lack facial hairs

Hello Doctor
I am 22 year old and i don't have a full beard and i also lack hair in my arm pits,on my chest and legs,i had a test a year back to check my testosterone level ...the range was 8-30 and my level was 13,i consulted a doctor he said your testosterone levels are ok,so what should i do now,increasing my testosterone would be of any benefit or it is just genetic?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
What your cousin seems to be having is alopecia universalis in which the entire body hair are lost. It is the most severe form of all alopecia and is currently believed to be an autoimmune disorder. There is no standard treatment of this disease but immunomodulatory agents such as imiquimod  are very helpful.

You should discuss these treatment options with your cousin’s dermatologist. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.