Telogen Effluvium vs. Androgenetic

[Guest]

I'm 28 and thinning on top. I went to a dermatologist and she checked my ferritin (iron) and it was 22. It should be greater than 40. I started iron pills and had it rechecked last week, at the 3 month mark. It is 70 now.

She is doing a scalp biopsy next week. Will this definitely tell us if it's genetic or Telogen Effluvium? I'm praying the iron deficiency caused the whole thing and it's a case of Telogen Effluvium that will fix itself. Any insights?

Finally, I've read lots of different information. Some say that Telogen Effluvium is diffuse thinning EVERYWHERE, but Androgenetic loss is usually just the top, which unfortunately, is where I notice it.

Please offer some advice. It's 5:30am and I'm awake from worrying about this. Nobody can notice yet, but it's definitely going on.

Thanks.

 

[Zannie]

Hmmmmm

Unfortunately,

Merely looking at the top of your head at this stage may not answer your questions. Crucial to the determination of what you're going through are hormone level tests and family history. Did your mother/grandmother/sisters/aunt experience hair loss?? Are you on birth control or Hormone Replacement Therapy?? Thyroid disorder?

Androgenetic Alopecia manifests itself in women with "clinical evidence of androgen excess--- this is seen as having menstrual irregularities, hirsuitism, acne, naturally higher testosterone levels. Then again, many women with androgenetic alopecia have normal or low levels of testosterone; their hair follicles may just be sensitive to the regular amount of androgens within their body. Another common cause is starting or stopping birth control and following childbirth." This quote is taken from:

heralopecia.com

Where you might want to further discuss your concerns. This site is a bit more active (from the women's perspective) with VERY caring, considerate women who are going through the same things YOU are RIGHT NOW!

I just come here from time to time to see what treatments the gents are up to! :wink:

I hope it does come and go quickly. If it does, you have the resources to get the moral support to carry you through this time... if it doesn't; you aren't alone. You'd be surprised to know how many different women from varying walks of life deal with this. It's NOT fun, and for some of us it's not going away. You are at an EXCELLENT age to do something NOW, where you are likely, with appropriate treatments, to see results.

Don't panic... get your test results back... THEN take appropriate action. Remember, stress and worrying can cause MORE hair loss, esp. with Telogen Effluvium! Meditate... watch some cartoons... sorry my answer to most things... :lol:

In the meantime, arm yourself with information... Good Luck To You! Just remember, whatever the results, there ARE options!!!! All of us here, and at heralopecia, are facing the same things you're fearing, fighting it... one day at a time.