Elevated DHEA sulfate without obvious cause with diffuse hair loss!

Question

28 female with diffuse hair loss for long period , not in stress , blood test shows mild deficiency of iron stores (ferritin) with normal hemoglobin, mild zinc deficiency, mild low of HDL . elevated DHEA sulfate (from adrenal) with mild elevation in total testosterone and normal DHT level, low dexamethasone test shows no adrenal hyperplasia or cushing disease , normal U/S no ovarian cyst ,normal FSH , LH , regular cycle ,normal BMI , on vitamins supplements with healthy diet but no improvement

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to evaluate and go over your condition, test results and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Elevated DHEAS can be seen in approx 10% of women with androgenetic alopecia. Women with hair loss accompanied by excess hair growth in the face, or acne or irregular menstrual cycles are even more likely to have elevated androgens.  Conditions such as PCOS, adrenal hyperplasia and a few others need to be excluded. See a dermatologist for guidance and he or she will determine if you should also be seen by an endocrinologist.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Clearly you will not get the type of medical advice that you dermatologist or internist will give you on a one-on-one consultation. I would like to call your attention; however, to a cosmetic treatment for thinning hair in women, something we do frequently when the thinning can't be addressed with conventional medical treatment. The process is called Scalp Micropigmentation and it works very well to make a thinning head of hair look full, see below

Elevated DHEA sulfate without obvious cause with diffuse hair loss!

Answers (3)