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I'm waiting on a few things but I should have the colostrum in a week or so after which I'll report back and let y'all know my status. I will be using only the colostrum. If nothing shows I will drop the colostrum and use the potassium iodide. If neither work I'll add the liver w/e stuff (link to product anyone?) and if still nothing I'll add all three. It will take months but together we will find out which work (if any).
I am going to start adrenal cortex on Thursday. Unrelated to the recommendation here, I've been taking lugol's iodine/iodide for the past couple weeks. Maybe it slowed shedding a little but maybe not. No regrowth.
You won't see regrowth in just a couple of weeks. It takes months before a follicle starts producing hair again
Hi all,
I've been keeping an eye on this discussion since my last posting back in October of last year. It has been very informative (well, for the most part:), so thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread. I guess the bad news is that we're all still shedding, but the upside is that, perhaps, in collaboration we might find a way to remedy our common, self-inflicted snafu. Here is my $0.02.
Over the past year, I have tried to tackle this problem from multiple angles via vitamin/mineral/antioxidant supplementation (vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B7, B12, D, E, magnesium, zinc, curmcumin, NAC); topical treatments (ketoconazole, minoxidil, corticosteroids, azelaic acid, essential oils); the use of adaptogens and adrenal support supplements (ashwagandha, valerian root, Relora, rhodiola, Seriphos); as well as anti-androgenic supplements (Saw Palmetto, Nettle Root Extract). Unfortunately, thus far nothing has worked very well I still have scalp irritation/inflammation and my hair loss continues. If I had to estimate, Im down to about 30-40% of the follicles in the anagen (active) phase.
I can elaborate on what Ive done and the rationale for why Id chosen any particular approach if anyone wants to know.
My background is in chemistry and pharma, so knowing the jargon and the basics of the healthcare reimbursement system I was able to convince my pcp to run a lot of tests for me, which he had reluctantly agreed to do. I have to double check, but I think that all of my vitamin/mineral panels came back normal, while some of my hormones were out of whack.
I had my cortisol tested three times using two different methodologies. The blood cortisol test (sample drawn in the morning when the cortisol level is supposed to peak) came back normal while both of the 24h urine tests (urine collected over 24 hours and tested for the total amount of cortisol) showed my cortisol levels elevated (almost 4 times above normal). Our cortisol levels are supposed to follow the circadian rhythm spike in the morning and diminish towards the evening. Apparently, my adrenals keep secreting cortisol throughout the day (hence the issues with sleep), This would also explain the discrepancy in the cortisol test results. As Ive mentioned a while ago, I suspect that the B5 megadosing has thrown our HPA axis out of kilter, putting our adrenals in hyperdrive. If not corrected, this will eventually lead to adrenal fatigue, which will, in turn, affect the thyroid function.
That is some excellent news, man. Hopefully, your results are generalizable and can be reproduced in others.
I really like your idea of trying each of the components of Hermetics regimen to see which one did it for him, or if it was a combination of some or all of them. I suspect the glandulars are to blame though.
I could also take part in this little experiment take, for example, colostrums for 6 weeks and report the results. If other people are willing to participate, maybe we can assign and keep track of who is trying what. We should also come up with a list of symptoms and a qualitative way to measure outcomes (e.g. variable A scalp irritation ranging from 0 to 5, with 0 being no irritation and 5 well, you get the idea). Let me know what you guys think.
Good info discomfortzone. What would the treatment be if cortisol /adrenals in hyperdrive is the problem?
Yes a list of symptoms would be a good idea
I shouldn't get the credit for the organizing of this though, that was itsoveriknowiknow.
I am going to order everything hermetic was talking about, and then start trying in whichever order we decide on.
It feels good that more than only me are gonna buy those supplement and try.
But I will take them all at once, I dont have the patience to try one at a time, but good job you others who will do it that way. The supps will arrive tomorrow but im going on a vacation on saturday and will be gone one week so im going to start when I get back home.
I actually have a good feeling about this
Indeed, credit goes to itsoveriknowiknow. Sorry about that, I copied & pasted your name by mistake.
Actually, I think everyone on this thread deserves a pat on the back - this entire ordeal has been a real bear.
As far as mitigating hyperactive adrenals, its a pretty complicated feat. You can listen to this discussion on youtube to get an idea of what it might entail: youtu.be/SM9vDjCuhvQ
I suggest that we each make a list of all the symptoms weve experienced. Include everything that seemed off: for example, insomnia, the periodic tingling sensation in the feet, the hardening of the sebum, itchy scalp, dry eyes, an increase in androgenicity (DHT is a powerful androgen that can cause back/shoulder hair), etc. This way we can compile a list of symptoms of this disorder, making it easier to troubleshoot and qualify/quantify progress.
I would strongly suggest that we do this before reading other peoples accounts, so as to avoid being influenced by what the others describe. We can compare our notes afterward and create a composite list.
Initial post-quitting B5 symptoms: (In order of severity)
Hair shedding (obviously)
Scalp itching
Flaking dermatitis-like stuff on upper ear/hairline.
Dry skin/eyes
Lethargy
Current symptoms: (1 yr later)
Hair shedding
Scalp itching (diminished) - worse in the evening
Dry skin but gets oily very quick.
Things that I've done to help symptoms:
Stopped washing my hair. I shower regularly but only use soap once every 2 weeks or so. I just rinse it well with warm water and that has seemed to take down the itching a lot. If you plan on doing a similar thing then know that your scalp will likely go through a transition phase where it will smell a little funky for a couple weeks but then will achieve a sort of balance that will improve over time. Look up "no-poo" if you're interested.
Consuming more food, specifically proteins. The dry skin and scalp itch seem to lessen a bit when I consume a lot more food throughout the day. Not sure on this one. Found this out while trying to bulk up a bit. I lift weights three times a week and try to eat as much as I can to help facilitate growth. A happy side-effect is that it seems to curtail the effects a bit while on this diet/schedule.
The shedding is still definitely there, but it seems as though it has reached a sort of equilibrium for me. I'm not losing anymore than I get back at the moment so I have that to be happy for. I will, like I mentioned before, try the colostrum first and keep regular notes on any possible changes. I think we have a few colostrum and a few potassium, anyone willing to take the adrenal cortex by itself?
Good luck to everyone.
Any news yet? I think the fact that multiple people have lost the majority of the hair at the temples points to MPB.
If it were adrenal fatigue, it would be diffuse shedding(Telogen Effluvium)
I lose hair all over the head, eyebrows too.
In fact my hairloss started in the neck, I had crazy shedding there, could pull out more than 5 hairs everytime I just pulled my hair in the neck.
If people lose hair all over the head (diffuse shedding), I think it would be most visible at hairline/temples because thats the place you DONT wanna shed and makes it most visible. I could receed 2-5 cm and have very thin hair in the neck and I wouldnt give a fuck, but 2-5 cm receeding and thinning hair at the hairline would make me think of suicide lol.
I started the supplements 2 days ago, I will report back in 2-3 weeks
Colostrum
Adrenal Cortex
Raw Thyroid
Has anybody found a cure for the dry scalp?
I already tried Nizoral, tea tree oil, olive oil, castor oil and corticosteroids for seborrheic dermatitis but the dryness,irritation, redness and tiny flakes always return.
I do not wash my hair very often, use gentle shampoos+tea tree oil mixed in and always use conditioner but my scalp is still dry
Not trying to get hopes up guys but my shedding is almost none right now. Sad thing is that I first noticed it about 9 days ago and I just started taking the colostrum within the past 6 days so I can't 100% attribute it to that. I would usually lose a handful of hair when I shower but lately it's less than half of what it was. Will continue with this for another 5 weeks or so and see if the shedding stops completely.
Good luck to all .
Not trying to get hopes up guys but my shedding is almost none right now. Sad thing is that I first noticed it about 9 days ago and I just started taking the colostrum within the past 6 days so I can't 100% attribute it to that. I would usually lose a handful of hair when I shower but lately it's less than half of what it was. Will continue with this for another 5 weeks or so and see if the shedding stops completely.
Good luck to all .
What supplements were you taking as of 9 days ago?
I just wanted to let everyone know that I found the cause of my hair loss.
I went to the doctor and she tested my blood-- I have a critically low hemoglobin, which means I'm severely anemic and don't have enough red blood cells. It takes B12, iron and folate to create these.
Further, she tested my ferritin, which is the amount of iron stored in the body, and I have absolutely none.
You need at least a 70 ferritin to keep your hair.
I suggest everyone get their ferritin and hemoglobin checked, just to rule that out-- I don't think b5 was actually harming me, as I had been on it for a year and a half with no consequences, then was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal disease, and months later they think I'm losing blood/iron due to said disease.
I'm on iron/folate/b12 supplements right now, but doc said it'll take months to raise hemoglobin to normal and even longer to store up ferritin in my body 
In the meantime I've ordered a wig because she said this will be a long journey; but the plus side is it isn't permanent.
So there's my experience.
I just wanted to let everyone know that I found the cause of my hair loss.
I went to the doctor and she tested my blood-- I have a critically low hemoglobin, which means I'm severely anemic and don't have enough red blood cells. It takes B12, iron and folate to create these.
Further, she tested my ferritin, which is the amount of iron stored in the body, and I have absolutely none.
You need at least a 70 ferritin to keep your hair.
I suggest everyone get their ferritin and hemoglobin checked, just to rule that out-- I don't think b5 was actually harming me, as I had been on it for a year and a half with no consequences, then was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal disease, and months later they think I'm losing blood/iron due to said disease.
I'm on iron/folate/b12 supplements right now, but doc said it'll take months to raise hemoglobin to normal and even longer to store up ferritin in my body
In the meantime I've ordered a wig because she said this will be a long journey; but the plus side is it isn't permanent.
So there's my experience.
Im glad you found your problem.
I did this test also maybe 6 months ago and everything was perfect.
I just wanted to let everyone know that I found the cause of my hair loss.
I went to the doctor and she tested my blood-- I have a critically low hemoglobin, which means I'm severely anemic and don't have enough red blood cells. It takes B12, iron and folate to create these.
Further, she tested my ferritin, which is the amount of iron stored in the body, and I have absolutely none.
You need at least a 70 ferritin to keep your hair.
I suggest everyone get their ferritin and hemoglobin checked, just to rule that out-- I don't think b5 was actually harming me, as I had been on it for a year and a half with no consequences, then was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal disease, and months later they think I'm losing blood/iron due to said disease.
I'm on iron/folate/b12 supplements right now, but doc said it'll take months to raise hemoglobin to normal and even longer to store up ferritin in my body
In the meantime I've ordered a wig because she said this will be a long journey; but the plus side is it isn't permanent.
So there's my experience.
I am also anemic. Have been taking B12,iron and folate for a couple of months now. My Ferritin was at about 20 when I started and is at 50 now. Not sure if this is the cause of my hair loss though. I began experiencing hair loss only 1 week after starting B5(and immediately stopped) and I am still losing hair 1 year later.
I have been to a thyroid specialist two days ago and he did a ultrasound and blood test. He said my thyroid gland was a bit below average in size and that I was hypothyroid and will have to take medication. Will get the prescription in the next few days I assume.
It seems strange to me that I am hypothyroid, I always thought that I may be hyperthyroid if anything as I am tall and very skinny.
Anyway, does supplementing with raw thyroid have the same effect as hypothyroidism-medication, namely getting the thyroid gland to be more active?
Not trying to get hopes up guys but my shedding is almost none right now. Sad thing is that I first noticed it about 9 days ago and I just started taking the colostrum within the past 6 days so I can't 100% attribute it to that. I would usually lose a handful of hair when I shower but lately it's less than half of what it was. Will continue with this for another 5 weeks or so and see if the shedding stops completely.
Good luck to all .
What supplements were you taking as of 9 days ago?
None. Just consuming a lot of proteins.