Suggest Treatment For Hairloss

Posted on Mon, 27 Oct 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 27 Oct 2014 Answered on

Thu, 20 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 41 year old female who has suffered from hair loss for two years. It has slowly improved but I never really got an accurate dx. I have been working with a neuropath doctor who initially prescribed me bio-identical progesterone. That helped a lot, mostly my PMS sx's. After 6 months he noticed that I also consistently test very low on T (<2.5). All other levels are normal (Thyroid included). Now he wants me to try a T cream, very low dose. I'm terrified given it may increase hair loss correct? I've heard it is possible to have low T as a woman and still have hair loss....Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please attach blood reports if possible.

Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern.

Testosterone replacement in small doses will not cause any further hair loss. In a female, usually testosterone excess cause hair loss ( androgenic alopecia) especially from the front and sides of scalp. The question is, whether you really require a testo replacement ? How is your sexual drive and axillary/pubic hair growth? Usually, when Testosterone levels are too low, a woman may develop low sex drive ( libido) and may have reduced growth of axillary/pubic hair which are male hormone ( testosterone) depedent.

It would be nice if you could attach the blood reports including the thyroid reports. Have you had a Thyroid antibody check up done?

Other causes of hair loss are Viamin B 12 deficiency, Iron deficiency, Anxiety etc. It may be good to do a CBC and Vitamin B12 test to rule out these possibilities.

I would appreviate a reply

Regrds
Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (21 minutes later)

thank you so much for your response. I didn't think of the B12...that may make sense. I did have my iron checked and it was normal. I do suffer from low sex drive, always have though. I also have horrible fatigue. I don't think there is any change in pubic hair growth although hard to say because I've shaved for many years (lol). I have my initial lab tests and will attach....do you think taking a B12 supplement may help either way? Can too much be toxic?

Thanks again!

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Noted the report

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the reply. Got the attached reports.
The Testo level is low, but again a single value of testosterone is not enough to diagnose deficiency. You may need another 1-2 samples of blood taken for Testosterone levels ( fasting between 7-9 am). If they are low too, then you will require and may benefit you. Not only does it umprove sex drive, but may also improve general well beimg.

Vitamin B1 is wort checking and if low, you need treatment. Too mcuch of Vitamin B12 is certinly not good and can be toxic.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar