Sadie
20.08.2007, 19:07 |
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London (Doctors & Dermatologists) |
For 3 years i've been given the run around by Dr Hugh Rushton that my thinning hair was down to low iron alone. After having browsed him for the last few months like a maniac, i have discovered from a few sites (this and Keratin particularly) that he puts hair loss in women down to iron alone. I then browsed for studies on low iron and hair loss (other than his own of course). Although iron can "contribute" to hair loss, it isnt the sole "cause" of hair loss, and it seems that this conclusion isnt well documented on general web browses concerning hair loss, hence why many women just go along with the "low ferritin theory".
As my hair got progressively thinner, and i hit rock bottom a couple of months back, I demanded my dermatologist refer me to another Dermatologist (instead of Hugh Rushton, a Trichologist, and not a great one at that imo) who specialises in hair loss: Dr Fenton. This Derm has diagnosed me with AGA after a scalp biopsy showed i am shedding on the top and sides at a rate of 6 times more than my lower back, thus showing a female pattern of baldness.
Dr Fenton was far more understanding and empathetic to my hair loss. He didnt put down my thinning to being "all in my hand" or "paranoia", like Hugh Rushton did. However, in my last appointment with him, I found that I was being hurried along . Considering we, in the UK, whether we have private cover or not, are paying these guys some 1-200 pounds for 30 minutes, it really peeves me off that one isnt comforable about their situation when they leave the consultation room.
Anyone else felt like this? That no one can understand? This is the reason why i've ended up on websites searching for others who actually understand!!!!
Dr Fenton costs £250 for 30 minutes!
Sadie is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Debbie
20.08.2007, 19:13
@ Sadie
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
» For 3 years i've been given the run around by Dr Hugh Rushton that my
» thinning hair was down to low iron alone. After having browsed him for the
» last few months like a maniac, i have discovered from a few sites (this and
» Keratin particularly) that he puts hair loss in women down to iron alone. I
» then browsed for studies on low iron and hair loss (other than his own of
» course). Although iron can "contribute" to hair loss, it isnt the sole
» "cause" of hair loss, and it seems that this conclusion isnt well
» documented on general web browses concerning hair loss, hence why many
» women just go along with the "low ferritin theory".
»
» As my hair got progressively thinner, and i hit rock bottom a couple of
» months back, I demanded my dermatologist refer me to another Dermatologist
» (instead of Hugh Rushton, a Trichologist, and not a great one at that imo)
» who specialises in hair loss: Dr Fenton. This Derm has diagnosed me with
» AGA after a scalp biopsy showed i am shedding on the top and sides at a
» rate of 6 times more than my lower back, thus showing a female pattern of
» baldness.
»
» Dr Fenton was far more understanding and empathetic to my hair loss. He
» didnt put down my thinning to being "all in my hand" or "paranoia", like
» Hugh Rushton did. However, in my last appointment with him, I found that I
» was being hurried along . Considering we, in the UK, whether we have
» private cover or not, are paying these guys some 1-200 pounds for 30
» minutes, it really peeves me off that one isnt comforable about their
» situation when they leave the consultation room.
»
» Anyone else felt like this? That no one can understand? This is the reason
» why i've ended up on websites searching for others who actually
» understand!!!!
»
» Dr Fenton costs £250 for 30 minutes!
Try Dr. Redmond in NYC. He sees patients from all over the world and may be willing to do a phone consult given your proximity. Hormone Help Center of New York. He's incredibly well versed in AGA, he also wrote a great book called The Hormonally Vulnerable Woman. I recommend reading it. Good luck.
Debbie is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Carly75
21.08.2007, 07:08
(edited by Carly75, 21.08.2007, 09:50)
@ Sadie
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
I have seen both these specialists and I have exactly the opposite to say about the two! Dr Fenton put it down to my iron and failed to let me know that my testosterone was high, which could be a sign of PCOS, and so I didn't know that I really should be seeing an endocrinologist.
Dr Rushton however took one look at my blood tests and wrote to my GP asking him to refer me to an endo suspecting thryoid dysfunction and PCOS. The endo did the tests and it turns out that he was right. I do agree though Dr Rushton isn't all too sympathetic but, in my case at least, he was much better at diagnosing my condition(s) than Dr Fenton despite not being a medical doctor. I don't think I would have ever found about these problems if it weren't for him - my GP is useless and had previously said my thryoid was fine despite my TSH fluctuating a lot.
One thing I do agree with you on is that Dr Fenton rushes you like crazy - he does seem very money-oriented. I can't blame him for not spotting my thryoid problem cos at the time my TSH wasn't high but my testosterone really was. All he did was make me go for more private blood tests (even though I had had loads done on the NHS) and tell me again that it was iron. I do agree that he's more sympathetic than most doctors and I was so glad when I first met him because I thought finally someone who listens and understands! But after being seen for ten minutes at a time for £200+ I can't help thinking it may not be 100% genuine - that's just my personal opinion.
Also, when the problem started getting really bad (I think that's when my thryoid problem kicked in) I went to see him and he told me that it looked like it was getting better! I regret going to see him many times because he really didn't help me at all. He was always wanting to do that pull test - hmmm I wonder why...
I would recommend seeing an endocrinologist just to make sure there are no hormonal problems - if you're on the high or low end of the 'normal' range everyone will tell you you're fine except an endo. But if you can see for yourself that you're in the middle for everything then maybe it wouldn't be of much use.
Sorry for the long message but I hope it's helped you a little.
Carly75 is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Sadie
21.08.2007, 15:49
@ Carly75
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
Thanks Debbie re. Dr Redmond. I've checked his website and browsed for his book on Amazon, which I think I will invest in 
Carly - glad to read your experience with Dr Rushton went well. Perhaps it was because of your thyroid readings: an obvious hair loss cause, which cant be overlooked, and one cant be sent away with his classic floresine tablets!
At my first consultation I didnt find Dr Fenton to be "rushing" me, but the subsequent one was definately rushed and I disliked that esp after 200 odd quid for the pull test, 616 for the blood tests and 250 for the consultation alone!!! Luckily I am covered by private medical insurance, but it doesnt cover all my consultation fees, so i will be paying him for those as the others were "wasted" on Dr Rushton (!)
My hormones all were within correct readings, except my prolactin which was over the maximum within the range of 126-469. Mine was 521. Fenton dismissed that as me being "stressed" at having a blood test. A browse on the net reveals that high prolactin is an underlying cause/symptom of PCOS.
I'm tempted to ask my GP to refer me to an Endo, as you have suggested. At least then i'll have exhausted all avenues to figure the cause of my hair loss, though Dr Fenton did say I have AGA based on the scalp biopsy which showed increased shedding on the top and sides.
If anyone has any suggestions for good Endrocrinologists in the London area, I would greatly appreciate them. Many thanks xox
Sadie is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
salis
21.08.2007, 16:46
@ Sadie
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
» Thanks Debbie re. Dr Redmond. I've checked his website and browsed for his
» book on Amazon, which I think I will invest in
»
» Carly - glad to read your experience with Dr Rushton went well. Perhaps it
» was because of your thyroid readings: an obvious hair loss cause, which
» cant be overlooked, and one cant be sent away with his classic floresine
» tablets!
»
» At my first consultation I didnt find Dr Fenton to be "rushing" me, but
» the subsequent one was definately rushed and I disliked that esp after 200
» odd quid for the pull test, 616 for the blood tests and 250 for the
» consultation alone!!! Luckily I am covered by private medical insurance,
» but it doesnt cover all my consultation fees, so i will be paying him for
» those as the others were "wasted" on Dr Rushton (!)
»
» My hormones all were within correct readings, except my prolactin which
» was over the maximum within the range of 126-469. Mine was 521. Fenton
» dismissed that as me being "stressed" at having a blood test. A browse on
» the net reveals that high prolactin is an underlying cause/symptom of
» PCOS.
»
» I'm tempted to ask my GP to refer me to an Endo, as you have suggested. At
» least then i'll have exhausted all avenues to figure the cause of my hair
» loss, though Dr Fenton did say I have AGA based on the scalp biopsy which
» showed increased shedding on the top and sides.
»
» If anyone has any suggestions for good Endrocrinologists in the London
» area, I would greatly appreciate them. Many thanks xox
Hello All
I've also been to Dr Fenton and Dr Rushton. Short and sweet, I hated Dr Fenton, he has the bedside manner of a snooty self important money making twat. Very dismissive, reluctant to answer any questions about hormonal stuff, charged a fortune and you just feel like he wants to get rid of you as soon as possible. When i saw him last i ended up in a toilet crying. Dr Rushton was very iron orientated but i felt he had more knowledge somehow in that he would answer more questions and provide more information. He did however make me feel like it was all in my mind and that i had nothing to worry about, which just made me really angry. I think if I set up my own personal private business, based on my personal experiences and the things i;ve learnt (from these sites more than anywhere else) , i'd be able to guide women who go through living hell a damn sight lot better than them.
In terms of good endocrinologists, I recently visited a Dr John Moran 69 Wimpole Street. He's a holistic naturopath type practioner as well. He has gone through things more thoroughly with me (but at a sometimes too drawn out cost). I dont feel confident however that he knows enough about hair loss and hormones though. He put me on progesterone cream, doesnt seem to do anything. Have recently had 3 periods in the last 6 week and am not sure whether this had anything to do with it. Also seeing an accupuncturist in harley street, so not sure if in combination with her whether this has somehow had an effect. He did carry out a vitamin test which was good as it found minor deficiencies in a number of areas, but why dont the starving people of the world have hair loss.
Enter salis and london practitioners into the search box, i posted info about all the practitioners ive seen in london about a few months back.
Hope this is helpful, please contact me any time.
I often feel like im fighting a losing battle and its slowly but surely beating me into the ground.
Have any of you tried any of the anti androgens or propecia yet ?
salis
salis is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
salis
21.08.2007, 16:51
@ Sadie
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
» For 3 years i've been given the run around by Dr Hugh Rushton that my
» thinning hair was down to low iron alone. After having browsed him for the
» last few months like a maniac, i have discovered from a few sites (this and
» Keratin particularly) that he puts hair loss in women down to iron alone. I
» then browsed for studies on low iron and hair loss (other than his own of
» course). Although iron can "contribute" to hair loss, it isnt the sole
» "cause" of hair loss, and it seems that this conclusion isnt well
» documented on general web browses concerning hair loss, hence why many
» women just go along with the "low ferritin theory".
»
» As my hair got progressively thinner, and i hit rock bottom a couple of
» months back, I demanded my dermatologist refer me to another Dermatologist
» (instead of Hugh Rushton, a Trichologist, and not a great one at that imo)
» who specialises in hair loss: Dr Fenton. This Derm has diagnosed me with
» AGA after a scalp biopsy showed i am shedding on the top and sides at a
» rate of 6 times more than my lower back, thus showing a female pattern of
» baldness.
»
» Dr Fenton was far more understanding and empathetic to my hair loss. He
» didnt put down my thinning to being "all in my hand" or "paranoia", like
» Hugh Rushton did. However, in my last appointment with him, I found that I
» was being hurried along . Considering we, in the UK, whether we have
» private cover or not, are paying these guys some 1-200 pounds for 30
» minutes, it really peeves me off that one isnt comforable about their
» situation when they leave the consultation room.
»
» Anyone else felt like this? That no one can understand? This is the reason
» why i've ended up on websites searching for others who actually
» understand!!!!
»
» Dr Fenton costs £250 for 30 minutes!
Oh yest forgot to add, Dr Rushton always went on about all these women that come to see him and who are always very anxious about their hair loss and his pull tests always show year after year that they're arent any changes. What a monkey. That's exactly the patronising information he always gave me and my hair has got worse. Saw him twice and that was enough to make me very angry. How dare he play with people like that and charge them for it. aaaaaaahhhhhhh
salis is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Sadie
21.08.2007, 18:56
@ salis
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
Hmm Salis, your comments reinforce what i think and have experienced with both Fenton and Rushton! I really thought Fenton would have been "better" than Rushton, and indeed got that impression from the first consultation so felt confident. But thereafter, when he gave me the idea of dianette/and regaine to try later (the same i've had from obvious money making trichologists at the Belgravia and Philip Kingsley), i just felt as though i'd wasted shed loads of money on nothing. Or maybe those are the only solutions to hair loss, and i'm just in denial!!!
Anyhoos, to answer your second question re. anti-androgens. I am keen to go on dianette asap, but have got to get my GP's go ahead as my liver enzymes are unusually high. Will know in September if it's a yay or nay. If I cant go on it, i'm pretty much stuffed.
I think i'll do a bit of research on endocrinologists dealing with hair loss in the london area.
I don't know if it's just me, but I get the impression that hair loss sufferers stateside seem to get better "attention" about their hair concerns than us in Europe. Hmmmm....
Sadie is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Sadie
21.08.2007, 19:01
@ salis
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
Exactly - his trichogram for my hair showed: "no shedding in the preceeding 6 months and no shedding in the next 6 months". My dermatologist noticed the thinning several months later by a simple hair examination, as did my hair dressers of 3 yrs and good mates.
I have come accross many forums where females have complained about Rushtons "iron solution to hair loss", promotion of his own product "floresine" and unsympathetic attitude to female hair loss.
I sometimes wonder if he reads them!!!
Sadie is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Carly75
22.08.2007, 05:37
@ Sadie
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
Hi Sadie
Did Dr Fenton do a scalp biopsy as well as a pull test?
Carly75 is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Carly75
22.08.2007, 05:39
@ Sadie
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
Hi Salis
How are you doing? You were on androcur weren't you? Did it help at all? Do you have high testosterone/pcos?
Carly75 is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Sadie
22.08.2007, 10:18
@ Carly75
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
» Did Dr Fenton do a scalp biopsy as well as a pull test?
Hi Carly. Perhaps you can help me answer the above! The words "hair pathology", "scalp biopsy" were mentioned, but when i have read descriptions of how these are done, it sounds like a pull test? Not sure. Basically, Dr Fenton yanked out 20 odd hairs from the top / side of my head in one go (clipped and then yanked), and then 20 odd hairs from the lower back. A few weeks later i was told about the rates of shedding from both areas.
Dr Rushton pluked out 30 hairs from one area and did, what he said, a Trichogram.
Sigh.....
Sadie is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Carly75
22.08.2007, 12:14
@ Sadie
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
Hmmm I always thought a scalp biopsy was more invasive but I am not really sure. To me, they both sound like pull tests - what do you think?
What were the results from Dr Rushton's test? Just negative for shedding full stop?
» » Did Dr Fenton do a scalp biopsy as well as a pull test?
»
» Hi Carly. Perhaps you can help me answer the above! The words "hair
» pathology", "scalp biopsy" were mentioned, but when i have read
» descriptions of how these are done, it sounds like a pull test? Not sure.
» Basically, Dr Fenton yanked out 20 odd hairs from the top / side of my
» head in one go (clipped and then yanked), and then 20 odd hairs from the
» lower back. A few weeks later i was told about the rates of shedding from
» both areas.
»
» Dr Rushton pluked out 30 hairs from one area and did, what he said, a
» Trichogram.
»
» Sigh.....
Carly75 is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Sadie
22.08.2007, 12:28
@ Carly75
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
To be honest Carly, I don't know what to think anymore! 
Dr Rushtons trichogram back in 2005 showed "no shedding took place in the last 6 months, and none will take place in the next 6 months", which is pretty much b.s. given how thin the hair has become on the top of my head and how much my hair density has been reduced.
Dr Fentons' test was recent, and he found a rate of 3% shedding at the lower back (normal shed rate, so he said) and a shedding rate of 18% on the top/sides, hence the AGA diagnosis as he felt this was female patterned baldness.
I've just looked through all my blood test results and all are fine, as in not alarming, except low zinc and ferritin of 62, and also prolactin. Fenton did all the blood tests going! The prolactin result is causing me some concern as it was over the maximum (range) limit. The balding blog website states that an increase in prolactin is a cause of hair loss, but Fenton dismissed the result saying it was due to stress of having blood taken. I dunno.
So, sounds like these were "pull tests" (trichogram as Dr Rushton called it?) given the lack of invasiveness. A scalp biopsy does sound daunting. I think i've read somewhere on here that stitches are required for the biopsy (shudders).
Sadie is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
salis
22.08.2007, 13:28
@ Carly75
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
» Hi Salis
»
» How are you doing? You were on androcur weren't you? Did it help at all?
» Do you have high testosterone/pcos?
Hi Carly
No dont have high T, my highest when i got it first tested three years ago was 1.3 (0.2 -2.9) since then have had 1.1 and most recent last year was less than 0.7. Dont have PCOS but when i went for scan they said i had more than average follicles or polyps, cant remember. The med student that saw me kept going next door to ask questions which didnt feel very assuring. I've pasted and copied my update on androcur, when last posted below for your info. Since then i have reduced it to an eight of the tablet, which is about 6mg, might up it again really slowly to see if it will decrease shedding as it initially did. At present lose 100-150 every day, hair just progressively thinning. Not sure what to do anymore was thinking of going on propecia. I've read quite a bit on avodart, a new drug which i've heard quite a few women have success on. More recently have also visited an endo who put me on progesterone cream for the last 10 days of my cycle based on 28 days. Have taken it june and july and in august had periods lasting for 4 days three times. Not sure whats going on. Would like to actually have a clearer picture one day. How you going ?
Just a summary update about how ive been getting on........
Prior to going onto to it was shedding an average of 200 plus per day over a week. Was doing so for about 4 or 5 months previous to that. Started taking 12.5 mg CPA toward end of September. By the end of October there was a reduction to about 130 per day for the week. I then upped my dosage to 25 mg. The result was that the shedding continued to decrease and a month later it was down to an average of 100. On the third month i upped it to 50 mg. At the end of that month the average shed was about 120. Took second lot of 50mg at the end of that month and by the end the average increased to 140. Took my third dose of 50mg last month and my shed has increased drastically again over the last month. Today i shed 270, but that average over the week was 170 per day. I've drastically reduced it now again. Might stop for a while. From this data i would assume that it was working to bring the shed down on a certain dose, but once that was upped the shed increased. Unfortunately dont have any bloody results during this time to reflect any changes in levels of T, etc. I forgot to add that about 2 month ago whilst shedding was at its lowest and just about to increase, I was supplementing with 1.25 mg of estrogel. I stopped this a month later when the shedding increase as i wasnt too sure about whether this effected shedding. Has anyone has any similiar experiences and could possibly shed more light on this. it all seems very trial and error. At the end of my wits. My hair just keeps getting worse. Please let me know if you have any further info
salis is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Carly75
22.08.2007, 13:33
@ Sadie
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
Well I can understand your frustration at Dr Rushton given that the results didn't reflect reality - luckily he didn't think a trichogram was necessary for me because of my blood results.
Maybe you really should look into seeing an Endo about the prolactin - it's the only doctor that would really know because it's to do with your hormones. For example my TSH was within the acceptable range but high (4.12) and my GP said it was normal but the two endocrinologists I saw said it was far too high. If you have private insurance you don't have much to lose.
Anything too high or too low isn't ideal.
» To be honest Carly, I don't know what to think anymore!
»
» Dr Rushtons trichogram back in 2005 showed "no shedding took place in the
» last 6 months, and none will take place in the next 6 months", which is
» pretty much b.s. given how thin the hair has become on the top of my head
» and how much my hair density has been reduced.
»
» Dr Fentons' test was recent, and he found a rate of 3% shedding at the
» lower back (normal shed rate, so he said) and a shedding rate of 18% on
» the top/sides, hence the AGA diagnosis as he felt this was female
» patterned baldness.
»
» I've just looked through all my blood test results and all are fine, as in
» not alarming, except low zinc and ferritin of 62, and also prolactin.
» Fenton did all the blood tests going! The prolactin result is causing me
» some concern as it was over the maximum (range) limit. The balding blog
» website states that an increase in prolactin is a cause of hair loss, but
» Fenton dismissed the result saying it was due to stress of having blood
» taken. I dunno.
»
» So, sounds like these were "pull tests" (trichogram as Dr Rushton called
» it?) given the lack of invasiveness. A scalp biopsy does sound daunting. I
» think i've read somewhere on here that stitches are required for the biopsy
» (shudders).
Carly75 is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Carly75
22.08.2007, 13:37
@ Carly75
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
Oh yeah and didn't Fenton say that your iron was too low? Are you on supplements I am sure you've heard it all before '70+ required for regrowth'. I do believe that because my shedding stopped briefly after getting my iron up (I had been crash dieting and that's what caused the initial telogen effluvium) but then my thyroid started playing up
» Well I can understand your frustration at Dr Rushton given that the results
» didn't reflect reality - luckily he didn't think a trichogram was necessary
» for me because of my blood results.
»
» Maybe you really should look into seeing an Endo about the prolactin -
» it's the only doctor that would really know because it's to do with your
» hormones. For example my TSH was within the acceptable range but high
» (4.12) and my GP said it was normal but the two endocrinologists I saw
» said it was far too high. If you have private insurance you don't have
» much to lose.
»
» Anything too high or too low isn't ideal.
»
» » To be honest Carly, I don't know what to think anymore!
» »
» » Dr Rushtons trichogram back in 2005 showed "no shedding took place in
» the
» » last 6 months, and none will take place in the next 6 months", which is
» » pretty much b.s. given how thin the hair has become on the top of my
» head
» » and how much my hair density has been reduced.
» »
» » Dr Fentons' test was recent, and he found a rate of 3% shedding at the
» » lower back (normal shed rate, so he said) and a shedding rate of 18% on
» » the top/sides, hence the AGA diagnosis as he felt this was female
» » patterned baldness.
» »
» » I've just looked through all my blood test results and all are fine, as
» in
» » not alarming, except low zinc and ferritin of 62, and also prolactin.
» » Fenton did all the blood tests going! The prolactin result is causing
» me
» » some concern as it was over the maximum (range) limit. The balding blog
» » website states that an increase in prolactin is a cause of hair loss,
» but
» » Fenton dismissed the result saying it was due to stress of having blood
» » taken. I dunno.
» »
» » So, sounds like these were "pull tests" (trichogram as Dr Rushton
» called
» » it?) given the lack of invasiveness. A scalp biopsy does sound daunting.
» I
» » think i've read somewhere on here that stitches are required for the
» biopsy
» » (shudders).
Carly75 is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Sadie
22.08.2007, 16:35
@ Carly75
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
I have been on floresine/iron tablets since late 2004. Seems like there is a slow iron uptake, given im at 62 in serum ferritin levels.
Dr Fenton recently told me to get Ferrograd C, which I am on now. Just another version of iron tablets really.
I'm not too convinced on the theory of "low iron = hair loss", as someone said on this forum that those in lesser developed countries, with hardly anything to eat, manage to retain a lush of hair! Also, I said to one derm that a lack of iron isnt the cause of hair loss alone, though it might contribute to it, and so i dont see the need to go to Dr Rushton again. This derm agreed with me.
Sadie is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Carly75
22.08.2007, 17:20
(edited by Carly75, 22.08.2007, 17:27)
@ Sadie
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
I definitely agree with that I mean even people who suffer from eating disorders don't always have thinning hair. But, at the same time, you don't know how much thicker their hair would be if they did have iron in their diet. My hair got quite a bit thick when a few years back I was eating beef all the time. I think that lack of iron may not always be the cause for hair loss but it may help your hair in general, especially with recovering from anything - know what I mean?
Fenton told me to go on Ferrograd C too but I found that didn't help as much as taking iron and vitamin C separately - I got it up from 40 to 125 in four months, it was 24 when the shedding started.
I don't think you need to see Dr Rushton again either especially if he doesn't agree that your hair is shedding.
Good luck with the endo if you decide to go and see them.
» I have been on floresine/iron tablets since late 2004. Seems like there is
» a slow iron uptake, given im at 62 in serum ferritin levels.
»
» Dr Fenton recently told me to get Ferrograd C, which I am on now. Just
» another version of iron tablets really.
»
» I'm not too convinced on the theory of "low iron = hair loss", as someone
» said on this forum that those in lesser developed countries, with hardly
» anything to eat, manage to retain a lush of hair! Also, I said to one derm
» that a lack of iron isnt the cause of hair loss alone, though it might
» contribute to it, and so i dont see the need to go to Dr Rushton again.
» This derm agreed with me.
Carly75 is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Carly75
22.08.2007, 17:26
@ salis
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
Hi Salis
Have you thought about spiro? I am okay but thyroid is not doing great at the moment - makes me feel quite unwell.
How long have you been on androcur? Did they tell you how long it would take to take effect? Maybe there's still time for it to work? Has it even helped regrow any?
» » Hi Salis
» »
» » How are you doing? You were on androcur weren't you? Did it help at
» all?
» » Do you have high testosterone/pcos?
»
»
»
» Hi Carly
» No dont have high T, my highest when i got it first tested three years ago
» was 1.3 (0.2 -2.9) since then have had 1.1 and most recent last year was
» less than 0.7. Dont have PCOS but when i went for scan they said i had
» more than average follicles or polyps, cant remember. The med student that
» saw me kept going next door to ask questions which didnt feel very
» assuring. I've pasted and copied my update on androcur, when last posted
» below for your info. Since then i have reduced it to an eight of the
» tablet, which is about 6mg, might up it again really slowly to see if it
» will decrease shedding as it initially did. At present lose 100-150 every
» day, hair just progressively thinning. Not sure what to do anymore was
» thinking of going on propecia. I've read quite a bit on avodart, a new
» drug which i've heard quite a few women have success on. More recently
» have also visited an endo who put me on progesterone cream for the last 10
» days of my cycle based on 28 days. Have taken it june and july and in
» august had periods lasting for 4 days three times. Not sure whats going
» on. Would like to actually have a clearer picture one day. How you going
» ?
»
»
»
»
» Just a summary update about how ive been getting on........
» Prior to going onto to it was shedding an average of 200 plus per day over
» a week. Was doing so for about 4 or 5 months previous to that. Started
» taking 12.5 mg CPA toward end of September. By the end of October there
» was a reduction to about 130 per day for the week. I then upped my dosage
» to 25 mg. The result was that the shedding continued to decrease and a
» month later it was down to an average of 100. On the third month i upped
» it to 50 mg. At the end of that month the average shed was about 120. Took
» second lot of 50mg at the end of that month and by the end the average
» increased to 140. Took my third dose of 50mg last month and my shed has
» increased drastically again over the last month. Today i shed 270, but
» that average over the week was 170 per day. I've drastically reduced it
» now again. Might stop for a while. From this data i would assume that it
» was working to bring the shed down on a certain dose, but once that was
» upped the shed increased. Unfortunately dont have any bloody results
» during this time to reflect any changes in levels of T, etc. I forgot to
» add that about 2 month ago whilst shedding was at its lowest and just
» about to increase, I was supplementing with 1.25 mg of estrogel. I stopped
» this a month later when the shedding increase as i wasnt too sure about
» whether this effected shedding. Has anyone has any similiar experiences
» and could possibly shed more light on this. it all seems very trial and
» error. At the end of my wits. My hair just keeps getting worse. Please let
» me know if you have any further info
Carly75 is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Sadie
22.08.2007, 17:34
@ Carly75
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
Cheers. I'm trying to find a good endo re. hormones and hair loss issues via google, but no luck. If anyone knows of a good endo in the London area, who is empathetic, pls let me know!!!
I've tried homeopathy and ayurvedic (being south asian), but nothing, nada, zilch. Back to conventional medicine for me.
Sadie is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Carly75
22.08.2007, 17:40
@ Sadie
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
Dr Gerard Conway is an endocrinologist who deals with PCOS and I know he knows about hair loss issues too. People recommened him on a pcos website.
Try googling him?
» Cheers. I'm trying to find a good endo re. hormones and hair loss issues
» via google, but no luck. If anyone knows of a good endo in the London
» area, who is empathetic, pls let me know!!!
»
» I've tried homeopathy and ayurvedic (being south asian), but nothing,
» nada, zilch. Back to conventional medicine for me.
Carly75 is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Sadie
23.08.2007, 03:13
@ Carly75
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
Thanks Carly. I've googled Dr Conway, and indeed he seems knowledgable about hormonal issues. Can you tell me what PCOS website you found him talked about on? After the Rushton and Fenton experiences, I am wary of jumping onto the bandwaggon of "great consultants" as i've found the above 2 below par!
Cheers xox
Sadie is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Carly75
23.08.2007, 04:34
@ Sadie
|
Dr Rushton and Dr Fenton - London |
Hi Sadie
It's verity pcos - google that and the website comes up (not sure I am allowed to put actual websites on posts).
All the best
» Thanks Carly. I've googled Dr Conway, and indeed he seems knowledgable
» about hormonal issues. Can you tell me what PCOS website you found him
» talked about on? After the Rushton and Fenton experiences, I am wary of
» jumping onto the bandwaggon of "great consultants" as i've found the above
» 2 below par!
»
» Cheers xox
Carly75 is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
steph
23.08.2007, 11:52
@ Carly75
|
To Carly |
Hi Carly
Yes, I went to see Dr Rushton nearly a year ago.
I have been on Dianette, Androcur, four Florisene a day, multivits, green tea, flax eed oil, blah, silica, biotin, blah... I really look after my diet, and take regular exercise.
I occasionally call Dr Rushton to give hime an update on how my hair is looking (it looks exactly the same) and he basically keeps telling me it's all in my imagination. I told him I can PROVE I have lost a lot of hair by showing him a few old photographs.
He even suggested that my problem may well psychological, rather than physiological (another way of telling me it's all in my head.)
I told him this can't be so, as my close family and friends agree that it is thinner. He said he doesn't give a damn what they think. I don't want to ring him again, as he just gets ruder and ruder with each phone call.
He's patronising too. He keeps telling me I have I.R.I.O.T.I.S.
(I read it on the internet syndrome.)
When you go to see him, or phone him, he won't let you speak. He doesn't like you to question him. He talks over you. He's suggested I go back for a scalp biopsy, but I really don't think I can be bothered any more.
He's just after your money, and wants to flog his bloody Florisene tablets.
If this guy is the best trichologist in the country (according to him, no one else knows more about hair) then forget it. God help us!
steph is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Sadie
23.08.2007, 16:05
@ steph
|
To Carly |
Similar experience Steph! Dr Gilkes, my dermatologist, referred me to Rushton cos "he is knowledgable and an expert, as he has a Ph.D". Erm, half my family have Ph.D's, and i wouldnt particularly call them "experts" in their fields!
Likewise, I asked Dr Gilkes to refer me to Dr Fenton, and not back to Rushton after the experiences you have spoken of. I cant say Dr Fenton is miles better, but he wasn't patronising!
Sadie is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Carly75
24.08.2007, 05:58
@ steph
|
To Carly |
Hi Steph
Wow I can't believe that he spoke to you like that, no wonder you don't want to call him anymore.
I am sorry that you don't feel that your hair has improved at all - who put you on the androcur and dianette? You say that your hair looks the same, does that mean the treatment has at least halted the process?
All the best
» Hi Carly
»
» Yes, I went to see Dr Rushton nearly a year ago.
» I have been on Dianette, Androcur, four Florisene a day, multivits, green
» tea, flax eed oil, blah, silica, biotin, blah... I really look after my
» diet, and take regular exercise.
» I occasionally call Dr Rushton to give hime an update on how my hair is
» looking (it looks exactly the same) and he basically keeps telling me it's
» all in my imagination. I told him I can PROVE I have lost a lot of hair by
» showing him a few old photographs.
» He even suggested that my problem may well psychological, rather than
» physiological (another way of telling me it's all in my head.)
» I told him this can't be so, as my close family and friends agree that it
» is thinner. He said he doesn't give a damn what they think. I don't want
» to ring him again, as he just gets ruder and ruder with each phone call.
» He's patronising too. He keeps telling me I have I.R.I.O.T.I.S.
» (I read it on the internet syndrome.)
» When you go to see him, or phone him, he won't let you speak. He doesn't
» like you to question him. He talks over you. He's suggested I go back for
» a scalp biopsy, but I really don't think I can be bothered any more.
» He's just after your money, and wants to flog his bloody Florisene
» tablets.
» If this guy is the best trichologist in the country (according to him, no
» one else knows more about hair) then forget it. God help us!
Carly75 is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
steph
24.08.2007, 13:30
@ Carly75
|
To Carly |
» Hi Carly
The dermatologist suggested the Dianette, but that was before he saw my ferritin results. That was in 2005. He introduced Androcur at my request after Dr Rushton told me that Dianette alone was not enough to regrow hair.
However, once I saw Dr Rushton myself in person, (a year ago) he said he didn't feel my problem was genetic anyway, and looked more likely to be due to low iron.
I want to believe him, but I've been supplementing for so long now, along with a great diet, it's hard to believe that the cause could be nutritional.
What does your hair loss look like?
What are your experiences?
Take care
Steph
steph is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Carly75
25.08.2007, 18:04
(edited by Carly75, 25.08.2007, 18:10)
@ steph
|
To Carly |
Hi Steph
Well...I am hypothyroid and I have pcos and I had low iron (that's what started it) but my iron levels are good now. Only found out about my thyroid problem and my pcos a few months back. As explained in an earlier post it was Dr Rushton who helped me get a diagnosis, I don't know when I would have found out about these problems had he not recommended I see an endocrinologist.
My TSH has been fluctuating a lot the highest value (that I know of) was 9! I am on levothyroxine but the dose is not yet high enough as my TSH was 3+ last time I checked, endo said it needs to be less than 2 for my hypo symptoms to go. I am on Yasmin for the pcos.
It's really hard to know what's causing what though.
How are your iron levels now? Have you got a diagnosis from anyone else?
Do you think with the androcur and the dianette you have at least maintained what you had?
Take care
»» Hi Carly
»
» The dermatologist suggested the Dianette, but that was before he saw my
» ferritin results. That was in 2005. He introduced Androcur at my request
» after Dr Rushton told me that Dianette alone was not enough to regrow
» hair.
» However, once I saw Dr Rushton myself in person, (a year ago) he said he
» didn't feel my problem was genetic anyway, and looked more likely to be
» due to low iron.
» I want to believe him, but I've been supplementing for so long now, along
» with a great diet, it's hard to believe that the cause could be
» nutritional.
»
» What does your hair loss look like?
» What are your experiences?
»
» Take care
» Steph
Carly75 is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
steph
01.09.2007, 11:13
@ Carly75
|
To Carly |
Hi Carly
Sorry for the slow response, we have just got back off holiday.
I have no idea what my levels are at the moment, but they are due to be checked in October. The last reading was in May, and my ferritin was 66.
It is good that you have all of those other readings, and at least having PCOS as well as low ferritin and thyroid problems indicate that it is a problem that could be corrected eventually. (Cold comfort, I know.)
It is irritating when most of your blood results are normal, as this can only point to one thing as far as I am concerned: genetic hair loss.
Which, according to everything I've read, is permanent.
An NHS dermatologist said I had mild female pattern baldness, aggravated by telogen effluvium, brought on by stress. He initially recommended Regaine and Dianette (although there is no noticable hair loss on top of the head) and selenium tablets. After a ferritin reading of 27, he suggested I should take ferrous sulphate for 6 months. After around six months of no improvement, I added Spiro, which seemed to improve things for about five months, but then my hair took a downward spiral and I experienced a massive shedding period of at least five months. I then spoke to Dr Rushton on the telephone having read some of his papers, who confirmed Anrocur would be a better option for my condition. I decided to go and see him too, but when he examined my hair, he didn't agree that I had female pattern baldness at all.
I have now been on the same regime for over a year, and my hair seems reasonably stable, but with no real improvement. I cannot help wondering who is right.
Let me know how you are getting on.
Steph 
steph is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
Carly75
01.09.2007, 13:26
@ steph
|
To Carly |
Hi Steph
If the derm says it's only mild AGA and you do have TE then maybe getting your iron levels optimal really would help? I( know you're probably sick of hearing this!) Your iron is taking ages to get up isn't it? How much do you take a day? I was taking the fersaday iron tablets (you can get them from Boots) with those effervescent Vitamin C tablets in water and I got it up from 43 to 125 in four months. My shedding stopped for a whole month after that but then it started again and I think that's when my TSH started going up. Maybe, even if the other medication is going to work, it wont until your iron levels are optimal anyway?
Hope I don't like sound too much like the doctors that annoy us so much!
Take care
» Hi Carly
»
» Sorry for the slow response, we have just got back off holiday.
» I have no idea what my levels are at the moment, but they are due to be
» checked in October. The last reading was in May, and my ferritin was 66.
» It is good that you have all of those other readings, and at least having
» PCOS as well as low ferritin and thyroid problems indicate that it is a
» problem that could be corrected eventually. (Cold comfort, I know.)
» It is irritating when most of your blood results are normal, as this can
» only point to one thing as far as I am concerned: genetic hair loss.
» Which, according to everything I've read, is permanent.
» An NHS dermatologist said I had mild female pattern baldness, aggravated
» by telogen effluvium, brought on by stress. He initially recommended
» Regaine and Dianette (although there is no noticable hair loss on top of
» the head) and selenium tablets. After a ferritin reading of 27, he
» suggested I should take ferrous sulphate for 6 months. After around six
» months of no improvement, I added Spiro, which seemed to improve things
» for about five months, but then my hair took a downward spiral and I
» experienced a massive shedding period of at least five months. I then
» spoke to Dr Rushton on the telephone having read some of his papers, who
» confirmed Anrocur would be a better option for my condition. I decided to
» go and see him too, but when he examined my hair, he didn't agree that I
» had female pattern baldness at all.
» I have now been on the same regime for over a year, and my hair seems
» reasonably stable, but with no real improvement. I cannot help wondering
» who is right.
»
» Let me know how you are getting on.
» Steph
Carly75 is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
steph
02.09.2007, 05:44
@ Carly75
|
To Carly |
» Hi Carly
I have a good idea why it is taking a long time to get my levels up; I have been told by at least two health professionals that BCPs and Androcur can actually CAUSE anaemia, so that is why it seems to be a long drawn out process. I was taking 4-6 Florisene per day, but it was proving expensive on top of all the other vitamins I take, so I now take Ferrograd C, a high dose slow release iron supplement with added vitamin C. I also supplement with B12, as Dianette and Androcur can reduce the levels of this also.
We shall see how things are in October I guess. I try not to panic about it any more, as I was told not to expect any improvement for at least two years - and that's if it grows back at all! It'll probably all start working by the time I am an old lady, all shrivelled and wrinkled like an old prune, but with a bountiful head of glossy thick hair!
Take care now.
Steph
steph is located in [NA] and he is available to meet: NO |
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