Can SHBG level of 332 in a women cause major hair loss/thinning? & will stopping YAZ possibly help with the problem?

Question

I'm currently on the Yaz pill, have been for two years, and have been experiencing major hair loss/thinning during this time. Bloodwork shows I have a SHBG level of 332. Can this high level SHBG cause the hair loss that I'm experiencing? I'm also on Androcur 10 mg to help with the hair loss, but it doesn't seem to be working, I've been on it for 6 months now, and hair loss has actually worsened. Dermatologist prescribed me the medication, but did so without any tests being done. Thank you.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Your situation is complex and I would encourage you to have a comprehensive evaluation of this situation.  It's not clear what 'units' of measurement you are referring to with 332, but the levels are very high with standard units. The levels themselves are not causing hair loss, but it is possible that another underlying cause that leads to high SHBG is causing the loss. A dermatologist together with your internist can work through these causes.  Please review the situation again.Certainly SHBG levels change somewhat in a female's life rising in the teens and 20s before falling somewhat in middle age and then rising a bit later on.  Yaz can elevate SHBG a bit but usually not that much. Typically oral contraceptives raise SHBG into the mid 100 (100-150 nmol/l).Many things elevate SHBG including oral contraceptives, thyroid problems, liver problems, pregnancy, extreme dieting, cancers, medications (i.e. dilantin), smoking. Other things can elevate SHBG as well and your internist and dermatologist can work through them all to give you an answer.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

You have a series of complex problems which require a doctor to sit down with you, examine you and then draw conclusions about the causes of your hair loss which appear to possibly be many. This is not easily done over the internet

Can SHBG level of 332 in a women cause major hair loss/thinning? & will stopping YAZ possibly help with the problem?

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Can SHBG level of 332 in a women cause major hair loss/thinning? & will stopping YAZ possibly help with the problem?

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

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