DHEA and Female Hair Loss?

Hi,
I’ve recently had a blood test by my dermatologist which indicated a high level of DHEA (about 1343 ng/dL) Can this be the cause of my hair loss for the past 3 years? I have always had thick, thick hair that was very strong up until a few years ago. Now I have a patch of hair near the left center of my crown that refuses to grow back (There is no scarring) The dermatologist thinks he has found the cause but I’m not so sure. He prescribed Spironolactone (100mg) and Rogaine 5% (for men) How can I be sure it’s DHEA? Should I have further testing? I’ve just set an appointment with an Endocrinologist. The hair on my head is thick except the one section and I see some “female pattern baldness” as well near the top part of the crown (hair is very thin) Any suggestions? Other than the high levels of DHEA my blood screening was normal.

P.S. – I am about 90 pounds overweight. Can you help me?

Without seeing you it is almost impossible for me to determine the diagnosis. You report a limited bald area which should not be the case with a hormone problem, as this often produces a more generalized hair loss process. DHEA (an androgen like testosterone) can bring on balding in those individuals genetically prone to losing hair, so the use of spironolactone can reduce the impact of such an androgen if this is a cause of the hair loss.

I would want to know what is going on elsewhere on your scalp (perform mapping of the scalp for miniaturization to show the genetic signs I would expect to find) before I jump in to validate your working diagnosis. Internet opinions without a direct examination for someone like you has marginal value.