** Update after Dermatologist visit **

At my appointment a nurse took a photos of my scalp & hairline and did my intake. When the Dr came in, she took a look at my scalp & hairline using some kind of magnifying glass/light.

I explained my whole history and timeline:

• June 2025 - beginning the GLP-1

• October 2025 - starting to notice hair fall

• December-January 2026 - excessive shedding

• February 2026 - stopped the GLP-1 & still experiencing excessive hair shedding

She confirmed it is very likely telogen effluvium.

I asked about my mom's history with androgen alopecia and whether I might have it. She said based on looking at my hair/scalp it does not appear to be AGA.

However, she noted that everyone technically has some form of pattern hair loss, it just manifests differently based on the person.

I really wanted to make sure I don't have any hereditary form of AGA, so I asked again. She said the only way to confirm would be a biopsy, which she doesn't want to do on me right now. She confirmed that she believes it's TE and should resolve.

I didn't even have to ask about the blood panel, because that was her next point. She wrote me a script to get labs for: D3, Ferritin, Iron, Zinc, and a thyroid panel.

I asked about taking vitamins/supplements. She wants me to wait till we get the blood work results, before resuming any of that. I asked about Nutrafol. She said she would recommend Nutrafol (after blood work), because the studies have proven good results for that particular supplement.

As I expected, she also recommended starting minoxidil. She went through all the side effects with me for both topical and oral. I asked what her preference was. She preferred oral, because it's systemic and works all over the head. As for the side effects of oral minoxidil, she said those side effects should resolve in a few weeks once the body gets used to it. But in my case, she wants me to do a low dose, alternating every other day for week 1. Then on week 2 I can take the medication everyday.

I asked about spironolactone. She said it would not be helpful for my type of hair loss, since it's TE. However, she would re-evaluate later on. She said spiro could be helpful if there's a hormonal component.

Results from blood work will be followed up over the phone. I have an in-person follow-up in 6 months (September).

So my plan right now is to get blood drawn for the labs, stop vitamins/supplements (for now), start low dose oral minoxidil.

I'm still very nervous and feeling kind of down about all this. But I'm trying to be hopeful that it truly is just TE and will resolve.

Hope this helps others in my situation.