36F with unusual AGA and severe eyebrow loss. Derms are stumped, could it still be FFA/LPP?
Hi everyone!
I'm a 36F who has been struggling with hair loss for years (since about 2019). It started on the top of my head, where I keep getting bouts of shedding, and the regrowth is definitely miniaturized. A derm diagnosed me with AGA via trichoscopy, but added that it's somewhat unusual because I have a lot of vellus hairs even on the back of my head. So the AGA isn't just affecting the top, but everywhere. So far, so bad.
Then, in June 2024, I had a massive shed where I lost a ton of eyebrow hairs. They were falling out everywhere, and I had actual patches/gaps. Back in February of that year, I had started a new skincare routine with BHA, Tretinoin, SPF, etc., so I figured maybe it was caused by that. The shedding eventually slowed down, and in January 2025, I started using Minoxidil on my eyebrows.
I've since seen two other derms, and none of them can make sense of it. I'm steadily losing more and more of my eyebrows. Thick hairs fall out, and miniaturized hairs grow back in. The derms say it just doesn't look like FFA to them, because after 2 years there is simply too much hair left, even if it's fine. But they don't see any signs of AA either.
I am practically at a loss as to what is going on. I've had my thyroid checked multiple times, hormones, blood panels..everything is perfect. Except for Vitamin D; my levels were under 11 for years(!). I've been supplementing since February, but it hasn't done anything at all so far.
So, does anyone have any idea what this could be? Could it be FFA after all? Especially since the Minox is barely doing anything? I haven't noticed any pain or anything like that. Maybe just a very minimal itch for a few seconds occasionally.
I have my next appointment with a different derm in a week. A biopsy has always been denied so far because no one has seen a reason for it. I am truly completely stumped/desperate for answers! Any advice is appreciated.
TL;DR: 36F diagnosed with unusual diffuse AGA since 2019. Started experiencing severe eyebrow loss in June 2024 (thick hairs falling out, growing back miniaturized). Minoxidil on brows isn't really helping. 3 different derms are stumped. They rule out FFA and AA but refuse to do a biopsy. All bloodwork is normal except for a chronic, severe Vitamin D deficiency (supplementing now, no improvement yet). Wondering if it could still be FFA.