Helping the Medical System
Unfortunately these days, it is all too common that physicians don't know enough about any given ailment to help much with it. A completely uneducated consumer who spends a half hour researching something on the web can often become more of an expert on it than their physician is. Women's hair loss is a prime example of this.
Consequently, we have contacted the top researchers and physicians in the country and compiled the information that well educated specialists in women's hair loss need in order to accurately diagnose Alopecia. Two things are needed: blood tests and clinical history.
Blood Tests: There are a series of tests that an educated specialist will have done on you. Without these tests, there is no way for any physician to accurately diagnose your condition. If your physician says these tests are not necessary, or refuses to do them for you, then it is advised that you find another physician to handle this situation. We cannot stress this strongly enough. You need to have these tests done, and you need a qualified specialist to review them, and your scalp, in order to get the care you need. The tests are as follows:
» Hormone levels (DHEAS, Testosterone, Androstenedione, Prolactin, Follicular Stimulating Hormone, and Leutinizing Hormone)
» Serum Iron, Serum Ferritin, TIBC (Total Iron Binding capacity)
» Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
» VDRL
» Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Clinical History: Take a moment and write down the answers to the following questions, and have them prepared for your physician's review. Again, if he or she does not request the answers to these questions, nor seem interested in the paper you've brought in, find another specialist.
» Are you on any medications? If so, what.
» How long has this problem been occurring?
» Is the hair falling out fully intact, or is it breaking?
» Family history of diabetes, asthma, arthritis, lupus, vitiligo, anemia, or Addison's disease?
» Have you recently given birth, or gone through menopause?
