough time to see what this will do to the hair loss. Is there anything else I can do? If hormones play a role, would taking birth control pills contribute to the hair loss or possibly help stop it? My physician and pharmacist and beautician all say it just takes time, but I dont understand why my hair has fallen out so much more rapidly in the past month than for the five months previously. I'm desperate!
thanks

[ghchealth]

Methylprednisolone can be very dangerous! I would find a local natural health practitioner who has a "QXCI" machine and get a proper diagnosis. It sounds as if the doctors do not know what you have. Many of these mysterious disorders are actually viral or parasitical. As far as losing your hair, that can also be determined with the QXCI.

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking methylprednisolone and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
· increased blood pressure (severe headache or blurred vision); or
· sudden weight gain (more than 5 pounds in a day or two).
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take methylprednisolone and talk to your doctor if you experience
· insomnia;
· nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset;
· fatigue or dizziness;
· muscle weakness or joint pain;
· problems with diabetes control; or
· increased hunger or thirst.
• Other side effects that occur only rarely, usually with high doses of methylprednisolone, include
· acne,
· increased hair growth,
· thinning of the skin,
· cataracts,
· glaucoma,
· osteoporosis,
· roundness of the face, and
· changes in behavior.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.