should I go to the Doctor again?

[Guest]

So the verdict is that i need to know for sure why i'm losing hair, right? I was reading that if it's Telogen Effluvium then minoxodil can be bad for you. Is that right? THe signs point to Androgenetic Alopecia..at leaste that what it looks like and that's what the derm said, although he didn't do any tests. But I'm wondering if I should go back and have all those blood tests done that are listed on every hair website. I have an hmo so its hard to get them to do anything unless you push for it. This is the list of tests..I've had most of them done already..I'll mark what I have had.
Hormone levels (DHEAS, Testosterone, Androstenedione, Prolactin, Follicular Stimulating Hormone, and Leutinizing Hormone)
** Serum Iron, Serum Ferritin, TIBC (Total Iron Binding capacity)
** Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
(don't know what htis is) VDRL
**Complete Blood Count (CBC)
so do the others need to be testes for sure?
thanks! hope you're all having a good new year

 

[Guest]

oh...and do you think i should ask to see another derm or go to an endo?

 

[mayalopecia]

Hi Sparker,

I'd recommend getting your Testosterone and DHEA-S checked. If your androgens are elevated, these will show it, and you can progress to other tests from there. If you have an underlying androgen-related issue, reducing them can help your hair significantly. Since you have an HMO, I would expect that an endo would be better versed on reading hormone panels than a derm, so I would ask for an endo referral instead of another derm.

Good luck!
-maya

 

[Guest]

ok, thanks!
now the trick is finding an endo, in my plan, that knows anything. it's battle i'm so tired of fighting. There's hardly any info on these docs. I have to pick one before going to my gp because they don't know who takes what insurance. it's such a pain., but hay, i have insurance for the first time in god knows how long. so I can't complain.
Now what would they give me to reduce the androgens? Something like spironolactone? I'm still knew and trying to figure out what's what.
And can you also tell me what the outcomes can be? It almost seems like no matter what the cause, the treatments are all the same.

 

[Guest]

Hi Sparker,

Yes the spironolactone is used to reduce androgens. Some docs are hesitant to prescribe it, probably because of the birth defect complications. But all of the docs that I have been to had no problems prescribing it to me :?

And also, you are correct, if the definitive diagnosis is Androgenetic Alopecia, the treatments will be the same unfortunately.

I think you talked to HairLossTalk.com online, and he managed to convince you with the Rogaine? How is that going?



Laura

 

[Guest]

hi Laura,
I've decided before I do anything to go back to my doctor and make her either give me those blood tests or send me to an endo. So far I've been using good shampoos, but that's about all. But then again, if the treatment is going to be the same no matter what the cause, I don't know why I'm waiting?
I did get some Toppik for new Years that was nice. Though I was worried all night that it woudl rain! hehe.

 

[Guest]

Hi Sparker!

I think people, especially women who are faced with this, tend to go through phases.

First is the confusion phase, where you know something is up but you are not quite sure, and you wait a bit to see if this will clear itself up sooner or later.

Then later comes and it doesn't go away.

Next comes doctor's appointment.

Androgenetic Alopecia diagnosis...thats the hardest part to hear. And then you want to try and see if it can be a wrong diagnosis so you want to clear everything up.

That is not a bad idea, (clearing it up) but it will only get bad if you completely deny the possibility that you can have Androgenetic Alopecia, and search and search for something else, as it will not get better over time. That is, if you really have Androgenetic Alopecia :shock: See how confusing this is?

Some people get stuck here. And then others will try treatments.

I am not directing this post to you personally Sparker, I just see this pattern on other female hair loss boards.

I myself followed this pattern. :hairy:

Best of luck! And I'm glad that you liked Toppik, it's a neat little thing, isn't it?

Laura