i have seen multiple dermatologists, primary care doctors, and am waiting the months until i can finally see an endocrinologist (so hard to get a hold of😢😖). i do not have a diagnosis and each doctor keeps telling me to ask another.
my bloodwork all came back normal. actually, according to my derm, everything is excellent, including ferritin, vitamins, etc. the only thing we saw was that my DHEA was elevated at 578.
i’ve been on spironolactone 100mg for about year for my acne, which is 100% hormonal (only ever on my jaw/chin, flares up around period). my hairloss is primarily around the crown, temples, and my part is widening. one dermatologist ran her hands through my head and said it was likely TE due to weight loss (125–>105 lbs… not on purpose just busy in school) in combination with an undiagnosed hormonal issue (conclusion made by looking into my blood work, my acne, and pattern loss). she did not specify what this issue could be, only to try and find an OB/endocrine specialist. i am a college student and it’s very difficult to access these specialists on top of having to study and work. 😔
my periods have been irregular due to the spironolactone, but recently been REALLY fucked up… like bleeding for a full month nonstop (3/20-4/20), spotting all the time. my skin is really bad and i’m definitely going bald it SUCKS.
right now i’m on topical minoxidil 5% dropper and spironolactone, and i have a prescription for Oral minoxidil and loryna waiting at the pharmacy for pick up. not a fan of OM as i don’t want crazy body hair growth, plus this would just be a band aid for hairloss, which is clearly a symptom of something deeper. i would start birth control if it would truly help, but i have never been on it and am afraid it might make things worse, either now or when i inevitably have to go off it.
i might have PCOS, but i’m quite lean and prior to starting spironolactone, had VERY regular unproblematic periods. it is worth mentioning i once had a case of alopecia areata, around 2 years ago. it grew back after steroid injection. i would check for PCOS, but getting an order for an ultrasound soon is difficult in my position.
i know that my acne, hairloss, and even my permaperiod are all tied. i’m not even 20 years old, and there is no history of hairloss in my family. however, there IS a history of hormonal/thyroid issues.
does it seem like starting birth control (loryna, generic for Yaz) is a good idea? anyone have experience with it? a regular period would be nice, as would less breakouts and less balding… but yeah idk. birth control is a huge commitment.