Hopefullness

So the three days since the dermatologist told me I had female pattern baldness, even though I'm a healthy 29-year-old with no family history of any such thing, have been a wave of emotions. The next day I had a commercial audition. I was so supposed to look cute, but here I was, feeling disgusting. It was frightening for me to apply the rogaine to my scalp where I saw a widening part and small bald spot on the back of my head. I've been going out a lot this week with friends. It's been helping. Unless I go to the bathroom and see my head in the mirror. My boyfriend - who I live with - has also been very supportive and helpful. I saw my primary care physician Friday morning, to get her opinion. She took a vile of blood from me to test it for possible causes, such as a thyroid condition and hormone imbalance. Surprisingly, she said at least once a week she has someone coming to see her with this concern. But then, "how many people do you see walking around with this problem? Not many." Meaning, often times it is shortlived.

My bf and I got back from dinner and drinks with friends and he saw how concerned I was about my hair. So he got on the internet to do some research for me. I have already done some on my own, but ever since the dermatologist apt. on Wed. I've been overwhelmed. It was helpful to have my significant other do the work for me. As he began to do some research just now, he asked me: "and your not on any new medications?" About a month ago, my primary care Physician prescribed me the Advair inhaler when I complained of shortness of breath. I stopped using it when I noticed my hair coming out. I mentioned the Advair to the dermatologist, but she said it wouldn't affect it. Apparently she was wrong, because when bf googled Advair - hair loss, tons of hits came up. He checked a message board, where hair loss on Advair seemed to be a recurring theme. So...it seems we got to the bottom of it! I will see what my doctor says when my blood panel comes back, but I have a feeling it will be normal. Obviously, I will never use Advair again. I am very grateful to all the individuals who posted on that message board, because hair loss is not listed as a possible side effect to Advair on their website or in their packaging. I'm lucky I didn't actually need the Advair. In the meanwhile, I will continue using rogaine until my hair fully grows back. I feel hopeful.