Dutasteride, minoxidil, finasteride & HRT - why don't my medications work? What's the possible diagnosis? (Photos)

Hello,

Experiencing continued hair loss despite being on multiple treatments can be frustrating, especially after undergoing a hair transplant. Here are some considerations and potential diagnoses to discuss with your healthcare provider:

Medication Efficacy:

Dutasteride and finasteride both inhibit DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss. However, they may not completely halt hair loss in all individuals, and some may not respond as well to these medications.
Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to hair follicles, but its effectiveness can vary from person to person.

Hormonal Factors:
Being on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estradiol valerate and triptorelin could influence hair growth patterns. Hormonal imbalances or changes might contribute to diffuse thinning.

Telogen Effluvium:
A condition characterized by diffuse hair shedding often triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or medications. Although your pull test is negative, this condition could still be present.

Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA):
This condition involves hair thinning across the entire scalp and could be a possibility, especially if the hair loss is not localized to typical androgenic alopecia patterns.

Scalp and Follicle Health:
The biopsy results, which are crucial for diagnosis, should be reviewed with a dermatologist or trichologist to check for any underlying scalp conditions or follicle health issues.

PRP Treatment:
While Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy can promote hair growth for some, it might not be effective for everyone and, in some cases, may initially seem to exacerbate shedding.

Comprehensive Evaluation:
It’s important to have a comprehensive evaluation by a dermatologist specializing in hair disorders. They can interpret biopsy results, assess hormonal levels, and review your treatment regimen to provide a tailored approach.

Consider discussing these points with your physician to explore potential adjustments to your treatment plan and further diagnostic evaluations.

Warm regards,