Rare Disorders: A 28-Year-Old with Unusual Aging Symptoms

A 28-year-old person who looks like they are 50 years old?

Hello Doctor,
I am a 28-year-old male presenting with the following symptoms:
1.
Almost complete hair loss, with no hair roots in the central part of my scalp and low hair density on the sides (I started experiencing hair loss symptoms at the age of 6 or 7).

2.
Abnormal excessive hair growth on my chest and back.

3.
My height is only 156 cm.

4.
There are no signs of ptosis or coarse facial hair.

There is no history of baldness or excessive body hair in my family, and all family members are relatively tall (above 165 cm).
I read a report stating that if abnormal growth patterns appear during childhood, endocrine treatment (such as hormone therapy) could potentially lead to improvement within six months.
However, since I am now approaching 30, I wonder if treatment is still possible.
Which specialty should I consult?
My family did not consider this condition a disease during my childhood, so I never saw a doctor.
I was also too afraid to seek help during puberty.
Recently, I came across a report that encouraged me to ask for help.
I apologize if this causes any inconvenience to the doctor; I truly do not know what to do.
I lack confidence, and even my father feels he did not take care of me properly.

Please let me know what steps I should take.
Thank you very much! I am extremely grateful.

ching, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/12/06

Dr. Hou Jiawei reply Rare Disease

The presence of typical frontal baldness or male pattern baldness that begins in the twenties to thirties is highly indicative of androgenetic alopecia.
Additionally, abnormal thick hair growth on the chest and back that does not grow tall may suggest excessive secretion of adrenal androgens.
It is recommended to consult an endocrinologist for evaluation.

Reply Date: 2005/12/06

More Info

Understanding rare disorders can be quite challenging, especially when symptoms present in unusual ways. In the case of the 28-year-old male you described, there are several key symptoms that warrant further exploration: significant hair loss, abnormal hair growth in certain areas, short stature, and a family history that does not indicate similar issues.
The symptoms of hair loss, particularly if it began at a young age, could suggest a condition known as androgenetic alopecia (commonly referred to as male pattern baldness), which is typically hereditary. However, since you mentioned that there is no family history of hair loss, it might be worth considering other conditions such as alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune disorder that can cause patchy hair loss, or telogen effluvium, which can result from stress or hormonal changes.

The abnormal hair growth on the chest and back could indicate a condition known as hypertrichosis, which is characterized by excessive hair growth in areas where hair is normally minimal. This could be due to hormonal imbalances, particularly involving androgens (male hormones), which can also affect hair loss patterns.

The short stature (156 cm) is another significant factor. In adults, height is largely determined by genetics, but hormonal factors, particularly growth hormone and sex hormones, can play a role in growth and development. If there is a hormonal imbalance, it could potentially explain both the short stature and the hair growth issues.

Given these symptoms, it would be advisable for the individual to consult with an endocrinologist, a specialist in hormone-related conditions. An endocrinologist can perform a thorough evaluation, including blood tests to assess hormone levels, and possibly imaging studies to evaluate the pituitary gland and other relevant structures.
Regarding the potential for treatment, while hormonal therapies can be effective for certain conditions, the success of such treatments often depends on the specific diagnosis. If the individual is diagnosed with a hormonal imbalance, there may still be options for treatment, even at the age of 28. For example, if the hair loss is due to androgenetic alopecia, medications such as minoxidil or finasteride may be prescribed. If the issue is related to hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy or other medications may be considered.

It’s important to note that while some treatments can improve symptoms, they may not completely reverse the condition, especially if significant changes have already occurred. The individual should also be encouraged to seek psychological support, as issues related to self-esteem and body image can be significant, especially when dealing with visible symptoms like hair loss.

In summary, the individual should seek an evaluation from an endocrinologist to explore the underlying causes of his symptoms. Hormonal assessments and possibly genetic evaluations may provide insights into his condition. Treatment options may still be available, and addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of his symptoms will be crucial for his overall well-being.

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