September 25th, 2018 Written by a Staff Member of Hair Loss in Women
Great news! There are hair loss doctors that specialize in treating just women. Choosing which one to go see can be tricky. Hopefully, our insight can help make that a bit easier. We must state that we’re not doctors and therefore we can not provide medical advice. This post is based upon opinions and reviews from our own experiences and those of family and close friends.
Many conditions can sometimes be diagnosed and treated within the care of one doctor. Others may not be able it may take a few different doctors to truly diagnosis the issue, and then also the care of a few doctors to see what is the best course of treatment. This may be due to there being more than one underlying issue or the reason behind the problem.
Like many people, we also find comfort in more than just one opinion. Personally, I like to speak to a few different doctors if I have been told there is something serious going in my health which requires a form of treatment. I like to know if there are other options as well. I would suggest going to speak to a few different doctors personally. This is true also with hair loss doctors.
When choosing a doctor, we suggest considering what the doctor is interested and knowledgeable in. This may seem like a common sense fact, but when it comes to hair loss, it gets tricky. You could go to a general practitioner and they are going to do their best to find a diagnosis based on their experience. They may also be honest and say they do not want to try to diagnosis the issue and refer you to a specialist. When it comes to hair loss, there are two main types of hair loss doctors you would go see.
Endocrinologists and Dermatologist
So, what doctor should you see for hair loss? Short answer: You should see both.
Long answer, continue to read…
What Hair Loss Doctors Should I See?
Endocrinologist focus on the endocrine organs which are responsible for hormone secretion. The endocrine organs consist of the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, ovaries, testes, and pancreas. An endocrinologist is able to first diagnosis the problem and then also provide treatment to restore hormone balance. Endocrinologist mainly treats:
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Metabolic disorder
- Over and underproduction of hormones
- Menopause
- Osteoporosis
- Hypertension
- Cholesterol disorders
- Infertility
- Lack of growth
- Cancer of the endocrine glands
When it comes to hair loss, these are great doctors to see if you believe you have an underlying issue as to why you are losing hair. In general, we would suggest seeing them just to rule out there is not an underlying issue.
Dermatologist focus on the skin and appendages (nails, hair, sweat glands). They study the structure, function, and diseases. They can perform medical examinations as well as surgery. This would include laser surgery, skin cancer surgery, photodynamic therapy and cosmetic procedures such as botox, soft tissue fillers, sclerotherapy, and liposuction. Within this field of study, there is dermatopathologist who look at the skin, usually a biopsy of skin, under a microscope. Immunodermatologist focus on the diagnosis and management of skin disease driven by an altered immune system.
A dermatologist is great to see regarding hair loss if we know there is no underlying issue with our endocrine system.
How many MORE hair loss doctors do I need to see?
Do I REALLY have to see that many hair loss doctors? Haven’t I seen enough hair loss doctors? It is normal to feel overwhelmed with already seeing several doctors to determine the cause for your hair loss. Many women with hair loss have shared this experience so know you are not alone. Some women share that one type of doctor ended up being much more helpful than the other type, but still would suggest seeing both to get a full diagnosis and rule out many issues.
We would highly suggest seeing more than one doctor in each field. The more experience hair loss doctors have brings more knowledge which is important as well as comforting. Hair loss doctors that have much experience should also have a good bedside manner and understand that with hair loss also comes the need for emotional support and sensitivity and truly sharing their concern is just as important and giving a solution.
Do your research before making that appointment. Ask around. Call the office and ask to speak to the doctor. If this is not an option, as some questions to the receptionist about the experience of the doctor.
Do they see a lot of women with hair loss?
What do you see the treatments often end up being?
Do they order blood work at the first appointment?
How many years of experience?
Getting answers to these questions should bring a sense of comfort prior to you seeing the doctor. It should already provide you with information about what type of doctor you are going to see at the time of your appointment. It’s a great idea to write down a list of questions you have for your doctor and bring them with you.
We also would say that upon leaving your first visit to the doctors, you should not expect to be walking out with a treatment such as Rogaine. This is a bit of a red flag for those who have had experience with hair loss and have visited several doctors.
Understand that your first visit a doctor to determine the cause of hair loss is to truly begin learning about what is going on rather than finding a quick fix. Also, understand it also may take a few visits to get enough information to come up with a treatment plan. Most women will tell you, while this may be stressful to wait and how nice it would be to come up with a quick fix, it is more comforting knowing that the doctors are truly trying to find the root of the issue and determining the best treatment rather than sending you home to test out what won’t work right away.
We would love to hear from those of you who would be willing to share your experience with hair loss doctors and also share ones in major cities you would recommend. Also, feel free to recommend additional questions you asked or wish you had asked right away.