Background: I’m 19 and I’ve never taken birth control in my life. I avoided it mainly because I have a stereotypical asian mother (who happens to be a scientist) who said things like “natural is best,” and “have to get rid of your monthly impurities.” But I talked to my doctor and she said these are all myths basically.

I have low estrogen levels. No, tests have not been taken to prove this but I know I do because I have these symptoms: very dry, itchy rough skin that is resilient to moisturizer and skin care products, brittle nails (sort of), oral dryness (dry mouth), very coarse hair that is falling out, less alert, and futhermore I’m not even getting my period! What could’ve caused this is a not so ideal diet, having recently lost 15 lbs. etc. and I mention this because I see dieting/weight loss connected to low estrogen levels/period issues on net articles.

I have been prescribed orthotricyclen lo. Today is saturday the 11th…

1.) am I supposed to begin sunday though and cannot begin today???
2.) Am I supposed to begin the day I get my period again? It says that if it is your first time, wait until your period but I remember my doctor saying it can be taken immediately so someone shed some light on this. I’m confused.
3.) Do you open the bag and put the pill ring inside the little compact thing? What coloured pill do you start with first??????? why are green inactive pills without hormones taken?

somebody help! I need to save my skin and my hair and femininity in general!
what is the reasoning behind waiting for the first day of your period though? why is that suggested/stated???

people, I need your help. I can not afford any programs or specialists or doctors.. I don't have that kind of money. I hate going to the doctors.
I have been noticing that I am losing my hair. It makes me cry every time after I wash my hair. My hair is pretty and naturally smooth. My hair is the one of the things that I like most about myself.
My dad has thin hair. I took that from him. My mom has thick hair and she is starting to lose it just a little bit cuz she's going thru the menopause stage which is normal.
With me, its not normal. Its upsetting me cuz I just turned 19.
There is NOT any bald spots that are noticeable.. it's just when you look at my hair from far, you can tell that I have thin hair.
Mom says that it is like that because I use a straightener.. but I only use it once every two weeks or sometimes once a week.. the normal..
What do you think I can do to stop it??
Any natural solutions?? Anything that you have tried and worked??
Please tell me. I really need help. It's affecting my mood and selfsteem.
I looked at so many sites.. the causes and the treatments… they're usually just pills or shampoos.. products that you buy from the internet using credit cards. I can't do that. If you know of a product that I can buy from a store like Walmart or any other store, please let me know.
This is very important to me so please dont kid around or give out info that your not sure of.
10 points and 5 stars for the bestestest resonable answer!

Other details that might help you eleminate suggestestions:
I am usually stressed in my relationships. I am still suffering with the one guy that I love who apparently does not love me back– but I am working on it– helping myself let go.
I am also stressed when it comes to studies. I am a hardworking student. I go to college and I study hard.
I do NOT work… so stress coming from that.
Recently my mom was in the hospital but now she's out and better. While she was in the hospital, I didn't really take care of myself and overall health.
Also my mom is going thru a divorce.. from my dad aboviously. I am doing all the work for her. She depends completely on me while she goes out to work her put off to support me and my brother.
That is pretty much my life and how it has been for the past year. that might help I hope..?
Guys, I am trying to help myself. Guide me. I don't want to go bald!! I want my hair to grow back and be back to healthy and kind of thick as I used to have it.