Is there anyone who is experiencing hair loss from Lialda?

This summer I have been diagnosed with mild ulcerative colitis. Since then I have been taking Lialda. Now I’m on 2 pills per day, which is not a very large does. Also I’m taking a vitamin, fish oil and a lot of other supplements which are suppose to decrease my symptoms. Two month after taking Lialda I started to experience extreme hair loss.  I tried using different oils and biotin concentrate to stop it, but unfortunately nothing helps.  I told this to my doctor, but he doesn’t do anything and just says that all ulcerative colitis medications will cause this side effect. I am 20 years old college student, so it is very painful for me to be losing my hair at this point in my life. I didn’t have very sick hair to begin with, so now it starts to be noticeable. I don’t know what to do anymore. I cry each time I wash my hair. My parents are in denial, and refuse to hear about this problem. Now, I’m mentally starting to prepare that very soon all my hair will be gone. I might have to wear a scarf starting next semester  

I wanted to know if there is anyone else who is having the same problem. Do you know how long this will continue? Is there anything I can do to stop this hair loss? What is the best way to explain to my parents what I’m going through?

Sorry for such a long post. I hope to get some good advice….

Post Edited (KatB*) : 12/16/2010 8:44:53 AM (GMT-7)

Sorry to hear about your hair loss.  I know that for a young lady this must be extremely difficult.   As far as your parents go, I would imagine it is just as you said, denial.  It is Very difficult as a parent to see your child be so very sick and part of you wants to deny that it's even happening.  You need to sit them both down and tell them that this is a very scary time for you and that you need them both. 

Good Luck to you and come back here for any questions or support you need..   This is a really great forum and there are some wonderful people here that help on a daily basis.

Below is some info I read on the web about hair loss and what you can do naturally to help yourself.  Also, even a slight iron deficiency can cause hair loss.  Have your hemaglobin checked by your Dr.  

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There is a specific hormone that is involved in causing hair loss called Dihydrotestostrone, or DHT for short and this hormone is derived from androgen. Androgen is circulated through the bloodstream and is converted to DHT by an enzyme. DHT tends to attach itself to the hair follicle receptors that causes the follicles to grow thinner and weaker hairs until nothing re-grows and the follicles eventually shrink and wither away.

Natural supplements provide essential minerals and vitamins helpful for hair follicle support. These include Zinc, Magnesium, Biotin and Vitamin B6. These nutrients are also essential for immune function, skin and nail health, protein digestion and healthy red blood cells. They also utilize a blend of botanicals that naturally inhibit DHT formation. Saw Palmetto and Nettle are two key ingredients, both of which block DHT and have been used in traditionally as an herbal remedy for many years

Before being diagnosed with UC, my GI thought that I had IBS. In June of this year I suddenly started having all the horrible symptoms of UC. He did a colonoscopy and it revealed that I had UC. At first I was on Asacol, but after complaining about the hair loss I was switched to Lialda. The hair loss however still continues. I have definitely cut out a lot of foods right after my flare, which I still don’t eat today. I don’t eat any raw fruits or vegetables, avid many cooked vegetables like spinach, cabbage, peppers and pumpkins. Also I don’t drink milk or eat dairy yogurt. Around two month ago I stopped eating foods that contain gluten. One of my doctors said that it might be causing my symptoms. I pretty much stay on the low fiber diet all the time.

Unfortunately my UC is all over the colon. My doctor hasn’t mentioned any rectal meds. Right now I’m doing fine. Some days are worth than others, but in general it’s pretty good.  I was able to go to school this semester and my life wasn’t really interrupted buy the UC. When I decreased Lialda to one per day I started feeling a little worth, but I could still handle it. After a month and a half I started to feel worth, so I went back to two.  

I have the small hairs all over my head. I think they started to grow when I decreased Lialda. Now I think they all will fall out again. It’s just so stressful because my appearance was very important for me. I am thankful that Lialda helps, but still it is very difficult to deal with this side effect.

By the way, thanks for your comments. It is nice to talk to someone who understands.