Baldness in women has many causes

Dear Annie: I am a 49-year-old woman, and I have lost approximately 30 percent of my hair. I have many symptoms of hypothyroidism (hair loss, weight gain, fatigue, constipation), but my blood work is normal.

My internist and dermatologist say my hair loss is hereditary, although no one in my family has had this problem. However, my mother was hypothyroid, but was treated for it and didn’t have hair loss.

I don’t think any of my prescriptions are causing it, and I haven’t changed my diet. I’ve been told my health insurance company probably won’t pay for me to see an endocrinologist since my blood work says there’s no reason for it. Can you help me? — Going Bald

Dear Going Bald: Women can lose their hair for a number of reasons, including aging, stress, infection, a hormonal imbalance or immune disorder, or too many braids and perms. However, since your mother was hypothyroid, and you have some of the symptoms, this possibility should be pursued more thoroughly. A standard blood test will pick up only so much. Ask your doctor to refer you to an endocrinologist for more detailed tests. Your insurance should then cover it.