My vertex is balding at an accelerated rate now and it's really freaking me out. I can't hone in on any factor in my life that could be causing it. My diet is pretty solid, except maybe eating too much chicken which I know is a PUFA source. I go to the gym twice a week. I am getting all the metabolic nutrients and co-factors, probably more so than any other time in my life. It seems like the healthier and more robust I get, the faster the baldness accelerates. I'm very tall and lean, but muscular. Mid 30's.
My scalp has really stubborn dermatitis, and has for years. Ketoconazole (Nizoral) has been effective in the past but doesn't seem to work anymore.
My scalp HURTS, especially near the vertex. It's sensitive to the touch. I figure this may be inflammation. I have been trying to read information on scalp fibrosis and calcification, but the information is dense and I'm a little lost.
The hair that I do have is thick and lush. My beard has also gotten a lot thicker in the past few months. One MPD co-pattern that has developed is that my chest is growing a lot more hair and I am even seeing hair on my shoulders. So something's up.
I'm going to get some blood work done to see if that reveals anything.
Things I'm already going to ask for: TSH, free T3, free T4, testosterone (bioavailable and total), estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, DHEA, AM cortisol, iron panel. Anything I should add?
I would get DHT but it's not covered and costs $200. Is it really vital that I get it?
I've read a lot of posts on this site already about how to manage MPB. I know it's a lifestyle. I'm trying in earnest.
My doctor of course recommends finasteride or minoxidil. I am tempted to try minoxidil, but I don't want sudden shedding, and I don't want to rely on a product forever. It also masks the problem.
Any advice would be appreciated. I am trying to come at this from all angles.
My scalp has really stubborn dermatitis, and has for years. Ketoconazole (Nizoral) has been effective in the past but doesn't seem to work anymore.
My scalp HURTS, especially near the vertex. It's sensitive to the touch. I figure this may be inflammation. I have been trying to read information on scalp fibrosis and calcification, but the information is dense and I'm a little lost.
The hair that I do have is thick and lush. My beard has also gotten a lot thicker in the past few months. One MPD co-pattern that has developed is that my chest is growing a lot more hair and I am even seeing hair on my shoulders. So something's up.
I'm going to get some blood work done to see if that reveals anything.
Things I'm already going to ask for: TSH, free T3, free T4, testosterone (bioavailable and total), estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, DHEA, AM cortisol, iron panel. Anything I should add?
I would get DHT but it's not covered and costs $200. Is it really vital that I get it?
I've read a lot of posts on this site already about how to manage MPB. I know it's a lifestyle. I'm trying in earnest.
My doctor of course recommends finasteride or minoxidil. I am tempted to try minoxidil, but I don't want sudden shedding, and I don't want to rely on a product forever. It also masks the problem.
Any advice would be appreciated. I am trying to come at this from all angles.