Thinning hair leaves woman, doctors baffled
Q. I have a rather simple problem as compared to many. My hair is thinning and falling out.
I am a 54-year-old female in otherwise good health and have completed menopause. About five years ago, toward the end of the perimenopausal period, I noticed that the hair on the top of my head was thinning, and there were fairly large quantities in the drain after I showered. I saw my doctor, who referred me to a dermatologist. She has examined my scalp every few months since and prescribed a number of lotions, potions, shampoos and the like. Whenever I see her, her response is that it looks a little better. I disagree. There has not been an improvement, and there continues to be hair in the drain.
I come from a long line of full, thick-haired people. My mother and grandmother both had thick hair, albeit white, well into their 80s. While my father died young from an accident, all of his brothers and sisters as well as his father had thick hair.
Where do I turn now? Someone suggested an endocrinologist, but before I try another specialist, I would like your opinion. While this is not a life-threatening disorder, it does little to make one feel good about oneself.
A. The cause of your hair loss may be difficult to diagnose and treat. Also, it appears that you are rapidly exhausting your options. I agree that you should see an endocrinologist on the outside chance that your hair loss could reflect a glandular or hormonal problem. Let me know the outcome.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Medical Specialists." Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
Q. I am 69 years old and have been a type 1 diabetic for 65 years.
I have no side effects of diabetes. I am taking 12.5 milligrams of captopril once a day to protect my kidneys. I exercise daily by walking briskly. My blood sugar did yo-yo while on the insulin shot, so my endocrinologist put me on the pump. My blood sugar still yo-yos, but I am able to regulate it better. My last A1C was 6.2. Should I continue the captopril? My pressure is in the 120/60 range. I had a stress test and passed it with flying colors.
A. From your brief note, I conclude that your doctors are doing all the right things, including low-dose captopril to protect your kidneys. Continue your medicines and your sensible lifestyle. Good luck.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Living with Diabetes Mellitus." Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
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