Hello. My name is Jessica. I am a 25 year old female. I am currently almost 6 months pregnant, so my trips to different specialists have ceased for the time being. I will try and be as descriptive and brief as possible with what I have been experiencing. Ok, so in or around March/April of 2009, I was told that I had mild PCOS. This was due to increased levels of testosterone and a cyst on my left ovary. I started taking Ortho Tri Cyclen in May of 2009. Around this time, i started to develop chronic hives/welts with intense itching. This was not limited to any part of my body and occured every day. Within a period of a few months, I noticed a significant amount of hair fall-out, and realized after a period of time that I probably had about a 30% decrease in the overall amount of hair on my head. I ceased taking the birth control in August of 2009. I started taking a multivitamin with a biotin supplement. This seemed to stop the high amount of hair fall out. But after giving it time, my hair really never recovered. The hair that grew back has been noticably thinner. It is currently July of 2010. My hair has started to fall out a little more, despite being pregnant. The hives never ceased since last year. They have been partially relieved by 5 mgs of Xyzal daily that my allergist prescribed me. Aside from the allergist, who has found no reason for the chronic urticaria, I have seen a dermatologist, and an endocrinologist. All my thyroid tests come back normal, but I m not sure if they test for thyroid antibodies. My dermatologist suggested by feeling my throat, that my thyroid was slightly larger than normal, but after looking at my thyroid blood labs from other physicians, did not follow up with that. My endocrinologist stated that my histamine levels were abnormally high, and that my testosterone was high, but only wanted to help by prescribing me Metformin, which I chose not to take, due to the fact that my blood sugar tests have always been completely normal. The PCOS has made it difficult to lose weight, but with a healthy diet and exercise, I maintain weight. Even though my testosterone levels were high in blood work from last year, my testosterone levels were always a little elevated, and without the urticaria or hair loss. The only other strange occurence of chronic hives/welt/itching occured in 2005 when I happened to be taking Ortho tri cyclen for a year or so. About a year after starting the BCP, I went through a few months of chronic urticaria accompanied with awful acid reflux. My doctor told me I had chronic stress, but the problem subsided back then. Basically, I have seen 3 specialists and my gyno, and not one person can tell me whats causing the hives, and my hair thinning. I am completely at rock bottom. I am currently pregnant and trying not to stress, but when everyone tells you how great your hair is supposed to be while your pregnant, and when you see yours falling out, it puts a great deal of stress. The only thing that has gotten nice are my nails. My acne has gotten worse, and I have no where else to turn. Please help me with any suggestions. Is it my thyroid? My hormones? This has been going on so long and I can t take one more person just trying to mask it with Metformin or Spironolactone, etc etc. Thank you so much for your time, Jessica
Dear Jessica  I read your whole story and feel that you r really very troubled.but keep all your troubles aside for a while and concentrate o your pregnancy. It is very precious.regarding your hives and hair loss they may be hormonal and will be taken care of after delivery.till then just use antihistamines and relax