Weir Hair Loss

Question
QUESTION: Dr.Panagotacos,



I am an active, happy, and healthy 55-year old woman.  I still have a full head of hair and all of my body hair with one weird exception.  I lost all of my pubic hair!  It started falling out when I was in my late 40s so I assume it has something to do with menopause.  Both my gynecologist and general practioner tested me for the obvious issues such as poor metabolism but both advised me that they could not explain it.  I hate it and so does my boyfriend.  I feel so exposed!  Is there anything I can do to reverse the hair loss?  



Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide.



Jan



ANSWER: You should see a dermatologist to be examined but by history it seems you developed Alopecia Areata which is now inactive. Many time Alopecia Areata will burn out leaving a bald patch behind. Sometimes a biopsy will help to prove the diagnosis. Unfortunately there is little that can be done about old burned out areas. There is little written about localized AA in the pubic area.



More on Alopecia Areata at :



www.AlopeciaAreata.com



http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_alopecia.html



http://dermnetnz.org/hair-nails-sweat/alopecia-areata.html



http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/alopecia_areata.html



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------



QUESTION: Dr.Panagotacos,



Thank you for your time.  I appreciate your guidance but wondered about your recommendation to see a dermatologist.  I have read many articles that make the same recommendation but have also read others that suggest seeing an endocrinologist or someone who specializes in bio-identical hormone replacement.  What do you think about these options?



Sincerely,



Jan


Answer
The other specialists would be reasonable to see IF you knew the cause to be hormonal. Since this may be some condition which has nothing to do with hormones it would seem appropriate t see a doctor who specialized in skin, hair and nails which is the area covered by Dermatology. The condition you have does not sound like Female Pattern Baldness (AGA). Alopecia Areata is treated by dermatologists.