Should a Norwood 1 be seeking treatment?

[Dannydevito]

I'm 18 and a solid Norwood 1, however I've noticed a pretty slight thinning on the crown of my head which is really only noticeable by touch, otherwise my hair is pretty full (I have afro hair). Is this really enough to have to start taking hair loss medication everyday for 40+ years?

Also, wouldn't taking medication actually make me lose my hair at a faster rate during the first few months, making the situation worse? I can probably stay a Norwood 1 for a pretty long time otherwise, whereas taking medication would accelerate the process and make me lose more hair at a faster rate.

[25 going on 65]

I'm 18 and a solid Norwood 1, however I've noticed a pretty slight thinning on the crown of my head which is really only noticeable by touch, otherwise my hair is pretty full (I have afro hair). Is this really enough to have to start taking hair loss medication everyday for 40+ years?

Also, wouldn't taking medication actually make me lose my hair at a faster rate during the first few months, making the situation worse? I can probably stay a Norwood 1 for a pretty long time otherwise, whereas taking medication would accelerate the process and make me lose more hair at a faster rate.

If you are losing hair to MPB and want to stop, yes, you should seek treatment. No need to wait until NW2, 3, 4.
Talk to your doctor about it and get tested for other possible causes first, though

[KO1]

If you do genuinely have MPB (Family history etc), then you should take it. The place to start is finasteride.

And no, medication would not make you lose your hair faster, that's ridiculous, that would beat the purpose of the medication!

[Dannydevito]

If you do genuinely have MPB (Family history etc), then you should take it. The place to start is finasteride.

And no, medication would not make you lose your hair faster, that's ridiculous, that would beat the purpose of the medication!

Can a dermatologist identify stress-related balding vs genetic?

[KO1]

Not always...not all dermatologists are experienced and knowledgeable about hair loss (I'm sure some members here know more).

That being said, according to my derm - stress based hair loss is for pretty heavy stress - death in the family, surgery, trauma, or say extremely stressfull work for a long period of time etc etc....have you had that?

[Dannydevito]

Not always...not all dermatologists are experienced and knowledgeable about hair loss (I'm sure some members here know more).

That being said, according to my derm - stress based hair loss is for pretty heavy stress - death in the family, surgery, trauma, or say extremely stressfull work for a long period of time etc etc....have you had that?

Not really, but I've gone through a recent depressive period

[BigThinker]

Not always...not all dermatologists are experienced and knowledgeable about hair loss (I'm sure some members here know more).

That being said, according to my derm - stress based hair loss is for pretty heavy stress - death in the family, surgery, trauma, or say extremely stressfull work for a long period of time etc etc....have you had that?

It's a safer assumption that it's MPB. Don't get derailed telling yourself it's stress related or nutrition related or anything like that. MPB is very common, and you should get it sorted out -- the earlier, the better.

[25 going on 65]

It's a safer assumption that it's MPB. Don't get derailed telling yourself it's stress related or nutrition related or anything like that. MPB is very common, and you should get it sorted out -- the earlier, the better.

This.

Have read that 9/10 cases of adult male hair loss are MPB. Even if you have another factor causing hair loss, you might also have MPB along with it. In fact it is perfectly likely.

[KO1]

Also stress can exacerbate MPB....

[Dannydevito]

This is the extent of it:



I assume this is redeemable?

[burtandernie]

MPB is so overwhelmingly the cause of hair loss in men I would not really even consider anything else. If your hair didnt get chopped off or pulled out then I cant see what else it could possibly be and again the derm will help you confirm it if he lists hair loss as something he deals with.
The longer you wait though the worse off it will be if its MPB which is most likely is.