PCOS androgenic alopecia: Will I start losing my hair again after stopping Diane-35 ? (even though I plan to continue Rogaine) ?

Question

I'm 23 y/o with 1st stage female pattern baldness, shedding 200+ hair per day. I have PCOS (though with regular periods). I started Diane35 in January'17 in the hope that it would help with my hair loss. Luckily my hair loss now has completely stopped and I am very happy. I have also been applying Rogaine 5% women foam alongside. I am planning to stop Diane35 next month as I am worried about side effects like DVT. Should I expect to lose hair again? (Even though I plan to continue Rogaine)??

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello, Please see below for treatments for hair lossWomen are currently not FDA approved for the use of the ARTAS.  However, our use of the ARTAS does suggest that women who are experiencing androgenic alopecia may be good candidates.  As always, women should have a thorough workup including the following:
Trichoscopy- identify type of hair loss Extensive history and labs- rule out other forms of hair loss We use ARTAS with regenerative techniques with women such as PRP and growth factors to help improve overall results.
 Best,
Anil Shah

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Your wise to consider side effects of any treatment. You'll want to have these discussion with your dermatologist who will know all your details and have a chance to review all your blood tests. For most women with PCOS related hair loss who experience cessation of hair loss with Diane35 and minoxidil, a hair shedding will occur once Diane is stopped.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

When a treatment works, you should be careful about stopping it without careful consultation with your doctor

PCOS androgenic alopecia: Will I start losing my hair again after stopping Diane-35 ? (even though I plan to continue Rogaine) ?

Answers (3)