Blood Test

[cwaigy]

Hi,

I'm 24 and for the past 4 years I've gradually been receding and for the past 2 years I've been thinning on top too. In addition to what seems to be male pattern baldness I've also suffered with really oily skin since puberty and as a result acne.

I understand that both male pattern baldness and Oily Skin / Acne are hormonally connected. I therefore believe that one of two things is happening.

1. All my hormone levels are within normal ranges and my hair follicles and sebaceous glands are over sensitive to certain hormones resulting in hairloss and oily skin.

2. My hormone levels are above normal which is causing the oily skin / acne and hairloss. I think this is the most probable cause due to the two hormonally related symptoms, i.e. oily skin / acne and hairloss.

I've been to my doctor regarding the above possibilities but I've been informed that both acne, even at the age of 24, and hairloss are normal things and to live with them.

I found this response unhelpful. I'd like to request a blood test to get my hormone levels checked out to find out what out of the above 2 options is causing my oily skin / acne and hairloss, however I'm confused as to exactly what hormones I need to get my blood tested for. Could anyone offer any advice?

Cheers
Craig

 

[rockandroll]

Hey cwaigy...I don't know what hormones (DHT for hairloss most probably) you would need to get tested for, and I honestly don't even know if you need to.

Yes, acne and hair loss can be normal at 24. But do you have to just live with them? HELL NO! Get a better doctor.

From what I've read from the more experienced posters here, you should probably get on Nizoral 2% and Propecia and give it a while (a year or so)to see if that helps. I would maybe get more advice from people on this forum, but I certainly wouldn't wait very long...the longer you wait, the less hair you're going to keep.

 

[triton2]

It would be really interesting if you tested for:

-testosterone
-dht
-estradiol

and, after that, begin dutasteride treatment, test again after 6 months, begin taking anastrozole and, again, another test after a few months. That would provide us all with useful information about how a 5AR blocker and an antiestrogen change our hormone levels.