AboutPeter J. Panagotacos, <B>M.D.</B> Expertise I have 30 years experience in the field of medical and surgical Hair Restoration and am Board Certified
in Dermatology and Hair Restoration Surgery.
Experience I have 30 years experience in the field of medical and surgical Hair Restoration and am Board Certified
in Dermatology and Hair Restoration Surgery.
More information can be found at my website
www.hairdoc.com
Question I am being seen by a endocrinologist because I came to my dermatologist with issues regarding acne and hair loss with no success. My endocrinologist revealed a deeper hormonal problem and found my testosterone and cortisol levels very elevated. Cortisol is almost 4x's the normal amount. After further testing, she has concluded that the probability is an adrenal disorder leading to excess hair shedding caused by a benign tumor. This is also causing me extreme fatigue/stress/anxiety and palpitations. Now my question is in regards to the type of hair loss I am experiencing or its classification. If my hair loss is a result of excess hormone production resulting from a tumor, is this TE or AGA? If my tumor is causing my adrenals to overproduce and my testosterone is high, I would assume I probably have too many androgens, therefore AGA. I don't know if this is still temporary TE due to an adenoma that can be removed or still AGA due to excess androgens. I cannot be placed on medication until all testing is complete, but is there anything I can do to ease hair shedding even if minimal, in the meantime, i.e. shampoo's, hair treatments..?
Answer You may well have both TE and AGA. The stress you have experienced is probably causing TE. If there is any baldness in your family( a father with baldness or a mother with thin hair) then there is a good chance you are experiencing early AGA. IF there is no baldness in the family it is hard to have AGA. The loss due to TE alone may begin to grow back six monthy after you have stopped the stress. The only suggestion for now would be to use Neutrogena's Daily Control Shampoo with 1% zinc pyrityione.
