not yet diagnosed by a doctor .

[laura]

I have yet to be diagnosed because I haven't taken the first step of actually going to my doctor to get the process under way. A) because although this board has been amazing, it's also given me a huge fear of going and hearing nothing can be done or they won't know a damn thing about it. I can't just get a second opinion, there are no doctors taking new patients where I am. and B) I know it's silly, but I still have to renew my health card (it's been expired for a ridiculous amount of time now) and I've feared uncovering my head for the photo. Yes, I'm a little on the VERY self conscious side. At this point, hats, headbands, concealer.. are my "security blanket", I feel naked without them and going to a nice bright government building had me scared of what my hair would look like to others. Right now, my hair is at it's best and I'm getting the courage to go and get the photo taken and harass the crap out of my doctor lol.

Can I get some help putting a list together? I'm going through all of the posts here finding some reeeeally helpful info, but I read it all so early and my mind doesn't fully function till the PM lol.. sticking to that and we'll ignore the fact that I just don't get it all lol.. or rather, I'm having a hard time putting all the pieces together when it comes to all the hormones etc etc etc. Plus I think, if it hasn't been done already, a list for the undiagnosed/"new to this" women to take with them might be helpful.

I just have no idea what to ask to have tested when it comes to me personally. My worries are usually of DHT/T/thyroid/autoimmune etc (these are all I've really picked up to mean something to me, I know there's more areas I need to look into.. anything wrong with me seems to be related to hormones, but I haven't had that verified by anyone yet). But these branch into so many directions I have no idea where to start.. I don't want to just give my DR the basic worries and have her miss something I should have had tested, because I really don't know what she does or does not know about hl. I think it's AGA, but at this point.. I don't care about the label as much as what's actually behind it. From posts I've read recently, they could be wrong in diagnoses anyway and just fit me with the closest one.

Even if you only have an idea or two for what I can add to the list, it would be greatly appreciated. Maybe all of our "ideas or two" will come up with a great list. Thanks!

[theformula]

You should go to see a doctor, the best is a dermatology but if you couldn't , a general doctor is also ok.

[tryingtohelp]

You should see a doctor! You should also check if you suffer from a dry itchy scalp