Perms and Methotrexate

KarenK37
KarenK37 Posts: 125 Member
Okay I know this is off topic for weight loss but I was wondering if anyone knows if getting a perm while taking methotrexate is recommended or not. I ask this because I have been taking metho for about 7 years and have had hair loss obviously and I am thinking to make my hair look thicker I will do a perm. What do my RA ninja pals think, any advice or experience?

Replies

  • fuzzbugjr
    fuzzbugjr Posts: 27 Member
    No experience with perms (my hair is finally almost to my waist). But, personally, I would advise against a perm. Perms themselves are hard on your hair and if it is already thinning, there may be more damage than you'd like. Maybe talk with your doctor and see if there is another supplement to add to your daily folic acid (you ARE taking 1 mg of folic acid daily, right? :smile: ) to help your hair. I have been taking Biotin twice a day for about 8 months and I am finally seeing a little improvement in my hair. (My doctors have a list of ALL medications, supplements, etc. I take or have taken since I last saw them. I keep my list updated on my computer and print it each before each visit. Makes it easier on the doctors and me). I have been on methotrexate for over 10 years.
  • KarenK37
    KarenK37 Posts: 125 Member
    Thanks for replying and what is the Biotin? I am taking folic acid daily and a prenatal vitamin too. I just hate how flat and thin my hair looks, it being summer and all makes it even worse. UGH!
  • fuzzbugjr
    fuzzbugjr Posts: 27 Member
    Biotin is a B vitamin. Here is a link to read a bit about it. http://altmedicine.about.com/od/hairloss/a/Biotin-Hair.htm

    Please, feel free to search for yourself on google. There appears to be no scientific proof that it works, but I seem to be having some luck with it. As with anything, check with your doctor before you start.

    I take the following: daily -- calcium w/ D, vit C, a woman's over 50 multi vitamin, Biotin, B12, Folic Acid. I take Iron every other day. All have been OK'd by both my primary care and my Rheumatologist (in fact, he insists on the Folic Acid :laugh: ).

    I'm sorry you feel your hair looks flat and thin. It's a horrible feeling. When i was first diagnosed, I cut my hair into almost a pixie cut because I couldn't even brush it myself. Got tired of it after a couple of years because I felt I looked like a boy, and in the morning when I woke up I looked like Bozo the clown! So, finally, my hair is long, even though it's thin. I can wear it up in a clip, or in a braid.
  • KarenK37
    KarenK37 Posts: 125 Member
    Thanks so much for your help I will definitely check the website! My rheumy insists on folic acid also which I have been consistently taking. I don't do the Calcium w/ D which I probably should I will try that too. Thanks again!!:smile:
  • Sharont213
    Sharont213 Posts: 323 Member
    what dose are you on? I am taking 16 mg once weekly..been about 8 or 9 years now. I also take folic acid. Never heard of Biotin?
  • KarenK37
    KarenK37 Posts: 125 Member
    I take about 16mg once a week, it's 8 pills at 2.5mg. I am going to check the herbal stores for the biotin.
  • fuzzbugjr
    fuzzbugjr Posts: 27 Member
    FYI - I buy my Biotin at WalMart. I'm on 2.5 mg x 8 pills of methotrexate as well. I believe that is 20 mg (if I remember correctly what my Rheumy said).

    I had never heard of Biotin before my friend told me about it. It's helped her and it seems to be helping me. Only time will tell.