Seeing an endocrinologist-question for Dr. Redmond

[Wanda]

My GP is making me an appt with an endocrinologist(I posted earlier with various symptoms I have had including hair loss). Due to past experiences with some doctors and getting the "brush off", are there any specific tests I should request? I am willing to pay for them myself(I requested a hormone panel test previously and the doctor told me it was expensive and probably would not show anything definitive). I just want to find out if there is any correlation between the hair loss and this wierd tingling, itching I am having in my feet, hands, and scalp. One doctor told me I needed HRT and or antidepressants!! Thanks for any advice and help. I am most grateful!!

[Geoffrey Redmond, MD, FACE]

My GP is making me an appt with an endocrinologist(I posted earlier with various symptoms I have had including hair loss). Due to past experiences with some doctors and getting the "brush off", are there any specific tests I should request? I am willing to pay for them myself(I requested a hormone panel test previously and the doctor told me it was expensive and probably would not show anything definitive). I just want to find out if there is any correlation between the hair loss and this wierd tingling, itching I am having in my feet, hands, and scalp. One doctor told me I needed HRT and or antidepressants!! Thanks for any advice and help. I am most grateful!!

The important tests are listed in my book and on my website. However this needs to be individualized. Testsosterone and TSH for thyroid are always needed, as are routine blood counts and chemistries. While doing tests is essential, most often they are all "normal." Unfortunately, many doctors misinterpret this to mean that nothing can be done. In fact alopecia with normal labs is highly treatable. The determination of the hormonal factors in an individual woman's hair loss is based mostly on her history , including any other hormonal issues, and careful examination of the hair and scalp.

Most endocrinologists focus on thyroid and diabetes rather than reproductive system hormones so you may have to do some educating.

[Wanda]

Thank you, Dr. Redmond for your reply. I will definitely be getting your book and "studying" before my appt.