Went from thick full head of hair, to thin and balding in 3 months

[BigThinker]

My recommendation is to see a dermatologist. I saw one at a major research university, and she was very competent. I suppose that's only my experience though.

Secondly, the blood test will be valuable to your dermatologist when he/she examines you. Assuming you want to be frugal with your money, that blood test you've already paid for may be enough for the derm, and it may save you time waiting for a second, pointless test.

Regards.

[rapid]

Ok, so I ruled out Hair Club and HRC. The last option was the Trichology center. I also want to consider a dermatologist, but can't find one that specializes in hair loss.

I called Dr. Marc Dauer's office on the IAHRS website, and they told me that the doctor would see me to see if he could help. They said that the consultation was free. Since it's free, I went ahead and made an appointment

I also called the Trichology clinic. The women who I spoke to was very friendly and tried to give me some advice.
The things she mentioned --
Since I started shedding around Sept/Oct, she said that it might be a seasonal thing. However, shedding clumps of hair for 3 months seems a bit too much for this.
She mentioned that if I use certain hair products and shampoos, it would create hair loss. This one doesn't seem likely either because I never had a problem with using my hair products and shampoos. Unless my hair and scalp decided to reject the products out of the blue, but it doesn't seem likely.
The last thing she mentioned was hyperhidrosis. This didn't seem to fit with me either, as I don't sweat much at all. I work out 3 times a week, and I do sweat at this time, but nothing that is excessive. I don't sweat at all unless I'm working out really hard.
So, she finally suggested that I buy some Nioxin shampoo and use it for a month. She said if I continue to lose hair and my situation doesn't improve, I should come in for testing. She said the hair and scalp test will cost $500.

So, at this point, I'm not sure if I should fork up the cash and do the testing now, or buy the Nioxin shampoo and give it a go for a month. I feel like I'll be bald by then

[BigThinker]

Ok, so I ruled out Hair Club and HRC. The last option was the Trichology center. I also want to consider a dermatologist, but can't find one that specializes in hair loss.

I called Dr. Marc Dauer's office on the IAHRS website, and they told me that the doctor would see me to see if he could help. They said that the consultation was free. Since it's free, I went ahead and made an appointment

I also called the Trichology clinic. The women who I spoke to was very friendly and tried to give me some advice.
The things she mentioned --
Since I started shedding around Sept/Oct, she said that it might be a seasonal thing. However, shedding clumps of hair for 3 months seems a bit too much for this.
She mentioned that if I use certain hair products and shampoos, it would create hair loss. This one doesn't seem likely either because I never had a problem with using my hair products and shampoos. Unless my hair and scalp decided to reject the products out of the blue, but it doesn't seem likely.
The last thing she mentioned was hyperhidrosis. This didn't seem to fit with me either, as I don't sweat much at all. I work out 3 times a week, and I do sweat at this time, but nothing that is excessive. I don't sweat at all unless I'm working out really hard.
So, she finally suggested that I buy some Nioxin shampoo and use it for a month. She said if I continue to lose hair and my situation doesn't improve, I should come in for testing. She said the hair and scalp test will cost $500.

So, at this point, I'm not sure if I should fork up the cash and do the testing now, or buy the Nioxin shampoo and give it a go for a month. I feel like I'll be bald by then

Just because the dermatologist doesn't "specialize" in hairloss doesn't mean they won't know anything about it. Being in LA, you definitely have a ton of options. If seeing a dermatologist is convenient, you might just call them and ask ahead of time. Say you're specifically concerned with MPB to be sure they know your concern.

[rapid]

I just got back from Dr. Dauer's office which I found through the IAHRS website. I drove over 5 1/2 hours round trip for about 2 minutes of his time
He and his assistant were very friendly, but I just wasn't a candidate for him, so he really didn't need to spend much time with me. He looked at my hair for a few seconds and said I do not need any type of hair transplant. He said I have great hair for now, and I can come back to see him in an year or two for another analysis. I asked if there is anything I should do for now, and he said I could start using Rogaine, but also mentioned that he didn't think it was necessary. He said that my hairline was maturing and I was going through a shedding period.

So, I do feel a bit more relieved that I don't need any type of surgery at the moment, but it doesn't put my mind at ease. I think by going to a surgeon's office, the doctor is willing to help people that need surgery now, or will need surgery in the near future.

Now, I know for a fact that I am not just paranoid of my hair looking thin. I see it in the shower everyday and hear it from my friends and family. The scary thing is, my mom is freaking out the most. When I see her, she stares at my hair and tells me I have to do something about my hair loss. Because she sees me losing hair, she has been constantly nagging me to hurry and get married LOL. She has never worried about me getting married previous to this.

So my options now -- get the hair/scalp test done at the Trichology clinic for $500 (this is the base cost, I'm sure there will be additional fees), or use the Nioxin shampoo for a month and see if my condition gets better.

Any advice?