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Quelaag

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Posts posted by Quelaag

  1. So I made a post a few months ago regarding my first dermatologist appointment. Well I got a scalp biopsy done and the results are in: the doctors claims it's androgenic alopecia. Though the doctor seems concerned given that I'm only 27 years old and female and wants me to consult my primary care doctor and/or an endocrinologist as he feels he's unable to help me too much. He's especially concerned that I have a severely low vitamin D count (it was only 8 mg/mL when I got it checked in March. It should be around 30) and he isn't sure why so I'm getting that addressed. For the time being, before my primary care appointment later this month, I've been taking vitamin D supplements and trying to get out in the sun. I'm also still wondering if I have some underlying hormonal issues that weren't initially detected via my bloodwork so I'll be talking with my doctor about that. 

    So my doctor sent out a letter with a list of recommendations for treatments/medicines to try out. Obviously the top suggestion was minoxidil, but I just don't know how I feel about it? Like I hear the foam can make hair feel weird and I'm unsure if there's a normal smelling shampoo for it? So that one's in the air at the moment til I get more information. 

    But the second recommendation was Viviscal supplements. I did a bit of research and it seems like it could be legit. I've started them and am on day 12 now, obviously it's too soon to see if there are any real results. I'm also using the shampoo and conditioner that comes with it. Along with these things, I have been using a biotin serum by pureaty naturals that I massage onto my scalp after a shower and I also alternate my shampoo with one that has a rosemary base and claims to be a DHT blocker. And just for giggles, I occasionally put in peppermint oil at night before I go to bed. Might be a bit overkill but one of my mom's friends swears it helped grow some of his hair back. I'm skeptical, but no harm in trying I suppose. 

    Is it silly to want to try more natural things? Should I suck it up and do minoxidil? If you guys suggest minoxidil, what brand would you all recommend and would you suggest I use the viviscal while using it? Or are there any things I'm not considering that may be able to help? I know a lot of people swear by finasteride, but there's so little research on how it affects women, I'm unsure of how I feel about the risks. I'm up for all suggestions though! My thinning is still fairly mild-ish I think, I mostly notice it around my bangs, temples, and hair part. I can still style my hair in a way that makes it less noticeable, but if I can try to get some of it back it would be ideal, but I am trying not to get my hopes up. 

    Thank you all in advance. 

  2. So it's been two months but I finally got in and got a scalp biopsy done. Unfortunately it came back androgenetic alopecia so I'm just now taking that in. The letter I got with my results seemed pretty unsure though as they're confused about my age. I'm going to schedule with an endocrinologist because I'd like more detailed labs on my hormones just to be safe and maybe it can bring to light something that a dermatologist could not find. I don't know. I'm not expecting a miracle, but I have other health issues that could really indicate a hormonal problem (ie. Feeling tired all the time, depression, anxiety, mood inbalances etcetc) so regardless of if it can affect my hair growth I need to find a cause to those things.

    As for treatment; I'm looking into doing viviscal supplements/treatments. Minoxidil was shoved in my face as being the number one option, but I am wary of it, I'd rather take a pill daily than completely change my routine, but if minoxidil is the be all end all I suppose I can suck it up. 

  3. 5 hours ago, DrTBarghouthi said:

    Hi Queelag. I just read your post but I think some details are missing:

    1) Is there any female pattern hair loss in the family? Any sisters, mother, aunts, grandmothers with a similar or even more advanced thinning?

    2) What blood work did you have apart from Vit D and iron? Generally, since genetic female hair loss accounts for only 40% of female hairloss, then it is usually advised to test thyroid function, zinc, magnesium, B12, Complete blood count and according to the case DHEA-S (androgens testing), ANA (autoimmune test) and prolactin (if other symptoms exist such as an irregular cycle).

     

    3. Scalp biopsy is the only definitive test to check for scarring (Cicatricial) Alopecias which is a certain type of hairloss that causes scarring of the scalp. It has several sub-types but is mostly suspected clinically first and has certain characteristics on a magnifying dermascope. If these findings are present, then a biopsy is advised. Did someone check the scalp with a magnifying camera?

    It will be great if you can post some photos, as It certainly sounds like androgenetic alopecia from the pattern of loss you described, especially if it runs in some family members too.

    1) It runs in the men of my dads family but I have not noticed it on either parents side in women. Not saying it couldn't pass down from my dad I guess. 

    2) I think the labcorp took the paperwork that had testing but there was a thyroid test and some hormone testing done as well. I assume they would have mentioned if either of those turned up positive. Though I would like a second opinion on the hormone part? There are some other issues I have that I feel may be hormone related that may have not been noticed so I might see a primary care for that soon too. But maybe I'm just being hopeful that something like that is the cause. Denial I guess.

    3) The dermatologist I went to kind of rushed me so I'm going to definitely going to see a second one for another opinion/hopefully more careful observation. He just kind of briefly went through my hair and rushed through options. Granted he was more focused on my scalp psoriasis so maybe that's why? Which that's clearing up since starting perscription stuff so I'm hopeful for better results there. 

    If the second doctor wants to do a biopsy I'm going to do it then and there even though the thought of it scares me.

  4. 5 hours ago, pkipling said:

    I highly recommend getting a second opinion. If they also recommend getting a biopsy in order to better diagnose you, I would personally move forward with it. I'm not sure if your fear is associated with the procedure itself, or if it's more geared towards what the results of the procedure might be. Regardless, in order to properly treat this and come up with the most effective game plan, you want to have as much information as possible - and a biopsy would provide that for you.  

    I think for me I fear the results. I don't know what to do if it ends up being something out of my control. I know others have it way worse than me but I still don't know how I'll handle it since ky self esteem is already pretty low, lol. I'm going to schedule an appointment with a different dermatologist tomorrow for a second opinion and if they suggest a biopsy then I'll do it then and there I guess.

  5. Hello! 26 year old and female. Recently over the past 6-8 months I noticed thinning around my hair part and bangs to where you can see more scalp through my hair.

    I was in a bit of denial at first due to people claiming that it wasn't balding and that I was overreacting. Well I scheduled with a dermatologist on March 28th after it seemed to get worse and the fact I've been dealing unsuccessfully with psoriasis on the left side on my scalp and the back near the base; he initially wanted to test for alopecia but the thought of getting a scalp biopsy at that moment scared me so I opted for bloodwork to be done instead.

    Bloodwork showed I am very low in vitamin D and a bit low in iron levels. I'm not sure if these things can affect hair loss, but I started taking Vitamin D supplements twice a day and hair, skin, and nails biotin vitamins once a day. Also using a biotin based shampoo and plan on trying to get more sun.

    So I guess I'm wondering if I should go back for the scalp biopsy or if I should see if supplements for vitamin D can help and if clearing up my psoriasis may help? 

    Can a lack of vitamin D really cause hair loss in any way? 

    And for the psoriasis I'm skeptical because it doesn't occur near my hair part or bangs, though I am currently putting medicine there just in case. Could that still affect hair loss away from the affected area?

    I guess I'm just scared that if it's alopecia then it's out of my hands to my understanding? 

    Also not sure if pictures need to be provided? I can if need be but honestly seeing pictures of my scalp stresses me out.

    Thank you all in advance and sorry if this is in the wrong forum. Also let me know if I need to provide more info.

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