Steroids - Everything You Need to Know

Steroid's have been widely effective for people with Alopecia, including myself! But they can also come with a lot of baggage. Here's my experiences and thing's I wish I knew before starting my course..

What are they?

Steroids are synthetic drugs that closely resemble cortisol, a hormone that your body produces naturally. Steroids work by decreasing inflammation and reducing the activity of the immune system. They are used to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases and conditions.

How do they help with Alopecia?

Steroids help control Alopecia by reducing the infammation and suppressing the immune system to stop the body from attacking the hair follicles. The general ones you would be prescribed are Prednisone and Methotrexate. There are different types of steroids, which can different strengths (how much steroid the product contains). The treatment can either be oral or injections and performed by a medical professional.

For a lot of us, we would have developed somewhat of an emotional attachment to the idea of our hair growing back. For me, this was the reason why I immediately agreed when I was offered steroids that sounded promising. However, I was not explained to in depth of what the consequences could be, how this could affect my mental health, the severity of side effects and so on.

Initially when I started the course recommended by my Dermatologist, I was less concerned about the repercussions and more desperate towards the idea of finally having some regrowth. I started the course and it all kicked off from there! I started to have regrowth, but honestly I did not even realize to what extent until i got off the course. I was so wrapped up in the side effects and the mental strain it was having on me, I couldn't even focus on being happy towards the results I was getting.

Potential side effects:

Insomnia

Mood Changes

Increased appetite, weight gain

Moon face (increased facial weight)

Acne, dry skin, thinning skin, skin discoloration

Headaches, nausea, bloating

Severe fatigue

This is not to say that everyone taking steroids will suffer from these side effects. These are just potential effects that can occur. Some people have not had these and have had wonderful recoveries. For me, I suffered majority of these side effects and started to find managing my day to day life extremely difficult. It is important to weigh out pro's and con's of taking strong medication. You have to ask yourself these questions, is getting regrowth worth risking my mental health? my behaviors? my healthy bodily functions? my quality of life? Is it worth fixing one problem with risk of inviting others?

If the answer is yes to those, then by all means proceed to treatment. We are all entitled to endure what we think we can handle, and if you can do it then YOU GO GIRL! . But it is crucial to not take the process too fast and understand what you will be going through and if these are risks you are willing to adhere to. If there is any advice I could give to people wanting to check out steroids, is just to DO YOUR RESEARCH! Understand it, read about it, ask your doctor questions, find out if it is safe for your current health and go from there. By doing so, you will find comfort in your decision and the course you decide to take, and will be able to look back with no regrets.

After being on the steroids for about almost 2 years, I decided that it was no longer worth suffering for. As much as I loved my hair and it means a hell of a lot to me, nothing and i repeat nothing was worth me straining my emotional and mental well being for, not even my hair!

Steroid Results

'' Bravery is the audacity to be unhindered by failures, and to walk with freedom, strength, and hope, in the face of things unknown.''