I have been sitting here doing nothing about my hair loss for way too long now. After my last visit with the dermatologist when I was told that what I had was genetic and that there was basically no hope, I guess I just gave up. But now (thanks to my sisters in hair loss on this website) I have been inspired to do some online research into the cause of my hair loss and possible treatment options for me.

Over the last 20 years I have been tested for every possible hormone problem known to man (but what do men really know about “normal” hormone levels in a female?). Other than a slightly low testosterone level at one point, everything was always normal. I have never had problems with infertility (obviously), or with irregular menstrual cycles. My doctors have never hinted that I could have anything like PCOS (although I have had ultrasounds that have shown ovarian cysts). One doctor did mention that with my symptoms, it was possible that I might have metabolic syndrome. My last HbA1c level was borderline, and now I see that I should have paid more attention to that one.

From the research I have been doing I think that a low glycemic diet could possibly help me with my symptoms. I understand the whole insulin resistance theory and can see how it fits with what is going on with my body. I have read about the theory behind low glycemic index foods and I believe that it works.

The question is: Am I willing to give up potatoes and other high starch carbohydrates on the chance that I might grow back a little hair? I am your typical Irish decent American… I was raised eating potatoes, breads and other starchy foods every day. There were potatoes and a big plate of sliced white bread on our dinner table every night when I was growing up. Granted I have made a few healthy changes over the years. I now serve my family whole grain breads and try to decrease the amount of processed foods that we eat… but potatoes… SIGH… they are my favorites!  I love them cooked any way; baked, fried, boiled, broiled, with or without sauce… if it’s a potato I’ll eat it!

But the answer to the question is: Hell yeah!  I’ll do just about anything within reason to get even a small amount of hair back! So my plan is to do some shopping for some books and cookbooks on low glycemic index diets, read and learn as much as I can, clean out and restock my pantry, and commit myself to my own experiment for the next year. If it doesn’t work to grow hair, I can at least hope that it will work to help decrease the size of my butt!

Anybody out there want an unopened, extra large box of instant rice???