Hair loss on sides - DUPA?

[Dayble]

So I am losing hair on the sides of my head and some near the crown as well. It doesnt seem to follow the normal pattern of MPB since my hairline hasnt receded much (probably closest to a NW1).

I first noticed the hair loss around a year and a half ago, mainly on the top of my head. This was immediately put down to stress by my doctor (since I had come out of 2 very stressful years and exams).

Since then I havent noticed as much hair loss on the top of my head, but have started noticing that my sides, especially above the sideburns, are showing the scalp (under some lighting).

Here is an image of the side of my head using camera flash. Pretty much the same on the other side

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/546/6cn1.jpg/

I have heard about DUPA which can affect the sides of the head, but I am not noticing serious miniaturization of my hair, it just seems to be less dense. Also for quite a few years I had been using very strong shampoo's almost every day without fail (only stopping around a year ago) not sure if this can affect hair loss. Also 2 years ago I seemed to have a compulsion of pulling the hairs on the my head, especially in the shower when my hair was wet. I've been told now that this also damages hair follicles.

So is this DUPA or something else?

[Dayble]

Anyone got any thoughts? Really appreciate any views you guys have

[Dr. Glenn Charles]

It would be very hard to tell if your situation would be considered DUPA from a single photo. In fact that is a diagnosis that should only be made after careful examination and ruling out other causes of hair loss.

[Dayble]

Thanks for the reply Dr Charles!

What kind of examination would be able to diagnose this. My dermatologist ruled out DUPA after a brief examination of my hair on all sides.

He said that DUPA is very rare and to do with genetics and given my family history on both sides, it is highly unlikely. He put it down to stress/bad diet.

Not great advice and I'm already trying to get an appointment with a different derm.

[Dayble]

Recently I've noticed that I'm shedding short but very thick hairs, especially in the areas where my hair is thinning.

What does this mean?