I Have Chrome Pain Syndrome, Hair Loss, and Other Ailments

I am a 53 year old caucasion female (post menopausal) with fibromyalgia and some sub-clinical auto-immune syndromes, chronic pain syndrome, failed back syndrome, and on and on. I have also been experiencing hair loss from the entire head and have several plaques that my rheumatologist is concerned about, because the skin is tightening. I have also had numerous spots of alopecia areata. Mometosone furoate 0.05 cream has stopped the general shedding,but i am still dealing with the alopecia spots. I want to have injections (kenalog or similar) to get the hair growing fast in those spots, while they can still be treated. could you comment on some or all of the following treatments:

1) oral prednisone
2) aldacton
3) aldara
4) very brief and minimal use of mometasone furoate ointment 1/g on the worst spots.
5) if a woman begins treatment with rogaine, do she have to use it forever?

Thanks if you are able to answer any of these questions. i realize this is not the equivalent of seeing a physician.

I really can not go into the multiple medications you discussed, as I am not your treating physician and don’t have your medical history. Alopecia areata can come and go, and any doctor that is going to manage your medications and various conditions should be a doctor who you respect and like.

Rogaine (minoxidil), when used, takes at least 12 months. If it is effective, it must be considered a lifetime medication or any benefits will cease if the treatment is stopped.