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← Return to New to Hydrea for ET
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Thank you @mefely. That's an interesting statement, does not help regrow, but does help keep it. I did not know this, and will look into that. If you have looked online, I'm sure you have seen that hair loss can be due to many things, from digestion, to hormonal changes, to stress, and vitamin and mineral defiencies, and dryness. I am wondering what additional stressor is created affecting hair when taking Hydroxyurea. I took a pause at this last statement and did a quick check. and this is what I found: Hydroxyurea is indeed very drying, as it can cause very dry skin, hence the itching people have talked about in this blood cancers and disorders thread, as well as constipation, among other side affects. A dry gut can cause hair loss. Perhaps massaging the scalp with almond oil, enhanced with a few drops of rosemary, chamomile and clary sage essential oil might help too? Almond oil is very hydrating an soothing for the rest of the body too. Let me know your thoughts please.
Replies to "Thank you @mefely. That's an interesting statement, does not help regrow, but does help keep it...."
I am 70F on HU x 7 years, and my experience is that it exacerbates a lot of the normal aging annoyances--hair loss, dry skin, digestive probs (constipation in my case), environmental sensitivities, etc. My oncologist concurred and recommended more fiber, a probiotic, and whatever otc's work to soothe hair/skin issues. I tend to be a "grit your teeth and ignore it" type person, but I am much more comfortable (and nicer!) if I pay a little more attention to what the old carcass is telling me.
I grow herbs to cook with. I have to say that rinsing my head with warm rosemary or sage tea sounds lovely, even if it doesn't keep my hair from falling out!
My dad had ET (died with it at 82) and noticed similar things, but much less was known about MPNs in those days, and hematologists were not very understanding.
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I’d have to look that up but it sounds very nice. And like I have read on this site, everyone seems to respond differently to this medication and has different dosages. I just hope this drug helps everyone live long, healthy lives.