Can thyroid problem hair loss be diagnosed as male pattern baldness?

I'm 23 years old (male) and have been losing a significant amount of hair for about a year now. Recently, its just been getting worse. I also notice I have flaky, dry scalp, with really small pieces of skin falling off occasionally (not sure if its dandruff). I've gotten my TSH levels checked and they appeared to be normal according to my doctor. He referred me to a dermatologist that simply ran his finger through the top of my head and concluded I have male pattern baldness (prescribed me propecia). I'm not sure if thats a good enough evaluation from my dermatologist. I also noticed I have dry skin and I suffer from some serious food coma. In fact, I find myself tiring quite easily. Now I'm kind of confused as to what my problem really is...if I continue to lose hair at this rate, I'd be bald in no time!!! Is it really male pattern baldness and I'm just thinking too much, or could it be an unseen/undiagnosed thyroid problem?Can thyroid problem hair loss be diagnosed as male pattern baldness?
It's possible. Do you know what your TSH number was? Also, was the TSH done first thing in the morning? TSH is highest while we sleep, so you want to test asap in the morning while its near this high point. By 2PM, its at its lowest point and could stop a diagnosis.





A TSH over 2.0 is not normal, but most doctors won't treat you until the TSH is over 3.0 and some 5.5.





My advice is to find out the TSH. If it was done in the afternon, retest it. Also, get a free t4 and free t3. Then you'll know if the hairloss is thyroid related or not. I had hairloss, even the outer part of my eyebrows disappeared. Once I got on Armour thyroid my eyebrows grew back and the thinning of my hair stopped.Can thyroid problem hair loss be diagnosed as male pattern baldness?
Hypothyroidism does cause a lot of hair loss. When I had thyroid problems my hair would fall off in incredible amounts...yes, scary amounts. As soon as my TSH was controlled my hair was back to normal.





I would double check your TSH, T3 and T4 and get a second opinion.