POZ Community Forums

Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: alicedaddy on October 08, 2008, 09:04:21 pm

Title: Loss of body hair
Post by: alicedaddy on October 08, 2008, 09:04:21 pm
Has anyone here experienced loss of body hair?  I don't know what to think.  I've been on meds for 11 years and was always a hairy guy, but just in the last[i] two weeks[/i] my torso has become markedly less  hairy.  I'm wracking my brain to think of external reasons for this...the pool I swim in is saline, and it's hell on my head hair, but that's not falling out.  Hmmm...I know this sounds silly, but I accepted being hairy as a characteristic of my sexual identity, and it's really bumming me out.  I know there are more serious problems, but also think this may be a sign of something else going on.  I'm on Atripla and very healthy.  Any ideas?   
Title: Re: Loss of body hair
Post by: weasel on October 08, 2008, 11:38:35 pm
i do NOT know about your pool ,

BUT  the bleach i put in my tub to KILL CHIGGARS  makes my hair fall out !

my WILLY  is not nestled in a nest anymore !
my arms and legs are almost bare !

now that winter is coming ,my hair will start growing back  :)

                                                                    karl
Title: Re: Loss of body hair
Post by: LordBerners on October 09, 2008, 04:47:41 am
Never had this, but its funny you should mention it cause I was just thinking about hair issues last night - because I have been noticing there's no hair in my shower drain anymore.  I've only been on meds a couple months, but I used to be oneof those guys who get a lot of hair fallout but never go bald - been like that for 10-15 years, long before hiv.  Now there's no hair in my drain.  Weird.
Title: Re: Loss of body hair
Post by: Lisa on October 09, 2008, 07:53:00 am
It's molting season! Your summer coat is making way for your winter coat.. ;D...(she said while ducking)
At least, that's what is happening with my ferret..... ::)

When I think of hair falling out, I think of hormonal problems. Maybe you could look into thyroid, and testosterone levels.
I'm sure you understand that it could be a myriad of things, and not necessarily due to your meds. Good luck.
Title: Re: Loss of body hair
Post by: dixieman on October 09, 2008, 09:40:41 am
Well salt water will not eliminate hair... How old are you? Could it possibly be your testosterone level is lowering? Who knows why not check with your doctor. I do not think having your levels of testosterone  checked would hurt. If you check the evolution of the human species... this is current with the process... humans are becoming less hairy... I dated a guy years ago... it was like being with a gorrilla... leaving hair everywhere in my bathroom... anything he sat on... just a hairy beast! miss him...
Title: Re: Loss of body hair
Post by: GSOgymrat on October 09, 2008, 10:25:48 am
I'm sorry for your loss. ;)

I'm never heard of this side effect from HIV medications. I think Lisa and Dixieman have a good idea in talking to your doctor and having some blood tests. Your hair loss might be a symptom of some hormonal change.