Young and done

[L'amour10]

I'm 23 and a female. For the past 9 months my hair has been falling like rain and no doctor can figure out what is going on.
They ruled out alopecia and fungus, said I have a healthy scalp.
They tested my thyroid, stated I have Hashimoto, the hormones are fine but I have high antibodies but they still say that alone doesn't usually trigger hair loss.

I have tried so many things for treatment, which just make my hair loss worse. Doctors keep throwing me between themselves because they're clueless and don't know how to treat me. I am lost and scared. I used to have such long and pretty hair and now I look like a rat. I feel ugly and gross. This has taken all my happiness away.

 

[L'amour10]

I'm sorry I don't mean to be so negative but I am at my wits end I can't sleep can't think can't function. I am so worried

 

[GRme11]

I'm 23 and a female. For the past 9 months my hair has been falling like rain and no doctor can figure out what is going on.
They ruled out alopecia and fungus, said I have a healthy scalp.
They tested my thyroid, stated I have Hashimoto, the hormones are fine but I have high antibodies but they still say that alone doesn't usually trigger hair loss.

I have tried so many things for treatment, which just make my hair loss worse. Doctors keep throwing me between themselves because they're clueless and don't know how to treat me. I am lost and scared. I used to have such long and pretty hair and now I look like a rat. I feel ugly and gross. This has taken all my happiness away.

Well, firstly, I am sorry to hear! I know, it’s devastating, especially when treatments are not working. Well, when it’s comes to FAGA (female pattern hair loss), is usually more complex than Androgenetic Alopecia for men. You need to check a lot of things, like for pcos, more hormones, etc. Unfortunately, this forum, is not as helpful as it was before, simply because it has lost a lot of active members. I suggest to post on Reddit, here: https://www.reddit.com/r/FemaleHairLoss/

They will probably help you more, since the community is active.

Also, a quick question and answer from perplexity (web and academic):

High antibodies, specifically thyroid antibodies such as thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) and thyroglobulin antibody (TG-Ab), even when thyroid hormone levels (TSH, free T3, free T4) are normal, can be associated with symptoms including hair loss. This is particularly observed in autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where patients often have elevated thyroid antibodies but maintain normal thyroid hormone levels (euthyroid status). These antibodies are linked to inflammation and multiple symptoms including hair loss, fatigue, and neuropsychiatric symptoms despite normal hormone levels[4].

Moreover, diffuse hair loss can also be an early manifestation of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) where high autoantibody levels are present with normal thyroid function tests. In such cases, immune-mediated inflammation and autoantibodies contribute to hair follicle damage and hair loss, independent of thyroid hormone abnormalities[2].

On the other hand, studies focusing on hair loss with normal thyroid hormones have found no significant correlation between thyroid hormone levels and hair loss severity, but factors like low ferritin and vitamin B12 levels may play a role[1].

In summary, high thyroid or other autoantibodies can trigger hair loss through autoimmune and inflammatory mechanisms even when thyroid hormone levels are normal, highlighting the importance of antibody testing and autoimmune evaluation in unexplained hair loss cases with normal thyroid function tests[2][4][1].

So, if you have some autoimmune hair loss on top of FAGA, it makes a lot of sense. Since you said they rule out Alopecia, it might be clearly an autoimmune hair loss. Although, have you being checked by good dermatologists or trichologists? Because many times their diagnosis is not correct, if they are not experienced with hair loss. And I just don’t say it with being disrespectful to doctors. Unfortunately, you need great experience to evaluate and make a correct diagnosis for hair loss. (Plenty of cases online who got misdiagnosed).

 

[L'amour10]

Well, firstly, I am sorry to hear! I know, it’s devastating, especially when treatments are not working. Well, when it’s comes to FAGA (female pattern hair loss), is usually more complex than Androgenetic Alopecia for men. You need to check a lot of things, like for pcos, more hormones, etc. Unfortunately, this forum, is not as helpful as it was before, simply because it has lost a lot of active members. I suggest to post on Reddit, here: https://www.reddit.com/r/FemaleHairLoss/

They will probably help you more, since the community is active.

Also, a quick question and answer from perplexity (web and academic):

High antibodies, specifically thyroid antibodies such as thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) and thyroglobulin antibody (TG-Ab), even when thyroid hormone levels (TSH, free T3, free T4) are normal, can be associated with symptoms including hair loss. This is particularly observed in autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where patients often have elevated thyroid antibodies but maintain normal thyroid hormone levels (euthyroid status). These antibodies are linked to inflammation and multiple symptoms including hair loss, fatigue, and neuropsychiatric symptoms despite normal hormone levels[4].

Moreover, diffuse hair loss can also be an early manifestation of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) where high autoantibody levels are present with normal thyroid function tests. In such cases, immune-mediated inflammation and autoantibodies contribute to hair follicle damage and hair loss, independent of thyroid hormone abnormalities[2].

On the other hand, studies focusing on hair loss with normal thyroid hormones have found no significant correlation between thyroid hormone levels and hair loss severity, but factors like low ferritin and vitamin B12 levels may play a role[1].

In summary, high thyroid or other autoantibodies can trigger hair loss through autoimmune and inflammatory mechanisms even when thyroid hormone levels are normal, highlighting the importance of antibody testing and autoimmune evaluation in unexplained hair loss cases with normal thyroid function tests[2][4][1].

So, if you have some autoimmune hair loss on top of FAGA, it makes a lot of sense. Since you said they rule out Alopecia, it might be clearly an autoimmune hair loss. Although, have you being checked by good dermatologists or trichologists? Because many times their diagnosis is not correct, if they are not experienced with hair loss. And I just don’t say it with being disrespectful to doctors. Unfortunately, you need great experience to evaluate and make a correct diagnosis for hair loss. (Plenty of cases online who got misdiagnosed).

I've been to countless dermatologists and trichologists, the dermatologists did not know how to treat me and stated " I honestly don't know how to help you" and the trichologists sold me expensive hair tonics that did not work to stop my hair loss. Can you please pinpoint what else I need to test? Please

 

[GRme11]

I've been to countless dermatologists and trichologists, the dermatologists did not know how to treat me and stated " I honestly don't know how to help you" and the trichologists sold me expensive hair tonics that did not work to stop my hair loss. Can you please pinpoint what else I need to test? Please

Yeah, as I suspected…. Well, as I said already, post and ask for help here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/FemaleHairLoss/

I just asked perplexity again, since I don’t have a lot of experience for female hair loss. As I said, it’s more complex.


To rule out causes of hair loss in women, including PCOS and hormonal imbalances, the following blood tests are typically recommended:

## Blood Tests to Investigate Hair Loss

- **Full Blood Count (FBC)**: To detect anemia, which is a common cause of hair thinning, especially in women with heavy menstrual cycles or low iron intake[1][4].
- **Iron Studies and Ferritin**: Low ferritin and iron levels can impair healthy hair production and contribute to hair shedding and thinning[1][4].
- **Vitamin Levels**: Particularly vitamin D and B12, as deficiencies in these can cause hair loss[4].
- **Thyroid Function Tests (TSH and Free T4)**: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair thinning or loss, so thyroid evaluation is important[4][6].
- **Sex Hormone Tests**: Including testosterone (total and free), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) to assess hormonal imbalances that may cause hair loss[1][3][4][6][9][10].
- **Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)**: Elevated in PCOS and reflects ovarian follicle activity, useful in PCOS diagnosis[6][9].
- **Blood Glucose and HbA1c**: To check for insulin resistance or diabetes, conditions often associated with PCOS and which can contribute to hair loss[4][6].
- **Prolactin**: Elevated levels can affect menstrual cycles and hair growth[9].
- **Other Tests**: Sometimes inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR), cortisol levels (stress hormone), and autoimmune markers (ANA) may be tested depending on clinical suspicion[4].

## Specific Tests for PCOS Diagnosis

- **LH and FSH**: PCOS often shows an elevated LH to FSH ratio[6][8].
- **Testosterone and SHBG**: High testosterone and low SHBG levels are common in PCOS and contribute to symptoms like hair thinning[5][6][9][10].
- **17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone**: To exclude other causes of androgen excess[9].
- **Lipid Profile**: PCOS is linked to unfavorable lipid levels, which may be assessed as part of overall health evaluation[6].

## Summary

For a woman experiencing hair loss with suspicion of PCOS or hormonal causes, a comprehensive blood panel should include:

- Complete blood count (CBC/FBC)
- Iron studies and ferritin
- Vitamin D and B12 levels
- Thyroid function tests (TSH, Free T4)
- Hormonal panel: Testosterone (total and free), LH, FSH, SHBG, estradiol, DHEA-S, prolactin, 17-OHP
- Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)
- Blood glucose and HbA1c
- Lipid profile (optional but useful in PCOS)

These tests help identify anemia, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disorders, androgen excess, insulin resistance, and other conditions that can cause or contribute to hair loss in women[1][3][4][5][6][9][10]. A healthcare provider will interpret these results in the context of symptoms and clinical findings to diagnose PCOS or other causes of hair loss and guide appropriate treatment.

Now, if you have autoimmune, things are getting more complicated. A biopsy would help, if it’s possible.

 

[L'amour10]

Yeah, as I suspected…. Well, as I said already, post and ask for help here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/FemaleHairLoss/

I just asked perplexity again, since I don’t have a lot of experience for female hair loss. As I said, it’s more complex.


To rule out causes of hair loss in women, including PCOS and hormonal imbalances, the following blood tests are typically recommended:

## Blood Tests to Investigate Hair Loss

- **Full Blood Count (FBC)**: To detect anemia, which is a common cause of hair thinning, especially in women with heavy menstrual cycles or low iron intake[1][4].
- **Iron Studies and Ferritin**: Low ferritin and iron levels can impair healthy hair production and contribute to hair shedding and thinning[1][4].
- **Vitamin Levels**: Particularly vitamin D and B12, as deficiencies in these can cause hair loss[4].
- **Thyroid Function Tests (TSH and Free T4)**: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair thinning or loss, so thyroid evaluation is important[4][6].
- **Sex Hormone Tests**: Including testosterone (total and free), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) to assess hormonal imbalances that may cause hair loss[1][3][4][6][9][10].
- **Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)**: Elevated in PCOS and reflects ovarian follicle activity, useful in PCOS diagnosis[6][9].
- **Blood Glucose and HbA1c**: To check for insulin resistance or diabetes, conditions often associated with PCOS and which can contribute to hair loss[4][6].
- **Prolactin**: Elevated levels can affect menstrual cycles and hair growth[9].
- **Other Tests**: Sometimes inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR), cortisol levels (stress hormone), and autoimmune markers (ANA) may be tested depending on clinical suspicion[4].

## Specific Tests for PCOS Diagnosis

- **LH and FSH**: PCOS often shows an elevated LH to FSH ratio[6][8].
- **Testosterone and SHBG**: High testosterone and low SHBG levels are common in PCOS and contribute to symptoms like hair thinning[5][6][9][10].
- **17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone**: To exclude other causes of androgen excess[9].
- **Lipid Profile**: PCOS is linked to unfavorable lipid levels, which may be assessed as part of overall health evaluation[6].

## Summary

For a woman experiencing hair loss with suspicion of PCOS or hormonal causes, a comprehensive blood panel should include:

- Complete blood count (CBC/FBC)
- Iron studies and ferritin
- Vitamin D and B12 levels
- Thyroid function tests (TSH, Free T4)
- Hormonal panel: Testosterone (total and free), LH, FSH, SHBG, estradiol, DHEA-S, prolactin, 17-OHP
- Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)
- Blood glucose and HbA1c
- Lipid profile (optional but useful in PCOS)

These tests help identify anemia, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disorders, androgen excess, insulin resistance, and other conditions that can cause or contribute to hair loss in women[1][3][4][5][6][9][10]. A healthcare provider will interpret these results in the context of symptoms and clinical findings to diagnose PCOS or other causes of hair loss and guide appropriate treatment.

Now, if you have autoimmune, things are getting more complicated. A biopsy would help, if it’s possible.

Thank you!!
How does a biopsy work? I've never had health issues like these before ever and I'm extremely scared worried and new to this.
At what type of doctor do I go to? Do they cut me??

 

[GRme11]

Thank you!!
How does a biopsy work? I've never had health issues like these before ever and I'm extremely scared worried and new to this.
At what type of doctor do I go to? Do they cut me??

They take a small sample from your scalp. You need a good dermatologist/trichologist for the biopsy. Ask around and if you can find someone, then I would say it won’t hurt to try. The scar is usually not very visible.

I will say again, ask for help here as well: https://www.reddit.com/r/FemaleHairLoss/

 

[All Might]

try bicalutamide

 

[Esquire Janey]

Poor sweetie. There's no standard protocol for women because for white and Asian women, baldness is rare. I have spoken to other women in this situation and the worst thing is the feeling of helplessness. I would encourage you to consider a wig. Wigs look better than any other women's hair generally unless she has fake long extensions. My main goal was to grow back my hair like a woman but I will never have hair like my wig and my wig is now my trademark as a lawyer and female. You can wash it and brush it and tie it back and there are amazing wigs for under $40 that will last a couple of months. Cheaper than dye and haircuts.