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Suggest Treatment For Hair Loss Caused By Alopecia Areata

Posted on Mon, 23 Nov 2015

Question: I am dealing with strange symmetrical hair loss on multiple places on my body. There is a symmetrical patch on either side of my beard, the back of my hands and back of forearms, the back side of each calf, as well as the the shins and top of each foot. The hair loss is in the exact same spot on both sides of my body. This has been going on for almost a year. The symmetrical nature makes me suspect some sort of endocrine problem. Also, was on propecia for around 6 months about 3 years ago, and briefly had similar arm hair loss on my forearms that eventually went away. Any ideas?

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Alopecia areata

Detailed Answer:
I follow what you are saying.

It appears you have alopecia areata but I am not a dermatologist, so will defer to whatever diagnosis the skin specialist gave you.
Did (s)he use a specific term to describe it?

If indeed it is alopecia areata, which is an 'auto-immune' condition then as you have also surmized there are chances of associated endocrine problems because there are quite a few endocrine diseases which have auto-immunity as the main cause.

Some examples include:

1 Type 1 diabetes
2 Primary Hypothyroidism
3 Primary Adrenal Insufficiency

You could see an endocrinologist in person who will order several tests in addition to a thorough physical examination:

CBC
CMP
A1c
8 am cortisol

I see you have already undergone vitamin D, thyroid and testosterone tests. If your doctor is uncomfortable reviewing the results for you, I would be glad to look over them. You may wish to attach it with the next follow up query.

Now there is no direct relationship between the skin condition that you are describing and an endocrine disorder. What I mean to say is that there is no endocrine condition which manifests in this way. So it is not as if some hormonal disease is being missed, and that by diagnosing it one would reverse your hair loss patches.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (41 hours later)

Here's all my blood work. Does my terstosterone seem low for a 32 year old man? The dermatologist also said alopecia areata, but I found a reference for endocrine alopecia that listed symmetry as a symptom. Are you familiar with this form of alopecia

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (28 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
I have reviewed all your attached reports.

They are all within normal limits.

Even your testosterone is indeed normal.

I am not aware of any symmetrical alopecia as part of an endocrine problem.

Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar