Question I would like to understand the difference between adrogenetic alopecia and hair loss produced by high levels of cortisol. I recently underwent a period of lack of eating and heavy stress. I am being evaluated by an endocrinologist, but treatment is being delayed due to more testing that is underway. As far as completeded testing, I screened negative for any auto-immune disorders, but I have high testosterone levels and my cortisol is 4 times the normal levels. This was confirmed 3 times over in testing. I am not under any medications other than oral contraceptives which was specifically given to me for the hair loss not too long ago. My doctor is aware that testing could have been influenced by this, but is beginning to suspect that my cortisol could still be a problem. As of now, I am underway for a cortisol DHEAS test to determine where does this excess cortisol come from. This is also causing me anxiety and palpitations. What is the difference between androgenic alopecia and hair loss caused by cortisol? Can you regrow the hair you lost with the use of cortisol blockers and are the new hairs dependent on this medication? Meaning that if I go off the medication I will lose my hair again? I am 20 years old, female and with no history of pattern balding in my family.
Thank you.
Answer Male pattern hair loss is genetic or hereditary. In men, the formation of DHT from testosterone causes the hairs to miniturize meaning decrease in diagmeter. The hairs continue to miniturize until they go out of existence. In men the treatment for this condition is with oral medications like Propecia or the topical Rogaine for Men or Both. If you make a lot of testosterone and DHEAS from the adrenal gland and you have the genetics then DHT will be formed and you will have hair loss. A biopsy of the scalp can confirm the diagnosis of male pattern hair loss.
Hair loss can also be the result of stressors on the body, liver, adrenal gland adnormalities etc. This kind of hair loss is called a telogen effluvium. This means that the hair cycle is pushed toward shedding instead of growth. The increased shedding also appears as hair loss but it is different as the hair does not miniturize. Telogen effluvium can also be diagnosis with a biopsy. You may want to get a biopsy so you will know exactly what type of hair loss you have.
